Lung Cancer Answers

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but other factors can also contribute to a lung cancer diagnosis. Exposure to hazardous materials on the job, while in military service, and just in normal life can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer is designated by two types: Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Each of these cancers grows and spreads through the body in different ways and requires different forms of treatment.

After a lung cancer diagnosis, there may be additional testing to determine if the cancer cells have spread, and if so, to what extent. Lung cancer treatment decisions are based upon your lung cancer stage and type.

How do you know if you have lung cancer? Often lung cancer is diagnosed only after it has reached an advanced stage. The symptoms of lung cancer are the same as those of many diseases – chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood.

Oncologists - doctors who specialize in cancer – have an arsenal of tools they can employ to fight lung cancer. Common treatments for lung cancer include immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.