Lung cancer care at TMC Health Cancer Center
At TMC Health Cancer Center, we understand a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. As part of the comprehensive TMC Health system, our dedicated team provides compassionate, integrated care tailored to your unique needs in Southern Arizona, guiding you from diagnosis to recovery.
Call 911 if you are seriously injured or feel you need emergency care. Emergency responders will help you decide the best course of action.
Advanced lung cancer treatment
TMC Health Cancer Center provides exceptional lung cancer care through our multidisciplinary approach within TMC Health. Our team of specialists collaborates to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including low-dose CT scans and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for early detection and precise diagnosis.
Our treatment options encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. We also offer a comprehensive lung cancer screening program for high-risk individuals, emphasizing early detection and prevention. We strive to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by lung cancer.
Lung cancer experts
Newly diagnosed?
Facing a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting, but you're not alone. TMC Health Cancer Center offers warm, expert guidance with the full support of southern Arizona's largest healthcare system.
Your journey begins with a dedicated team, led by a medical oncologist. They'll personalize your treatment plan, which might include surgeons, pulmonologists, oncologists, palliative care nurses, and support services like nurse navigators, social workers, and nutrition experts.
It's often best to meet your oncologist before surgery, as other treatments may be recommended first. We also welcome second opinions, ensuring you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.
From lung cancer basics to treatment and recovery
When symptoms appear
Often, lung cancer doesn't cause symptoms until it's more advanced. But sometimes, people have early signs. These can include a mild cough sometimes with blood or shortness of breath that gets worse over time. Catching lung cancer early usually leads to more successful treatment. If you have any lung cancer symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away.
Signs of lung cancer
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Hoarseness you can't explain
- A cough that won't go away and isn't from a cold
- Coughing up blood or spit with blood in it
- New wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Losing your appetite or weight without trying
- Chest pain that won't stop and gets worse when you breathe deep cough or laugh
- Feeling tired or weak a lot
- Getting infections like bronchitis or pneumonia over and over
Advanced lung cancer symptoms
If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms often change. These can include:
- Bone pain
- Jaundice (when your skin and eyes look yellow)
- Headaches dizziness or weakness in your arms or legs
- Lumps in your neck or collarbone area
Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States. It takes more lives each year than prostate colon and breast cancers combined. Surprisingly, about 20% of people who die from lung cancer have never smoked. This shows that lung cancer can affect anyone. That's why it's important to know the signs no matter your age or lifestyle.
Sometimes, lung cancer can cause specific groups of symptoms called syndromes. These syndromes can affect other body parts, leading doctors to sometimes mistake them for different health problems. It's important to know about them.
Horner Syndrome
This syndrome happens when nerves going to your face and eye are affected. You might notice one eyelid drooping or looking weak, a smaller pupil in one eye or less sweating on one side of your face.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
SVCS occurs if the large vein carrying blood from your head and arms to your heart gets blocked or squeezed. This can cause trouble breathing, coughing and swelling in your face, neck, upper body and arms.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
These are rare problems caused by substances released by the tumor. These substances act like hormones and can affect organs far from the cancer itself, even if the cancer hasn't spread there. Some examples linked to lung cancer include blood clots, high calcium levels in the blood, Cushing syndrome, a condition called SIADH, nervous system issues, unusual bone growth or thickening and breast growth in men (gynecomastia).
When to see a doctor
It's common for these symptoms and syndromes to be caused by something other than lung cancer. However, if you notice any of these signs or anything else unusual, see your doctor right away. Getting checked helps find the cause and get you the right treatment if needed.
Diagnosing lung cancer involves several steps to confirm its presence and determine its stage which describes how much the cancer has spread. Initial tests may include a physical exam chest x-ray CT scan PET scan or MRI. Lung cancer is split into two main types.
Small Cell Lung Cancer: How doctors look for it
When doctors check for small cell lung cancer, they might use these tests:
- Chest X-ray: This is like taking a picture of the inside of your chest, showing organs and bones. It uses a small amount of energy to see through your body.
- Physical Exam and Health History: A doctor will check your overall health, looking for anything unusual like lumps. They'll also ask about your health habits and past illnesses.
- CT Scan (CAT scan) of the brain, chest and belly: This test takes many detailed X-ray pictures of areas inside your body from different angles. A computer puts these pictures together. Sometimes, a special dye is given to help organs show up more clearly.
- PET Scan (positron emission tomography scan): A tiny bit of a sugar liquid with a tracer is put into your vein. Cancer cells use a lot of sugar, so they light up brighter on the pictures taken by the scanner. This helps doctors find them.
