Lung Cancer

Pulmonary Cancer

Lung cancer, also known as pulmonary cancer, is the third most prevalent cancer in both men and women. At Bassett Healthcare Network, we treat all three types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell is the most common type of lung cancer, responsible for 85 percent of cases. The three subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma
• Small cell, which is a fast-growing cancer that tends to spread quickly 
• Carcinoid is a rare type of lung cancer that generally grows slowly

Lung Cancer Causes

The biggest cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco — cigarettes, cigars, and pipes — which is responsible for 90 percent of lung cancers. Smoking more, and for a longer time, increases your risk, while quitting smoking lowers your risk regardless of how long you’ve been using tobacco.
 
Other risk factors for lung cancer include:

• Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals, including asbestos
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Family history of lung cancer

Lung Cancer Symptoms

In its early stages, lung cancer often does not cause symptoms. When a lung tumor progresses, signs of lung cancer typically include:

• Chest pain that feels worse when coughing, laughing, or breathing deeply
• Coughing up blood, or bloody or rust-colored mucus
• Hoarseness in your voice
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Weakness or feeling tired during the day
• Unexplained weight-loss or loss of appetite
• Changes in “smoker’s cough,” or chronic cough

Lung Cancer Treatment & Screenings 

Bassett Healthcare Network’s medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists work together using advanced technology to treat all types of lung cancer. Your accredited multidisciplinary team also includes nurses, a nurse navigator, social workers, and other support personnel. 

A CT scan is the standard method of lung cancer screening. Treatment methods depend on the stage and type of lung cancer. Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cancer Institute provides a full range of cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and targeted therapies.

Getting a Diagnosis & Treatment for Lung Cancer

With an early diagnosis and effective treatment, lung cancer can often be cured. If you are showing symptoms of lung cancer, talk to your primary care practitioner or pulmonologist about getting a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Bassett Healthcare Network treats all stages of lung cancer in Central New York, at our hospitals in Cooperstown, Herkimer, Little Falls, Oneonta, and other cancer treatment centers.