Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when cancer begins in the lungs. When cells mutate and multiply in an uncontrolled manner, causing tumors to develop, cancer happens. Breast cancer and other types of cancer that begins in another part of your body can also spread to the lungs.

The two main types of lung cancer are small cell and non-small cell. About 80-85% of lung cancer cases are of the non-small cell type.

The early stages of lung cancer typically don’t cause signs or symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

• A new, ongoing cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unintentional weight loss
• Wheezing
• Fatigue

Make sure to talk to your doctor if you experience some of these symptoms.

Treatment usually involves an integrated approach. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell works with other specialists, like pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, to create your personalized treatment plan.

Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Immunotherapy
• A combination of these treatments

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for small cell lung cancer.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams like X-rays to kill cancer cells. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell employs the most advanced technologies to effectively treat your specific type of cancer.

Depending on your needs, radiation therapy may include:

External beam radiation
During external beam radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a large machine called a linear accelerator moves around you and sends radiation beams to precise areas on your body.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy
Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an incision-free cancer treatment that uses precisely focused radiation beams to destroy cancer. It targets tumors in parts of your body other than the brain, including the lungs.

During stereotactic body radiotherapy, Dr. Morrell uses 3D imaging to accurately deliver high doses of radiation to a specific area. There’s no cutting or traditional surgery involved.

For compassion and expertise in lung cancer treatment, please call CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, or book an appointment online today.