Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second-most common form of cancer in the United States. By connecting with the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, you'll gain access to expert doctors and nurses that specialize in lung cancer, groundbreaking treatment like proton therapy, clinical trials, and lifesaving care, right here in South Jersey.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer   

In its early stages, lung cancer often displays no signs or symptoms. But you should talk with your doctor if you're experiencing the following: 

• A persistent cough that won't go away or worsens over time
• Coughing up blood
• Constant chest pain
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Frequent pneumonia or bronchitis
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in your neck and face
• Pain or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand

Am I at risk for lung cancer?

You might be at a higher risk for lung cancer if you:

• Smoke or recently quit smoking
• Are routinely exposed to radon, asbestos, or other air pollution
• Have a family history of lung cancer
• Have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis

We strongly recommend scheduling a lung screening if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You're 50 years old or older
• You're a current or former smoker
• You have a 20 or more pack-year history*

*Pack year: the number of packs smoked daily x the number of years of smoking. (Example: 1 pack a day x 20 years = 20 pack-years)

Types of Lung Cancer   

There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer: This is most common form of lung cancer, and makes up about 80% of lung cancer cases. This cancer includes adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas.
• Small cell lung cancer: More common in people who smoke, this type of lung cancer is significantly more aggressive. It typically starts in your breathing tubes (bronchi) and quickly spreads to other parts of your body.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis at Virtua   

Lung Cancer Treatment   

When detected early, lung cancer is easier to treat. That's why we make it our mission to get you the care you need, as quickly as possible.

The type of lung cancer treatment you receive depends on your cancer type (small cell or non-small cell). If you require surgery, our fellowship-trained thoracic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that result in faster recovery with less pain.

A multidisciplinary team of experts will develop a treatment plan tailored just for you. Your treatment plan may include:

• Robotic bronchoscopy for minimally-invasive biopsy of difficult-to-access nodules
• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, including Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for faster recovery
• Chemotherapy drugs that destroy cancer cells
• Immunotherapy drugs that help your immune system fight cancer
• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Types of radiation that may be offered include:
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
•   High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy 
•   Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) 
•   Proton therapy to treat tumors that may be difficult to eliminate with standard radiation
• Access to Penn Medicine's clinical trials to evaluate new approaches to treatment and prevention