Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer starts in the lungs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It can affect anyone, but early detection and advanced treatment options can make a significant difference in outcomes. At CHRISTUS Health, we offer comprehensive lung care, using the latest medical technology and providing compassionate support through every step of the way—screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Signs and Symptoms
Lung cancer rarely causes symptoms until it has spread, although some people do show symptoms at an early stage.
Common symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- Lingering cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic chest pain
- Recurring infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia)
The symptoms above can be caused by something other than lung cancer. However, if you have these issues, contact your CHRISTUS provider.
Early Detection Made All the Difference
When Sharron noticed shortness of breath, she didn’t expect it to be serious. A routine scan changed everything. Learn how early detection and expert care gave Sharron a second chance at life.
Lung Cancer Types
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, making up about 80 percent to 85 percent of cases. It usually grows more slowly than small cell lung cancer but can still spread before symptoms appear. The main subtypes are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the stage and tumor characteristics.
Small cell lung cancer is a less common type of lung cancer, making up about 10 percent to 15 percent of cases. It tends to grow and spread more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer, which often makes early detection challenging. Because it is typically aggressive, treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation rather than surgery. Small cell lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking and often starts in the central part of the lungs.
Lung carcinoid tumors are a rare type of lung cancer, making up only about 1 percent to 2 percent of lung tumors. They start in neuroendocrine cells and are usually slow-growing, especially the typical type, which rarely spreads outside the lungs. Atypical carcinoid tumors are less common and can grow faster, sometimes spreading to other areas. Treatment often involves surgery, and in some cases, additional therapies like medication or radiation may be recommended.
Lung Nodule Screening and Program
Advanced Screening and Biopsy Options
Lung cancer screening is a vital process for detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective. At CHRISTUS Health, we offer advanced screening options designed to detect lung cancer with precision. Early detection significantly improves the outlook for lung cancer patients, making timely screening crucial. Talk with your CHRISTUS Health provider to determine which option is best for you.
Who should request a lung screening?
You should receive a lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 - 80 years old
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (e.g., one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years.)
- Currently smoke cigarettes or have quit in the last 15 years
Low-Dose Computed Technology Scan
A low-dose CT scan or LDCT is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging method that takes little time to perform.
The screening works just like a regular CT scan but with about one fifth of the radiation dose. This may reduce the risk associated with annual or more frequent examinations, making it safer for routine testing. The scan uses a lower dose of radiation because it evaluates tumors in low-density lung tissue.
Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy
The Ion robotic bronchoscope by Intuitive allows doctors to reach deep into the lungs with precision to collect a biopsy, helping them detect even the smallest abnormalities earlier than ever before. The procedure is minimally invasive and provides accurate diagnoses.
Learn if You Are at Risk of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths and one of the most preventable. To find out your risk, take the CHRISTUS Health lung cancer assessment.
Individualized Treatment Options
Thoracic and General Surgery
Our team includes board-certified thoracic and general surgeons with experience in upper gastrointestinal cancers. These experienced surgeons collaborate closely with our cancer treatment team, regularly participating in tumor board conferences to ensure a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach for every patient. This teamwork allows your providers to tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
Hexapod 6DoF Robotic Couch
The Elekta Hexapod is a patient positioning system used during radiation therapy. This specialized couch adjusts positioning with pinpoint accuracy while the patient receives treatment, ensuring the radiation targets the cancerous cells while protecting healthy tissues. By compensating for any slight movements, the Elekta Hexapod helps delivery the most precise treatment possible, focus solely on eliminating cancer while safeguarding the rest of your body.
Four-Dimensional Computerized Technology (4D-CT) Imaging
4D-CT imaging captures how the patient's lungs and cancerous cells move as they breathe. This helps doctors target and treat lung cancer more accurately, reducing the chance of harming healthy tissue during treatment.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR)
SABR is a non-invasive radiation treatment that targets cancer with extreme precision. It delivers a powerful dose of radiation directly the the tumor, while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This precision may mean that fewer treatment sessions may be needed.