Lung cancer is characterized by unchecked abnormal cell growth in lung tissue. It is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, for both genders. It takes more lives annually than colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancer combined. For this reason, it is important to receive lung cancer screenings if there is any sign that is concerning. We are proud to have highly skilled doctors providing among the best lung cancer treatment Los Angeles has available for those touched by this illness.
Types of Lung Cancer
Determining the type of lung cancer is a vital component to developing an effective lung cancer treatment plan. Each type of lung cancer has its own treatment protocol and prognosis. The type of lung cancer is determined by a microscopic study, which identifies the specific cell involved in the cancer. The three main types of lung cancer are:
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
About 85% of all lung cancers are NSCLC. These cells can be further subdivided based on unique identifying factors. Precisely identifying the characteristics of the cells is the key component of lung cancer treatment. Los Angeles is fortunate to have facilities such as the Beverly Hills Cancer Center, which is able to offer concierge style lung cancer treatment to area residents as well as those who fly in for treatment.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SSLC)
Small cell lung cancer is named for the size of the cell found. It is also known as oat cell cancer or small cell undifferentiated carcinoma. This type of cancer starts in the center of the chest and is aggressive, spreading faster than NSCLS. About 10 to 15% of all lung cancers are SCLC and are usually found in patients who smoke or have smoked in the past. It is rare to find SSLC in a patient who has never smoked. As this is an aggressive cancer, the Beverly Hills Cancer Center formulates aggressive lung cancer treatment for their Los Angeles patients. Clinical trials are offered for this aggressive cancer so that the latest innovative treatments available are available to those with SSLC.
Lung Carcinoid Tumor
Carcinoid tumors are slow growing tumors that rarely spread. This type of lung cancer is relatively rare, occurring in less than 5% of lung cancers. These tumors rarely spread beyond the lungs. There are few symptoms associated with this type of tumor and the presence of a lung carcinoid tumor is usually detected when undergoing other testing.
Lung cancer treatment in our Los Angeles facility consists of the latest protocols, which are delivered and monitored by our world-class team of cancer specialists. Our center focuses on the whole patient, delivering concierge services second to none. Our team has been assembled from the best in their fields to ensure the delivery of among the best lung cancer treatment available in Los Angeles and arguably, the world.
Symptoms
When it comes to lung cancer, symptoms don’t generally begin until more advanced stages. Once symptoms do begin to show, they may include:
- Coughing
- Alterations in a “smoker’s cough”
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Unintentional weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be wise to make an appointment with your doctor.
Testing and Diagnosis
Testing to diagnose lung cancer includes:
- Imaging, such as an x-ray of the lungs that will allow the lung cancer doctor to see any unwanted mass of cells. A computerized tomography (CT) scan may be used to detect small tumors that would be undetectable by an x-ray.
- Sputum, which is a combination of saliva and mucous, may be examined by a laboratory to detect any existence of lung cancer.
- A lung biopsy may be called for, wherein a lung cancer doctor will extract a small sample of abnormal cells from the lungs for inspection in a lab. This biopsy may also apply to other areas where cancer has spread, such as the lymph nodes or liver.
Lung Cancer Treatment
When it comes to lung cancer, the treatment plans can be varied depending upon the circumstances. This may be discussed at great length with the doctor so the ideal treatment plan is administered. Lung cancer treatment at our private Los Angeles facility will typically include more than one form of treatment.
With lung cancer, a primary care option is surgery. The purpose of surgery is to remove the tumor in the lunch along with a small margin of healthy tissue. There are several different specific types of lung cancer surgery, and the doctor will choose which one based upon the nature and severity of the cancer itself.
Chemotherapy may be an effective option to kill cancer cells with the use of drugs. Chemotherapy is typically taken intravenously, although it does exist in oral form. Chemotherapy can use a combination of drugs for maximum benefit with breaks in between to recover from side effects.
Radiation therapy is popular lung cancer treatment available at our Los Angeles treatment facility. It uses high-powered, tightly focused energy to kill cancer cells. It may be done externally from a machine, which is called external beam radiation. It may also be done internally with the use of a radiation-emitting device placed close to the cancer, which is called brachytherapy.
Targeted drug therapy is a newly developed procedure that uses drugs to target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. These drugs may stop a tumor from creating a new blood supply or obtrude chemicals that tell the cancer cells to grow. These targeted drug techniques are currently being heavily researched, and the options continue to multiply.
Sometimes clinical trials can be a unique and effective option for lung cancer patients. These experimental procedures are not as dangerous or underdeveloped as they may sound, and they could offer groundbreaking techniques to cure lung cancer. Options should be weighed thoroughly with a qualified lung cancer doctor so that the proper treatment plan is ensured. The Beverly Hills Cancer Center is here for you to create a customized plan that will provide you with the finest lung cancer treatment available in Los Angeles, and the world.