How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed And Treated?

A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly scary, regardless of the specific type of cancer or the stage of development. Luckily, cancer is far less deadly today than it has been in previous years. The cancer death rate dropped 26% from its peak of 215.1 per 100,000 population in 1991, to 158.6 per 100,000 in 2015. But how is cancer, specifically lung cancer, diagnosed, and what kind of lung cancer treatments exist? Read on to learn more about the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Types

Lung cancer is generally broken up into two main types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer tends to be more common than small cell lung cancer; these descriptions refer specifically to how the cancer cells look when viewed under a microscope.

Stages Of Lung Cancer

Beyond dividing lung cancer into small and non-small cell, lung cancer is divided into stages. These stages reflect how far cancer has spread and what treatment options will be effective. Doctors will perform a series of tests and examinations focusing on the lungs and lymph nodes primarily. This important step will allow doctors to help determine a course of action moving forward with treatment.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Lung cancer therapy will largely depend on the type of lung cancer diagnosed (small cell or non-small cell), as well as the stage it has progressed to. Options can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and more, all dependent on the severity of the situation. In some cases, clinical trials can help patients and also allow researchers an opportunity to further study cancer.

Each person’s treatment is going to vary depending on their specific condition and the progression of cancer in their situation. Lung cancer treatment, in general, will be more effective if caught early. Be sure to get regular screening to ensure any signs of cancer are found early, as early detection can improve the success of lung cancer treatments.

For more information on lung cancer treatments, contact Tennessee Cancer Specialists. Tennessee Cancer Specialists can also provide information on breast cancer therapy, colon cancer treatment, clinical trials, and more.