Lung Cancer

Overview

Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive lung cancer screening, evaluation, education and treatment. Patients are cared for by a team of physicians and other health care providers, which assures that the combined knowledge and wisdom of many experienced specialists are available to each patient.

Mayo Clinic has extensive experience in treating lung cancer. Each year, specialists in pulmonary medicine and medical oncology treat more than 1,500 new patients with lung cancer, and surgeons perform more than 1,000 lung cancer surgeries. The National Cancer Institute has designated Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center in recognition of its superior breadth and depth of capabilities. Patients have access to clinical trials for experimental therapies.

Diagnosis

Lung cancer is usually categorized as non-small cell or small cell, depending on how the cells look under a microscope (biopsy results). Many diagnostic tools are used to determine the best treatment for the patient. Read more about lung cancer diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for lung cancer is based on the type and stage of tumor and the patient's general medical condition. Options include surgery, radiation (including radiofrequency ablation), chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. For some people, participation in a clinical trial is another option. Read more about lung cancer treatment.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. It claims more lives than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined. Yet lung cancer is also among the most preventable cancers. Smoking accounts for about 85 percent to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Other causes include exposure to radon, asbestos and secondhand smoke.

Although the mortality rate from lung cancer has been declining for men, the rate for women has increased. Early detection and treatment make a difference in life expectancy following diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, how far advanced the cancer is, and the patient's overall health.

Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Medically Speaking

• Why Mayo? – Mark Allen, M.D. 0:51
• Causes – Eric Edell, M.D. 1:03
• Cessation After Diagnosis – Richard Hurt, M.D. 0:35
• Stages & Treatment – James Jett, M.D. 3:42
• Surgical Options – Mark Allen, M.D. 1:24
• Minimally Invasive Surgery – Dawn Jaroszewski, M.D. 0:54
• Radiation Curative Therapy – Steven Schild, M.D. 0:47
• Radiation Therapy – Cherie Hayostek, M.D. 1:00
• Chemotherapy & Comfort – Donald Northfelt, M.D. 1:31
• Long-term Outlook – David Midthun, M.D. 1:38