- Sputum Cytology: Doctors look at your sputum (mucus coughed up from your lungs) under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
- Bronchoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is put into your nose or mouth, down into your windpipe and lungs. This lets the doctor look for anything unusual. They can also take small tissue samples to check for cancer.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of the lung: Doctors use X-rays or other imaging to find a strange spot in your lung. Then, they use a thin needle to take a small sample of tissue or fluid. A doctor then looks at this sample under a microscope for cancer cells. After this test, a chest X-ray is done to make sure no air leaked from your lung.
- Thoracoscopy: This is a surgery where a thin, lighted tube is put between your ribs to look at organs inside your chest. Doctors can also use tools through this tube to take samples of tissue or lymph nodes to check for cancer. Sometimes, a bigger cut is needed if doctors can't reach certain areas.
- Thoracentesis: A needle is used to remove fluid from the space around your lung. This fluid is then checked under a microscope for cancer cells.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Other ways doctors check
Some tests used for small cell lung cancer also help with non-small cell lung cancer. Here are some other ways doctors might check:
- Lab Tests: These check samples of your tissue, blood, urine or other body fluids. They help doctors diagnose the disease, plan treatment and see how well treatment is working.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This test uses a strong magnet, radio waves and a computer to make detailed pictures of areas inside your body, like your brain.
- Radionuclide Bone Scan: A tiny bit of radioactive material is put into your vein. It travels to your bones and can show if there are fast-growing cells, like cancer cells, in your bones.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): A special tube with an ultrasound tool is put into your body. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your insides. This can help guide a needle to take samples from your lung or other areas.
Early lung cancer detection at the TMC Nodule Clinic
The TMC Nodule Clinic utilizes endobronchial ultrasound and the ION endoluminal system to precisely diagnose, stage, and biopsy early-stage and hard-to-reach cancerous lung nodules, ensuring accurate results for patients. You can find out more about the Nodule Clinic here.
Lung cancer comes in two main types: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). These names come from how the cancer cells look under a microscope. Each type grows and spreads differently.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer has two main forms: small cell carcinoma, also called oat cell cancer, and combined small cell carcinoma. Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of this type of lung cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Every year, over 226,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. There are several kinds, but the three main types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
Less common types include pleomorphic, carcinoid tumor, salivary gland carcinoma and unclassified carcinoma. Smoking can also raise your risk for non-small cell lung cancer.
For more details on these types of lung cancer, you can visit the National Cancer Institute. Or, you can always ask your cancer care team any questions about your specific situation.
Keeping track of important details during your lung cancer journey can be challenging, especially during those initial doctor's appointments. We suggest creating a system to record key information from the start. A dedicated notebook is a great option where you can jot down how you're feeling, any medicines or supplements you're taking, and questions or thoughts before your appointments. It's also an excellent place to record notes and answers during your visit; just remember to date everything you write.
If a physical notebook isn't for you, find a method that works and commit to using it regularly. Putting information on paper often eases your mind, allowing you to focus on other things. Remember, communication is vital for both you and your doctors.
Why a Notebook and Companions are Key
- Memory aid: It's tough to recall every detail, especially during stressful appointments. A notebook serves as a reliable record, while an extra set of ears can help remember what was said.
- Organized thoughts: Writing down questions and concerns before your appointment ensures you address everything important to you.
- Detailed record: You'll have a dated log of your feelings, medications and supplements, and the doctor's responses, which can be helpful for future reference.
- Reduced stress: Knowing you have a system in place can ease your mind, letting you focus more clearly during the appointment.
- Emotional support: A friend or family member provides comfort and reassurance during what can be an overwhelming time.
- Shared understanding: Your companion can help take notes, remind you of questions to ask, and ensure nothing important is missed.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- Who will be involved in my cancer care team?
- What are my lung cancer treatment options, what are their goals, and what side effects should I expect?
- What timeframe do I have to make treatment decisions?
- Is there any suspected lymph node involvement?
- Are clinical trials an option for me?
- Is supportive care accessible?
- What genetic information should my family members consider regarding my diagnosis?
- How might my lifestyle — my diet, exercise, rest, and stress — impact my treatment or recovery?
- Are there any specific diet and nutrition recommendations, and are there natural supplements I should or shouldn't take?
- Are there any activities I should avoid or add to my routine?
- What should I expect during my upcoming appointments?
- How will this diagnosis impact my daily life?
- What resources are available to help me manage treatment side effects?
- Can you recommend any support groups or counseling services?
Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis presents a critical decision-making point regarding your treatment plan and care team. At TMC Health Cancer Center, we believe you deserve to feel confident in your chosen approach and comfortable with the specialists guiding you and your family through this journey. Your physician should also be attuned to your emotional well-being during this sensitive time.
It's important to understand that seeking a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis is a common and expected practice; cancer specialists are typically not offended. Most insurance providers cover second opinion assessments, but it's always wise to confirm with your specific plan before scheduling an appointment. In the majority of cases, a second opinion provides added confidence as you begin a treatment program, ensuring you feel at ease with your doctor, healthcare team and overall treatment path. Read more about second opinions.
A lung cancer diagnosis can be influenced by various factors. Understanding these elements is crucial for prevention and early detection. Key risk factors include smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and vaping), exposure to secondhand smoke, and environmental elements like radon and asbestos. A personal or family history of lung cancer also plays a significant role.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. A significant 80-90% of lung cancers in the U.S. are linked to cigarette smoking, with risk increasing based on how long and how much you smoke. Quitting smoking as soon as possible significantly lowers this risk. While cigar and pipe smoking also carry risks, they may be lower for those who don't also smoke cigarettes, depending on inhalation and quantity.
The dangers of vaping
Many consider e-cigarettes (vapes) a safer alternative, but this isn't accurate. Growing evidence suggests vaping can have long-term effects similar to traditional tobacco. Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes contain other toxic chemicals harmful to your lungs. The safest choice is to quit all smoking-related habits entirely.
Secondhand smoke exposure
Even non-smokers face an increased risk from secondhand smoke—the smoke from others' cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. A 2006 Surgeon General's report confirmed there's no risk-free level of exposure. Non-smokers regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work face a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
What is Radon?
Radon is a natural gas you can't see, smell or taste. It comes from the breakdown of tiny bits of metal in dirt, rocks and water.
Where is Radon Found?
How much radon you might be around depends on the type of dirt and rocks under your house or work. This is different in various places. In Arizona, 1 out of every 15 homes tested had too much radon. You can find out more about testing for radon from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Why is Radon Dangerous?
Radon can get into buildings through cracks in floors or foundations. The US Environmental Protection Agency says radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer for Americans. It's the top cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke.
Exposure to tiny asbestos fibers can raise your risk of lung cancer. Asbestos is a name for six natural minerals. For many years people used asbestos in things like roof tiles, floor tiles, insulation and car parts. Even though we don't use asbestos in new products anymore, past exposure can still affect your health.
Breathing in any kind of asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer. For most people this cancer doesn't show up until at least 15 years after they were exposed. People who smoke and were also exposed to asbestos have an even higher chance of getting lung cancer.
If your parents, brothers or sisters, or children have had lung cancer, your chance of getting it can go up. Also, if you have already had lung cancer, you are more likely to get it again, especially if you smoke.
We don't fully know yet how much of this risk is from genes you share with your family and how much is from being around things like tobacco smoke and bad chemicals. But sometimes, learning about your genes can help. Your TMC Health Cancer Center lung cancer doctor will talk with you about whether genetic testing is right for you.
Other things can also make you more likely to get lung cancer. These include:
- Your age
- Dirty air (air pollution)
- Past radiation treatment to your chest
- Breathing in diesel fumes, arsenic, or other chemicals and tiny bits of rock like uranium, chromium and silica
The good news is that you can often avoid most of these risks. By staying away from them as much as possible, you can greatly lower your chance of getting lung cancer.
When you are facing a lung cancer diagnosis, your care team at TMC Health Cancer Center is here to help you understand all your treatment options. Lung cancer surgery is often recommended for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, though it is rare for a tumor to be completely isolated. If surgery is part of your treatment plan, you probably have many questions. Below is a general guide to various types of lung cancer surgery and what to expect during recovery.
What are the types of lung cancer surgery?
Your TMC Health Cancer Center team will recommend the best surgical approach for your unique diagnosis, considering the cancer's size, location, and progression. A thoracic surgeon experienced in these procedures will guide you. Most of these surgeries involve removing multiple lymph nodes in the lungs or chest for examination.
Pneumonectomy This surgery involves removing an entire lung. It might be recommended for tumors centered in the chest or when other operations are not suitable. A traditional Pneumonectomy removes only the affected lung. An Extrapleural Pneumonectomy, sometimes for mesothelioma patients, also removes tissue around the heart, part of the diaphragm, or chest cavity membranes.
Recovery Expectations: After a Pneumonectomy, you can expect to lose about half of your original breathing capacity. Recovery will be slow, but many patients resume normal daily activities. Your remaining lung will strengthen to compensate for the loss, though you may still experience shortness of breath during exercise or increased activity.
