Lung Cancer Care

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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious disease where cells in the lungs grow at an abnormal rate. It usually affects people who smoke, but non-smokers can develop the disease, too. There are two types of common lung cancers: 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 Lung 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)
Our multispecialty tumor board where doctors from various disciplines review cases and treatment options to ensure the highest-quality care

The Importance of Early Detection

When cells inside your lungs begin to grow abnormally, they can form a cancerous mass, which is called a tumor. As this tumor grows, it may spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis.

The longer lung cancer continues to spread or goes untreated, the lower your chances of surviving the disease. That's why it's very important to catch lung cancer at an early stage, when more treatment options are available.

Lung Cancer Types

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer
It's named for the kind of cells found in this type of lung cancer
Even though it occurs in current or former smokers, non-smokers can also get it

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer affects far fewer people than non-small cell lung cancer and usually occurs in people with a history of smoking
Like non-small cell lung cancer, it's named for the kind of cells found in this type of lung cancer
As the rate of smoking has fallen, small cell lung cancer diagnoses have gone down in recent decades

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer that grows in the tissue surrounding the lungs
It mostly affects people who have been exposed to a mineral called asbestos
Mesothelioma is rare but often fatal

Symptoms and Early Detection

Common symptoms for lung cancer include:

Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Unfortunately, early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. This makes it a very dangerous type of cancer. But some tests, such as a low-dose CT scan, can help high-risk patients. If you're a smoker over the age of 50, this test can improve your chances of survival by catching the disease early, before it's spread.

Diagnostic Tests

When testing for lung cancer, Mercy uses advanced diagnostics to confirm its presence. These tests can include:

Genetic testing is also an option for patients. We can now identify certain gene mutations for targeted therapies and treatments. Our team of caregivers will work to make sure we accurately assess your cancer's stage and come up with a care plan that works for you.

Living With Lung 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.