Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

What Is Squamous Cell Lung Cancer?

Squamous cell lung cancer is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in your body's central airways and the central part of the lung. It accounts for about 25% of all non-small cell lung cancer cases.

Although there are other risk factors, smoking is the main cause of this disease, with more than 80% of cases able to be traced to a history of smoking. 

Why Choose Mercy for Squamous Cell 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 

Diagnosis and Screening

At Mercy, we have a well-established lung cancer treatment program with above-average screening rates. We use a combination of advanced imaging and biopsies to make precise diagnoses. By using low-dose CT scans, we're able to catch cancer at an earlier stage, which can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Common symptoms of squamous cell lung cancer include:

• Long-term cough
• Hemoptysis (coughing blood)
• Wheezing

The primary risk factors are:

• History of smoking
• Exposure to toxins like asbestos
• Age and family history

To increase your odds of detecting disease early, Mercy offers low-dose CT screening options for high-risk patients.

Treatment Options

There are many treatment options to slow or stop the spread of squamous cell lung cancer. Our techniques and methods may include:

• Lobectomy
• Stereotactic radiation
• Platinum-based chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Clinical trials for novel therapies are also available for advanced cases meeting certain requirements.

Survivorship and Support

Your cancer journey doesn't end with your treatment. That's why, at Mercy, we offer an array of survivorship programs which include: 

Our team of expert caregivers is ready to help you manage side effects and maintain your quality of life both during and after treatment. 

Living With Squamous Cell 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.