Lung Cancers We Treat

Types of Lung Cancer

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you’ll find the ideal combination of medical expertise and attentive, compassionate cancer care. Our doctors and practitioners are experienced in treating complex cancers, including later stage lung cancer.

Your dedicated team of physicians and practitioners at CTCA will work directly with you to develop a customized, lung cancer treatment plan based on your individual needs. It begins with your first visit to CTCA. You’ll meet face to face with a medical oncologist to discuss your lung cancer treatment options. There are a number of critical factors he or she will consider before making any lung cancer treatment recommendations. Such factors include the stage and type of lung cancer you have. In addition to meeting with a medical oncologist, you may also meet with a surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist as part of the planning process for your lung cancer treatment.

Examples of Some of the Types of Lung Cancer We Treat

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) typically begins near the center of the chest in the bronchi. These cancer cells are small, but can multiple quickly to form large tumors. Small cell lung cancer is sometimes called oat cell cancer because of its oat grain-like shape.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is comprised of three major subtypes, each with a unique size, shape and chemical makeup:

• Adenocarcinoma is generally found in the outer region of the lung. When it develops in the lung’s alveoli (tiny lung sacs), it is referred to as bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is closely linked to cigarette smoking, and typically originates in the lung’s large breathing tubes (bronchi).
• Large cell carcinoma usually begins growing in branches of the smaller breathing tubes (bronchioles) and may migrate towards an area behind the breastbone called the mediastinum. The mediastinum houses the esophagus, windpipe, bronchi and heart.

Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

To have your questions about lung cancer treatment immediately answered—at any time of the day, any day of the week—contact our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists at 1-800-392-3455. Or, click to chat with them online.

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Lung Cancer Center