Lung Cancer Awareness

Your lungs contain an elaborate network of airways, blood vessels, and tiny air sacs called alveoli — all working in concert to pull oxygen into your bloodstream and push carbon dioxide out. When cancer develops in the lung, it threatens that entire system.

Dr. Michael Newton and his team are experts in treating diseases of the lungs, including lung cancer. They are experienced in identifying the type and stage of lung cancer and developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

The most common form of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. It is broadly divided into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for the vast majority of cases and tends to grow and spread more slowly, while small cell lung cancer is less common but typically more aggressive.

Understanding which type you have — and where it has spread — is essential to determining the right course of treatment.

Risk factors and possible causes

Several factors are known to raise your risk of developing lung cancer. Exposure to certain substances is among the most significant, including:

• Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke
• Secondhand smoke
• Radon gas
• Asbestos
• Air pollution and industrial chemicals

Certain medical and personal factors can also increase your risk, such as:

• A personal or family history of lung cancer
• Prior radiation therapy to the chest
• Chronic lung diseases like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• A history of smoking, even if you've since quit

It's worth noting that lung cancer does occur in people who have never smoked. In those cases, genetic mutations or environmental exposures are often contributing factors.

Recognizing the symptoms

Lung cancer frequently has no symptoms in its earliest stages, which is one reason it is often diagnosed later. As the disease progresses, you may experience:

• A persistent cough that worsens over time
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus
• Chest pain that deepens with breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Hoarseness or recurring respiratory infections

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms — especially if you have known risk factors — it's important to speak with a specialist promptly. 

If you have any of the above sypmtoms or interested in evaluation due to family history of lung cancer, call the office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Newton or Denise Carulli, APRN.