Lung (Thoracic) Cancer

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer, also known as thoracic cancer, originates in the lungs and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women. People who smoke are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.

Symptoms

Like many types of cancer, lung cancer rarely produces symptoms in its early stages. Once symptoms do appear, they can include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, a persistent cough, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects you may have lung cancer, he will order imaging tests such as an X-ray or a CT scan. He may also order a biopsy, where a sample of your lung tissue will be collected for further examination in a lab.

Screening

UConn Health offers a screening process that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages using very low doses of radiation. If you think you may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer based on the risk factors, your physician can help you determine if this screening test is right for you.

Treatment

If the presence of cancer is confirmed in the lung, it will then be staged to see how far along it has advanced. Your doctor will then work with a team of cancer specialists to develop an individualized treatment plan that is ideal for you and your specific type and stage of cancer. Your treatment plan might include surgery that ranges from removing a small portion of the lung to removing the entire lung, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medications, and immunotherapy.

Outcome

While lung cancer is one of the more difficult cancers to beat, it is possible, and survival rates increase if the cancer is found early. Stopping smoking decreases your risk for lung cancer, even if you’ve smoked for many years. Quitting will have immediate positive effects on your health.

Related Topics

• Cancer & Blood Disorders
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
• Prevention & Screening
• Pulmonology & Lung
• Imaging & Radiology
• Cancer Research

National Websites

• American Lung Association
• American College of Chest Physicians
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force