Lung Cancer
Information by Cancer Type
As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women, lung cancer takes a tremendous toll on our nation's health. In 2005, doctors will diagnose more than 170,000 new cases of lung cancer, the vast majority connected directly to smoking. Lung cancer appears in two major forms, small cell and non-small cell, with non-small cell making up the vast majority of cases. Within non-small cell, there are three types: adenocarcinoma, epidermoid or squamous carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Determining the exact type and stage of lung cancer is the first critical step in determining treatment.
Because of its prevalence, Sutter offers extensive lung cancer services, including a dedicated Lung Cancer Program at Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento and Lung Cancer Consultative Tumor Conference. The program provides a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose, evaluate and treat each patient. Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, along with radiologists and pulmonologists, review X-rays and scans, and develop a customize treatment plan designed to fit the patient's specific needs.
Patients with suspected lung cancer receive thorough evaluations through Sutter's extensive diagnostic capabilities. Tests include MRI, spiral CT scanning, CT-guided biopsies, CT/Fusion Imaging, PET imaging, bronchoscopy, pulmonary function test, thoracentesis, video-assisted thoroscopic surgery and other tests as needed. Treatments available include surgery, thermal ablation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery. Patients may also have access to the latest medical advances by participating in one of many research studies and clinical trials.
Sutter Cancer Centers also support each patient with an array of services, classes and support groups designed to help patients and families deal with the emotional stress of cancer. Information on these programs is available in the Support for Patients and Families section.
For more information, see the lung cancer topic in our Health Information section. Additional information is also available from the National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov, the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org and the American Lung Association www.lungusa.org.
