Conditions We Treat: Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a complex disease that demands personalized care based on your cancer’s unique characteristics. You can receive an exceptional level of care from the board-certified oncologists and experienced team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, in Flemington, New Jersey. Our entire team works closely with you, providing comprehensive treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced immunotherapy. We also have an onsite pharmacy and provide personal attention that supports your emotional and physical needs. When you’re looking for a partner to navigate your lung cancer treatment, choose Hunterdon Hematology Oncology.

Lung Cancer FAQs

What type of lung cancer might I develop?

There are several types of rare lung cancers, but most people have one of the two primary types of lung cancer:

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer represents 80-85% of all lung cancers that smokers and nonsmokers receive as a diagnosis. This type of lung cancer has three subtypes: adenocarcinoma (starts in mucus-secreting cells), squamous cell carcinoma (starts in cells that line the airways), and large cell carcinoma, which can develop in any part of your lungs.

Small Cell Lung Cancer
A small cell lung cancer or oat cell cancer diagnosis occurs in 10-15% of patients with lung cancer. This type of lung cancer begins in the bronchi or airways and spreads faster than non-small cell lung cancer. Smokers most often receive a small cell lung cancer diagnosis.

What symptoms develop if I have lung cancer?

Lung cancer may not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. When symptoms appear, you may experience:

• A new cough that doesn’t improve
• Existing cough that gets worse
• New wheezing
• Cough that produces blood
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss

When lung cancer spreads to other parts of your body, you may develop a wide range of symptoms, including bone pain in your back or hips, headaches, dizziness, seizures, jaundice, and swollen lymph nodes.

How is lung cancer treated?

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology recommends surgery to remove the tumor when lung cancer is in an early stage. Surgery often treats non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer, however, is seldom diagnosed at an early stage.

The team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology provide advanced treatments for lung cancer, including:

Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be your primary treatment, performed before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after surgery to eliminate any cancer cells still in your body. You may also receive radiation therapy to treat lung cancer that has spread to other parts of your body.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy, may occur before and/or after surgery. Chemo, combined with radiation therapy, is often the primary treatment for lung cancers that have spread.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy consists of medications that strengthen and support the immune system’s ability to fight lung cancer. Though immunotherapy is an option for both types of lung cancer, it only works for lung cancers with specific characteristics – lab tests can determine if you’re a candidate.

Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy may be an option for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The drugs currently available stop the growth of blood vessels in the tumor, which, in turn, kills the cancerous cells.

What additional lung cancer services are available?

In addition to their extensive experience treating lung cancer, the team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology offers comprehensive services that meet all your health care needs.

Their onsite services include:

• Dietary services
• Lab services
• Pharmacy services
• Symptom management
• Family risk assessment and planning
• Counseling for patients, families, and caregivers
• Scalp-cooling treatment to prevent hair loss during chemo

Lung cancer is often found through an x-ray or CT scan. If lung cancer is suspected, the provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. When you need exceptional treatment and comprehensive care for lung cancer, call Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, or book an appointment online.