Lobectomy Your right lung has three lobes and your left has two. A Lobectomy is surgery to remove one of these lobes. Also called a Thoracotomy, this procedure involves entering through the chest. It is often preferred when tumors are clustered in a specific lobe.
Recovery Expectations: Going home and resuming normal activities after a Lobectomy takes time. It is common to feel fatigued or short of breath initially. Patience is key. Don't overexert yourself early in recovery. Celebrate small daily improvements in lung function as you heal.
Segmentectomy (Wedge Resection) If a tumor is in a lung lobe but doesn't require a full Lobectomy, a Segmentectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes only the tumor or a partial section of a lobe. Some doctors call it a Wedge Resection.
Recovery Expectations: You will be closely monitored after a Segmentectomy for full lung function recovery. This common procedure is also used for non-cancerous tumors. Patients generally report less pain and shorter recovery times. Surgeons often see positive outcomes.
Sleeve Resection When lung cancers are directly in the airways, a Sleeve Resection might be recommended. This procedure involves surgically cutting the airway above and below the tumor to remove it. The airway is then reconnected, much like shortening a shirt sleeve. This surgery can help patients maintain good lung and breathing function.
Recovery Expectations: Hospital stays vary, but expect several weeks for home recovery. The operation itself can be longer, and healing takes more time as it involves more extensive cuts and reattachment. Patience is crucial for Sleeve Resection recovery. Focused in-home healing efforts are vital to regain full lung function.
Minimally invasive (VATS) surgery Many lobectomies and segmentectomies can be performed using a minimally invasive approach called Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). VATS is less invasive than traditional thoracotomy, minimizes pain, and allows for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.
What should I know sbout my individual surgical journey?
Each patient's health history and lung cancer are unique, so surgical treatments and recovery times will vary. If surgery is recommended for you, ask questions. Inquire about surgery time, its duration, and post-surgical hospital care. Knowing what to expect about ventilators or chest tubes can help reduce anxiety. Also ask about any potential risks for post-op infections or complications and how to prevent them. Having your cancer care team guide you through each step of treatment and post-op care can significantly reduce anxiety and anticipation.
What suggestions are there for recovering after lung cancer surgery?
Once you are back home after surgery, a few tips can help you recover comfortably. Resting and drinking plenty of water are essential first steps. Having a good plan for post-op pain management will also be very helpful. Because these procedures affect lung function, avoid any activity or situations that put more demand on your lungs. Recovery may take weeks or even months. Your care team will fully inform you about post-op guidance and expectations.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your cancer care team of specialists at TMC Health Cancer Center for answers to your personal health questions regarding lung cancer. They can provide direction and guidance through each phase of the lung cancer management process. Having a complete understanding about your specific diagnosis, recommended surgical treatment, as well as recovery expectations, is an essential step.
At TMC Health Cancer Center, we are always exploring the most advanced ways to treat lung cancer. One innovative approach is immunotherapy, which helps your body's own natural defenses recognize and fight cancer cells. Our main goal is to control the cancer for as long as possible while helping you maintain a high quality of life. There are a few key ways immunotherapy works for lung cancer.
How does immunotherapy work?
Immune checkpoint inhibitors These special molecules attach to your immune cells. Think of them as unlocking your body's ability to attack cancer cells while leaving your healthy cells alone. Cancer cells often try to trick your immune system into turning off its defenses, and these inhibitors prevent that, allowing your immune system to do its job.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines These vaccines are designed for cancers that have already developed. They work by stimulating your immune system to respond to cancer cells. This can be tricky because cancer cells often send out chemical messages to suppress the immune system. These vaccines aim to delay or stop cancer cell growth, shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, or eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Adoptive T Cell Therapy (ACT) This cutting-edge therapy involves taking a type of white blood cell called T cells directly from your body. These T cells are then carefully modified or multiplied in a laboratory to make them even better at finding and destroying cancer cells. Once they are super-charged, they are infused back into your body to fight the cancer.
Who can receive immunotherapy?
Currently, many lung cancer patients who receive immunotherapy have advanced cancers and are often participants in cancer research trials. These new lung cancer immunotherapies are primarily accessed through clinical trials, which may be available at TMC Health Cancer Center locations. Our team can help you understand if a clinical trial might be a good option for your treatment journey.
