Bronchus Cancer
Bronchus cancer is a type of lung cancer that forms in the bronchi, which is the airpipe that leads to your lungs. It can cause central airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Bronchus cancer is often split into two separate categories: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
At Mercy, we have a well-established lung cancer treatment program with above-average screening rates. By using low-dose CT scans, we're able to catch cancer at an earlier stage, which can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Why Choose Mercy for Bronchus Cancer Care?
When it comes to lung cancer treatment, people choose Mercy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Our commitment to advanced technology such as next-generation sequencing, a process that identifies genetic changes to DNA which can drive cancer growth
- Targeted therapies and interventions that lead to better outcomes and improved survivorship
- Advanced diagnostic tools that improve the accuracy of staging and biopsies, such as the robotic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Simpler, lower-risk alternative treatments such as therapeutic bronchoscopy with tumor debulking using argon plasma coagulation
- Our multispecialty tumor board, where doctors from various disciplines review cases and treatment options to ensure the highest-quality care
What Is Bronchus Cancer?
Bronchus cancer originates in the bronchi, the large airway that leads from the windpipe to the lungs. Most cases of bronchus cancer are non-small cell lung cancer. Mercy uses advanced bronchoscopy and genomic testing to tailor treatment plans to each individual patient.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of bronchus cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Bloody phlegm
- Wheezing
We use a combination of the most advanced technology to help with stage assessment and diagnosis, including:
- Bronchoscopy with biopsy
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- PET-CT scans
Risk Factors and Prevention
Smoking is the number one risk factor when it comes to bronchus cancer. About 80% of all cases can be traced to tobacco use. Other risk factors include:
- Asbestos exposure
- Radon
- Genetic mutations
Mercy offers low-dose CT screening for high-risk patients and programs to help you stop smoking.
Living With Bronchus Cancer
Your lung health is our top priority. From diagnosis to recovery, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Stay connected with your care team by downloading our MyMercy app.