Lung Cancer Diagnosed and Treated by Mercy Doctors in Baltimore

Lung cancer is a form of lung disease that is also known as bronchogenic carcinoma (cancer). It is a cancer that begins in the lungs and is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors:

• Smoking
• Family history
• Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
• Air pollutants
• Exposure to radon gas and radiation therapy

There are two main types of lung cancer -  non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. These two types of lung cancer are different in how they grow and spread, making the treatment process different.

• Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common lung cancer and accounts for the majority of lung cancers. The most common types of non-small cell lung cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
• Small cell lung cancer is less common and is a much faster growing cancer. It often forms large tumors and spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Small cell lung cancer is linked to cigarette smoking.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer may not produce any symptoms, but some patients may experience the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Repeated respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Late-stage lung cancer symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Eyelid drooping
• Paralysis of the face
• Joint pain
• Nail problems
• Shoulder pain
• Bone pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the arms and face

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Mercy offers a comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program, designed to detect early-stage lung cancer and improve chances of successful treatment. The program consists of annual screenings for those who are determined to be high-risk, as well as counseling and shared decision-making visits with Mercy’s experienced doctors.

Your doctor will help to determine if lung cancer screening is right for you. You may be a candidate if you meet the following criteria:

• Ages 50-77
• Current smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
• Smoked at least one pack a day for 20 years (or 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
• Asymptomatic (no signs of lung cancer)

In addition to lung cancer screening for early-stage detection, your doctor may utilize additional tests to diagnose lung cancer, including:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• Pulmonary function test
• Spirometry
• Gas diffusion test
• Body plethysmography
• Inhalation challenge test
• Exercise stress test
• Multiple-breath wash out test

Treatment options for lung cancer vary by the type of lung cancer. Treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Laser therapy
• Photodynamic therapy

Treatment options for small cell cancer lung cancer may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy