Treatment Approaches for Lung Cancer
Treatment plans for lung cancer vary widely based on its stage, the specific traits of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and lung function. Treatment for both Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) generally involve a combination of the following, depending on the stage:
- Surgery
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Drug Therapy
- Palliative Procedures
Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer at TBRO
Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology offers several of the most advanced treatment options available to lung cancer patients in Tampa, Florida, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Image Guided Radiation Therapy, and CyberKnife Radiosurgery. If you or a loved one has received a lung cancer diagnosis, the lung cancer specialists at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology will deliver a superior level of care.
The goal of the physicians and staff at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology is to provide lung cancer patients with precise and effective treatment to attack tumors while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about lung cancer screening, our lung cancer specialists, and your lung cancer treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa and Brandon.
Screening for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening is key to early detection of the disease, but according to the American Lung Association’s 2022 Lung Health Barometer, “73% of adults have not spoken with their doctor about their risk for lung cancer, and only 40% are concerned they might get the disease.” Screening involves a quick, low-level CT scan, but of the 14 million Americans who qualify as high risk for lung cancer, only 5% are screened before they experience symptoms.
Despite its serious prognosis, earlier-stage lung cancer can be treated and sometimes cured. The number of newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer as well as the number of deaths from lung cancer continues to decrease, thanks to advances in early detection and treatment along with fewer people smoking.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about lung cancer screening, our lung cancer specialists, and your lung cancer treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa and Brandon.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Smoking
Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes) is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Roughly 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to be caused by smoking, and it’s very rare for someone who has never smoked to have SCLC.
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is thought to cause more than 7,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.
Radon exposure
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among people who don’t smoke.
Asbestos exposure
Lung cancer or mesothelioma risk is much greater in workers exposed to asbestos who also smoke.
Exposure to cancer-causing agents in the workplace
Other cancer-causing agents found in some workplaces can increase lung cancer risk, including radioactive agents, inhaled chemicals, and diesel exhaust.
Taking certain dietary supplements
Studies have found that people who smoked and took beta carotene supplements have an increased risk for lung cancer.
Air pollution
Worldwide it is estimated that about 5% of all deaths from lung cancer are caused by outdoor air pollution.
Personal or family history of lung cancer
Researchers have found that genetics seems to play a role in some families with a strong history of lung cancer, and if you have had lung cancer, you have a higher risk of recurrence.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Unfortunately, symptoms of lung cancer don’t usually present until the disease is in an advanced stage, which is why early screening and detection is critical.
Once lung cancer is present, symptoms may show up as being related to the lungs or may show up as being related to other parts of the body, indicating that the cancer has metastasized.
General symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A chronic cough that won’t go away
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
Repeatedly contracting pneumonia and swollen lymph nodes may also indicate the presence of lung cancer.