Lung Cancer Treatment in Annapolis, MD
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. The lungs act as sponges, absorbing and filtering out anything that can be harmful to you to provide clean oxygen to your body. So, as you expose your lungs to more harmful substances, particles, and chemicals, you may be doing excessive harm to the health of your lungs, possibly leading to lung cancer. The physicians and staff at Annapolis Asthma Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients throughout the Annapolis area for lung cancer. Our board-certified pulmonologists will take the time to fully evaluate your symptoms in order to determine the treatment option that is best for you. To schedule an appointment at our pulmonary center in Annapolis, MD, please call (410) 266-1644.
Types of Lung Cancer
- Non-Small Cell: The most common type of lung cancer, but is slower growing than small cell. About 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell cancer. Some examples of non-small cell lung cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small Cell: Small cell lung cancer is aggressive cancer that looks small and oval-shaped. This is also called oat cell cancer. This type only accounts for about 10-15% of lung cancers.
- Lung Carcinoid Tumor: This type of cancer only accounts for about 5% of all lung cancers. They are also known as lung neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors grow very slowly and rarely spread.
Who Is at Risk for Lung Cancer?
The following increase your risk of getting lung cancer:
- Smoking
- Secondhand smoke
- Being exposed to chemicals or pollution
- Exposure to radon gas
- Exposure to asbestos
- Being infected with HPV
- Having a family history of lung cancer
- Age (the average age of diagnosis is around 70 years old)
What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
If you experience the following symptoms that are often signs of lung cancer or another condition, talk with your doctor:
- Chest pain
- Coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, hoarseness
- Blood in sputum
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the face or neck
Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Stage I: The cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes.
- Stage II: The cancer is in the lung and nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer is found in the lung and in the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest, also described as a locally advanced disease. Stage III has two subtypes:
- If the cancer has spread only to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest where the cancer started, it is called stage IIIA.
- If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest, or above the collar bone, it is called stage IIIB.
- Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of lung cancer, and is also described as an advanced disease. This is when the cancer has spread to both lungs, to fluid in the area around the lungs, or to another part of the body, such as the liver or other organs.
What Can You Do to Prevent Lung Cancer?
The best thing you can do is to quit smoking or to remove yourself from an environment with smoking. Smoking and secondhand smoke are the biggest causes of lung cancer. Even if you’ve been smoking for years, quitting can greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Regular visits with your doctor can also help with prevention, especially if you know you’re at risk. Even if you are diagnosed, it can be treated in its early stages.
Schedule an Appointment for Lung Cancer Treatment in Annapolis, MD Today
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, contact our pulmonologists at Annapolis Asthma Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists to determine what stage of lung cancer you have and the treatment options available. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment at our pulmonary center in Annapolis, MD, please call (410) 266-1644.
