Lung Cancer Overview
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, it can be a very overwhelming and frightening time in your life. Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center is here to guide you through that journey. We understand the feelings you are facing and have experienced staff that will walk you through each step of the way.
Multi-disciplinary Team
Our cancer team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, oncology nurses, radiation therapists, social workers and clinical dietitians.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis at Cape Fear Valley Health
If your biopsy report comes back positive for lung cancer, you will be referred to a medical oncologist and follow these steps:
- A medical oncologist will review your biopsy report and order additional testing on the specimen, if applicable. You will be scheduled for a consultation visit with a medical oncologist. At this time, he or she will complete a physical examination and obtain a medical history. Imaging exams will be ordered. The medical oncologist will use this information to determine the type of cancer and stage.
- Before your return appointment, the medical oncologist will review additional lab results and imaging to determine the next step in treatment. At your return appointment, our medical oncologist will review your labs and scans with you. He or she will explain your cancer stage and treatment options. Your plan could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy/immunotherapy/targeted therapy, and/or surveillance.
- If surgery is needed, you will be referred to a surgeon. If radiation oncology is needed, you will be referred to a radiation oncologist.
- If chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy is needed, you will be scheduled an education appointment to discuss medication and potential side effects. If your treatment must be administered in our infusion area, you will receive an appointment before you leave. There are some medications that must be administered via Port-a-cath. If needed, your provider will order Port-a-Cath placement.
Lung Cancer Treatment at Cape Fear Valley Health
We treat lung cancer utilizing the most current data from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Our Cancer Center team will work together with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
Medical Oncology Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy – medications that travel through the blood stream killing cancer cells at the origin and cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.
- Immunotherapy – medications that boost or change how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy – medications that precisely identify and attack cancer cells by targeting certain cell proteins that control how cancer cells grow, divide and spread.
- Combination of the above
Radiation Oncology Treatment Options
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a highly precise radiation treatment for lung cancer, especially for small, localized tumors or those that are not suitable for surgery. It delivers a concentrated does of radiation to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation therapy used to treat lung cancer. It’s designed to precisely target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. IMRT can be used on its own or combined with other treatments like surgery or chemo.