Need to know more about lung cancer?
Lung cancer takes almost twice as many lives in Connecticut each year compared to breast and colon cancers combined.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality in the United States.
It is a result of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke), asbestos, occupational chemicals, pollution and radon which causes tumors that can interfere with normal lung function.
There are often no symptoms of lung cancer at first. That is why those at risk who have a history of tobacco use should consider screening in an attempt to diagnose the disease early. If you do notice some symptoms, talk to your primary care provider. Treatment is more effective if started early.
- A cough that won’t go away or a so-called “smoker’s cough” that sounds raspy
- Coughs that produce blood or rust-colored phlegm
- Hoarseness; trouble breathing or noisy breathing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply
- Fatigue
- Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia
Symptoms of early lung cancer can include:
- A cough that won’t go away or a so-called “smoker’s cough” that sounds raspy
- Coughs that produce blood or rust-colored phlegm
- Hoarseness; trouble breathing or noisy breathing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply
- Fatigue
- Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia
- Bone pain, especially in your back or hips
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Headaches
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Lumps in the neck
At the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute our goal is prevention, as well as extending and improving the quality of life for people with lung cancer. We’re pioneering the latest medical technologies and therapies to find lung cancers earlier, when they’re more treatable. We are also members of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which gives patients access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the nation’s premier cancer centers.
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The Two Types of Lung Cancer:
1Non-small cell
Non-small cell is the most common lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of diagnoses. The category includes: adenocarcinoma, which begins in the alveoli, or sacs in the lungs, and produce mucus; squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat squamous cells in the lungs; and large cell carcinoma that can begin in several types of large cells. Non-small cell lung cancers can develop slowly and cause few symptoms until they are advanced.2Small cell
Small cell lung cancer is fast-growing and rare among nonsmokers. It typically starts in the bronchi at the center of the chest and is typically more responsive than non-small cell to chemotherapy.
What can be done?
1Screening
Our Lung Cancer Screening Program provides non-invasive screenings for people deemed at high risk for developing lung cancer. These tests are done by referral only. Our guide provides detailed information about screening criteria, and why low-dose screening might be right for you. Please talk to your primary care provider to find out if you are eligible.2Diagnosis
If cancer is suspected, you will need a biopsy. We offer several types of biopsies, including: fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the lung in which a thin needle is used to remove tissue or fluid from the lung; a bronchoscopy that uses a bronchoscope inserted into the trachea and lungs through the nose or mouth so the doctor can look at the lungs and, if needed, remove tissue samples; several types of surgical procedures in which a scope is inserted to see inside the lung and remove tissue or lymph node samples; and a lymph node biopsy.