Lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer

Although smoking is the leading cause of most lung cancer in adults, nonsmokers can also get lung cancer. People with a previous history of pulmonary disease related to smoking are at risk for lung cancer, as well.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Change in a chronic cough
• Coughing up blood
• New cough that won't go away
• Pain in your ribs or chest
• Unexplained weight loss

Lung cancer diagnosis

Lung cancer is most commonly found in an imaging study — usually a chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan done for another reason. We might perform additional scans such as a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to better evaluate any lesions we detect and to determine if the cancer has spread outside of your chest.

These imaging studies are used to determine the stage of your cancer and give our experienced team the information we need to create your treatment plan. Occasionally, invasive procedures like a biopsy or bronchoscopy might be necessary to provide a definitive answer about the staging.

High-risk diagnostics

You're considered high-risk if you're 55 to 77 years old and meet one of the following conditions:

• Current or former smoker who quit less than 15 years ago
• Have no current symptoms of lung cancer, but do have a smoking history of at least 30 pack years (smoking one pack per day for 30 years, or two packs per day for 15 years)

If you're at high risk for lung cancer, we offer low-dose CT scans to help detect it in its early stages. These screenings have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer by starting treatment as soon as possible.

Non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumors are present in non-small cell lung cancer. These tumors are often treated with surgery alone if you're diagnosed at an early stage.

If your cancer has progressed to stage 3, we might offer a combination of treatments such as chemotherapy followed by surgery or chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery.

Stage 4 lung non-small cell lung cancer is often treated with chemotherapy alone. Sometimes, radiation is also necessary, depending on the extent of the disease and your symptoms.

Small cell lung cancer treatment

Small cell lung cancer, regardless of whether it's in an early or advanced stage, is most often treated with chemotherapy and radiation. You might not get surgery to treat your small cell lung cancer.

Clinical trials

We've partnered with Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, and HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers to offer an expansive network of clinical trials for certain cases of lung cancer. If you'd like to find out if you might qualify, please ask our knowledgeable team.

About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

HealthONE Physician Group is part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225 or chat online at askSARAHnow.