Learn If You Qualify for A Lung Cancer Screening

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs in the chest responsible for breathing. Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Typically, doctors categorize lung cancer by the type of cells in which the cancer begins. The categorization determines the most effective treatments. The main types of lung cancer are:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type of lung cancer, making up about 85% of cases. NSCLC has several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Accounting for about 10% to 15% of lung cancers, SCLC is a less common type of lung cancer and may spread more quickly than NSCLC.

How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

At Maimonides, we understand the urgency of moving from diagnosis to treatment as quickly and accurately as possible. Our team offers advanced testing for all types of cancer, including lung cancer. Whether you need a screening, a diagnosis or a second opinion, our compassionate and skilled professionals are here to support you every step of the way. Getting the right diagnosis is key. We use a variety of tests to understand your specific type of lung cancer.

Advanced Imaging Technology

We use the latest imaging technology to get the clearest, most accurate pictures of your lungs and chest.

• Chest X-ray: Takes images of the organs and bones in your chest.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of your chest, often with a special dye to help with image clarity.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: Detects cancerous cells using a radioactive sugar injected into your bloodstream.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your body.

Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

We use advanced tools and procedures to detect even the most challenging cancers.

• Advanced bronchoscopy: Used to find and assess tumors located deep within the lungs.
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: Involves using a thin needle, often guided by ultrasound, to collect tissue or fluid samples for analysis.
• Thoracentesis: Involves removing fluid from the chest lining to check for cancer cells.
• Bronchoscopy: Procedure uses a thin tube to look inside the airways for abnormalities.
• Thoracoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that examines the chest organs and identifies any potential suspicious areas.
• Thoracotomy: A more extensive surgery used to access deeper tissues and lymph nodes when necessary.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We customize your lung cancer treatment to fit your unique needs. By studying your cancer cells, we gain insight into the genetic makeup of your tumor. This review allows us to select the most effective treatments and better predict your response to options like immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer.

Getting a Second Opinion

If you already have a lung cancer diagnosis, our specialists can confirm it and discuss the best treatment options for your specific type and stage of cancer. Call to Schedule: 718-765-2500

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

Knowing who should get screened for lung cancer is key to catching the disease early when it’s most treatable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends lung cancer screening for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Have never been diagnosed with lung cancer
• Are a current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Have a 20-pack-year history of smoking

People who have other risk factors for lung cancer may include those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those with a family history of lung cancer and those who have been exposed to asbestos at work. Asian women in the United States are currently twice as likely to develop lung cancer than females of other ethnicities. Black women are less likely to get lung cancer than white women, and black men are more likely to get lung cancer than white men. Please speak to your provider about your options if you fall into or have any risk factors outlined.

What Is a 20-Pack-Year History?

Doctors calculate pack years by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes you’ve smoked a day and the number of years you’ve smoked.

• Smoked 1 pack/day for 20 years: 1 x 20 = 20 pack years
• Smoked ½ pack day for 40 years: ½ x 40 = 20 pack years
• Smoked 2 packs/day for 10 years: 2 x 10 = 20 pack years

You should get your lungs screened annually (every year) while you have negative screening results. If you have a positive screening result, where doctors detect a concern, you might need another screening in three or six months. Rapid assessment for concerning results: If you’ve had a scan elsewhere that showed potential issues, Maimonides’ Rapid Assessment Service ensures you can see a specialist quickly, often within two business days, to discuss the next steps. Find out if you qualify for a screening, call to Schedule or email Lung Screening LungScreening@maimo.org.

What Are the Stages and Signs of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer has different stages, from early to advanced. The staging of lung cancer involves assessing the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes and whether it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. Often, patients with early-stage lung cancer (stages 1 or 2) have no symptoms as their tumor is small and hasn’t spread. However, once you have symptoms, it is more likely that the disease has developed to an advanced stage (stage 3 or 4). Some common signs and symptoms that your cancer may have spread are:

• A new cough
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue
• New onset hoarseness
• Cough with sputum tinged with blood.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or don’t feel well, contact your healthcare provider for a check-up. Understanding the stage of your lung cancer is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment and assessing the prognosis. But remember, regardless of the stage, lung cancer is treatable. Stages of Lung Cancer Stage 0 is known as carcinoma in situ and indicates abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissues. These cells have the potential to become cancerous. Spread: The disease is confined to the top layers of cells lining the airways and has not invaded deeper tissues. Stage I indicates cancer is present but is relatively small and localized. Spread: The tumor is confined to the lung and has not spread to lymph nodes. Stage II lung cancer is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes or both. Spread: Stage II is divided into IIA and IIB. Stage III lung cancer has spread further within the chest but not to distant parts of the body. Spread: Stage III is divided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. Stage IV lung cancer is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. Spread: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant parts of the body such as the other lung, brain, bones, liver or adrenal glands. Stage IV is divided into IVA and IVB.

How Is Lung Cancer Treated?

Our highly trained and experienced team treats lung cancer with the latest procedures to keep you healthy. We use innovative, personalized treatments designed to help lessen pain, reduce time spent recovering, and improve your quality of life. When you receive care at Maimonides Cancer Center, you see the same team of providers and other professionals during most appointments.

Our Treatments

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic (uses small incisions and specialized instruments) and robotic surgery
• Localized, focused radiation with fewer side effects
• State-of-the-art diagnostics, including advanced bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound
• Personalized medicine and next-generation sequencing of tumor DNA to guide precision therapy
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapies
• Clinical trials offering new treatment options not available elsewhere
• Advanced technologies, including:
  • Image-guided video-assisted surgery (iVATS) uses real-time imaging to precisely guide the removal of tumors.
  • 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) delivers radiation beams shaped to match the tumor’s dimensions, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
  • Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor site to deliver targeted radiation treatment.
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses imaging to accurately deliver radiation doses to the tumor to spare nearby healthy tissues.
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) adjusts the intensity of radiation beams to match the shape of the tumor.
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) deliver high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors.

At Maimonides Cancer Center, we understand battling lung cancer is more than treating and managing physical symptoms. Our holistic approach also addresses the psychological and social impact of the disease. We take pride in including psychological support, nutritional advice, rehabilitation services, and more to help ensure your well-being during your entire cancer care journey.