Lung Cancer Screening in Dallas TX

For over 15 years, our imaging center has provided patients in Dallas, TX with the latest in diagnostic imaging technology. Our highly-trained radiologists specialize in state-of-the-art testing procedures to test patients for lung cancer. Our goal is to provide every patient with the best degree of possible care. Learn about lung cancer and call (214) 345-8300 to schedule your appointment at our office in Dallas, TX today.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lunger cancer is when the cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably.

What are the different types of lung cancer?

Non-Small Cell is the most common type of lung cancer but is slower growing than small cell. About 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell cancer. Some examples of non-small cell lung cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small Cell lung cancer is an aggressive cancer that looks small and oval-shaped. This is also called oat cell cancer. This type only accounts for about 10-15% of lung cancers.

Lung Carcinoid Tumor only accounts for about 5% of all lung cancers. They are also known as lung neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors grow very slowly and rarely spread.

What Are the Risk Factors of Lung Cancer?

The following increases your risk of getting lung cancer:

• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke
• Being exposed to chemicals or pollution
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to asbestos
• Being infected with HPV
• Having a family history of lung cancer
• Age (the average age of diagnosis is around 70 years old)

What Are The Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

If you experience the following symptoms that are often signs of lung cancer or another condition, talk with your doctor. Most lung cancer patients don’t exhibit symptoms until the disease has progressed.

• Chest pain
• Cough, trouble breathing, wheezing, hoarseness
• Blood in sputum
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling in the face or neck

What Are The Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

The staging system most often used is the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM system and it looks 3 essential pieces of information to determine the stage of lung cancer:

Stage I: The cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes.

Stage II: The cancer is in the lung and nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III: Cancer is found in the lung and in the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest, also described as locally advanced disease. Stage III has two subtypes:

• If the cancer has spread only to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest where the cancer started, it is called stage IIIA.
• If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest, or above the collar bone, it is called stage IIIB.

Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of lung cancer, and is also described as advanced disease. This is when the cancer has spread to both lungs, to fluid in the area around the lungs, or to another part of the body, such as the liver or other organs.

What Can You Do to Prevent Lung Cancer?

The best thing you can do is to quit smoking, or to remove yourself from an environment with smoking. Smoking and secondhand smoke are the biggest causes of lung cancer. Even if you’ve been smoking for years, quitting can greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.

Regular visits with your doctor can also help with prevention, especially if you know you’re at risk. Even if you are diagnosed, it can be treated in its early stages.