One in 16 people is diagnosed with lung cancer. If you’ve received a diagnosis of lung cancer, or are at risk of the disease, Abul Azad, MD, and Najiib Azad, DO, at CPI Physicians offer experienced, compassionate care. To schedule a consultation or for more information about lung cancer treatment and prognosis, call the office in Albany, New York, or book online today.
Lung cancer is tricky as it doesn’t usually show any symptoms in the early stages. You often don’t notice the cancer until it progresses and causes:
Bone pain and headache may accompany the chest pain and cough.
Although people who’ve never smoked can develop lung cancer, smokers are at greatest risk. The longer you’ve smoked and the greater the number of cigarettes you’ve smoked, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer.
Smoking damages the cells that line the lungs. When you inhale cigarette smoke, which contains cancer-causing substances, your lungs start to change almost right away. Repeated exposure means you develop damage that your body just can’t repair.
If you quit smoking, even if you’ve smoked a long time, you can notably reduce your risk of lung cancer.
There are two general types of lung cancer:
This type is less common and usually afflicts heavy smokers.
This overarching term refers to several types of lung cancer, including adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
At CPI Physicians, your doctor may perform the following if they suspect you have lung cancer:
If you’re diagnosed with lung cancer, your doctor determines the extent of any spread to decide on appropriate treatment. You may undergo bone scans and an MRI, among other tests.
Treatment depends on the extent of your cancer and whether it’s spread. You may be a candidate for surgery to remove the diseased portion of the lung if your disease is isolated to the lungs.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be performed in addition to or instead of surgery. Targeted drug therapy can be helpful for those with certain genetic mutations or for those with advanced or recurrent cancer.
Lung cancer is a serious diagnosis. Trust the skilled and caring providers at CPI Physicians to manage your diagnosis and care. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.
