Lung Cancer Specialist

Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists Our Services Lung Cancer

Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists

Pulmonology & Critical Care located in Des Plaines, IL & Portage Park, Chicago, IL

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. The medical experts at Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists offer advanced treatments for lung cancer at three locations in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, Des Plaines, and Oak Park, Illinois. To learn more about effective lung cancer treatment options, call or book an appointment online today.

Lung Cancer Q & A

What is lung cancer?

Cancer is a serious health condition that involves uncontrolled growth of cells in your body. Lung cancer begins in your lungs but may spread to other organs in your body, including the brain. 

When cancer spreads from one organ to another (metastasis), it becomes much more difficult to cure. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists as soon as possible.

What are the types of lung cancer?

The team at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists treats different types of lung cancer, including:

Non-small cell lung cancer

This is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. Different types of non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer

Also called oat cell cancer, this type makes up about 10-15% of lung cancers and tends to spread quickly. Almost all people with small cell lung cancer are heavy smokers.

How do I know if I have lung cancer?

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer usually don’t appear until the disease is already in its advanced stages. Lung cancer symptoms may include:

  • A new cough that gets worse and doesn’t go away
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing

If you’re a smoker or otherwise at high risk of developing lung cancer, the team at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists may be able to detect lung cancer earlier. They can find early signs of lung cancer with screening tests, such as a sputum culture, chest X-ray, or computerized tomography (CT) scan.

How is lung cancer treated?

After they diagnose the specific type of lung cancer you have, the team at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists recommends the best course of treatment for your particular needs. There are many approaches to lung cancer treatment, including:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted drug therapy

The treatment approach that’s best for you depends on the type of lung cancer you have and how much it might have spread. The compassionate providers at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists spend time answering any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision about your health.

If you think you may have lung cancer, call Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists or book an appointment online right away.

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