Here are five common types of treatment often used for small cell lung cancer:
Surgery
Surgery might be an option if the cancer is found only in one lung and nearby lymph nodes. However, because small cell lung cancer often spreads quickly, it's frequently found in both lungs, so surgery alone isn't always the main treatment. Even if a surgeon removes all visible cancer, you might receive additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy afterward. This extra treatment, called adjuvant therapy, helps kill any remaining cancer cells and lowers the chance of the cancer coming back.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that uses special drugs to stop cancer cells from growing, either by killing them or preventing them from dividing. How you receive chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of your cancer.
- Systemic chemotherapy involves taking drugs by mouth or injecting them into a vein or muscle. These drugs travel through your bloodstream, reaching cancer cells throughout your entire body.
- Regional chemotherapy involves placing drugs directly into a specific area like the spinal column, an organ or a body cavity (like the abdomen). This way, the drugs primarily target cancer cells in that localized region.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. The method of delivery depends on your cancer's type and stage.
- External radiation therapy uses a machine outside your body to send radiation directly toward the cancer.
- Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed inside small devices like needles seeds wires or catheters. These are placed directly into or very close to the cancer. Sometimes, prophylactic cranial irradiation (radiation to the brain) is given to reduce the risk of cancer spreading there.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a treatment that uses a precise laser beam—a narrow, intense beam of light—to kill cancer cells.
Endoscopic stent placement
An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube-like instrument with a light and a lens that doctors use to look inside your body. It can also be used to place a stent, which is a small tube that helps keep a body structure open. In lung cancer, endoscopic stent placement can be used to open an airway that has been blocked by abnormal tissue. Your doctor will let you know if any follow-up tests are needed afterward.
You're facing a non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, and understanding your treatment options is a big step. At TMC Health Cancer Center, your care plan will be personalized to your specific needs and the stage of your cancer. Our team is here to guide you through what treatment might look like at each stage.
Occult stage When non-small cell lung cancer is in its occult stage, meaning cancer cells are found in your sputum but haven't been located in the lung through imaging, treatment depends on where the cancer might have spread. Often, it can be cured with surgery.
Stage 0
For Stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer, treatment aims to remove the cancer, which is typically found only in the top layers of lung tissue. Options might include:
- Surgery: A wedge resection or segmental resection to remove a small part of the lung.
- Photodynamic therapy: Using a special light and drug, delivered with an endoscope.
- Electrocautery, cryosurgery or laser surgery: These methods use heat, cold or laser light respectively, often performed with an endoscope, to destroy cancer cells.
Stage I
If you have Stage I non-small cell lung cancer, the cancer is small and hasn't spread to lymph nodes. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Options like a wedge resection, segmental resection, sleeve resection (removing a part of the airway), or a lobectomy (removing a lung lobe).
- External radiation therapy: This is an option if you cannot or choose not to have surgery.
- Clinical trials: You might also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial exploring surgery followed by chemoprevention, which aims to prevent cancer from returning.
Stage II
For Stage II non-small cell lung cancer, the cancer is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes within the same lung. Treatment may involve:
- Surgery: More extensive surgical options like wedge resection, segmental resection, sleeve resection, lobectomy, or even a pneumonectomy (removing an entire lung).
- External radiation therapy: For those who cannot or choose not to have surgery.
- Surgery followed by chemotherapy: This combination is often used to target any remaining cancer cells.
Stage III
Stage III non-small cell lung cancer is divided into Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB, depending on how much the cancer has spread locally.
- Stage IIIA:
- Stage IIIB:
Stage IV
For Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment focuses on managing the disease and symptoms:
- External radiation therapy: Used as palliative therapy to relieve pain and other symptoms, improving your quality of life.
- Combination chemotherapy: Using multiple chemotherapy drugs to fight the cancer.
- Combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells based on their unique characteristics.
- Laser therapy and/or internal radiation therapy: These are delivered using an endoscope to help manage local symptoms.
Our team at TMC Health Cancer Center is here to discuss these options with you in detail, ensuring you understand your personalized treatment plan and feel supported every step of the way.
Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis brings many questions, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. As you go through treatment and beyond, you will have regular tests and check-ups. This is a very normal and important part of your care.
You might be wondering why some of the tests you had when you were first diagnosed or when we determined the cancer's stage are being done again. We repeat certain tests to see how well your treatment is working. The results from these tests help us decide if we should continue adjust or stop your current treatment plan. This process is sometimes called re-staging.
Even after your treatment has ended, we will continue to do some tests from time to time. These tests are often called follow-up tests or check-ups. They help us keep a close eye on your health, checking for any changes in your condition or if the cancer has returned. Our goal is to provide you with ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your long-term well-being.
