Lung and Esophageal Cancer
When you are facing the prospect of lung or esophageal cancer, you want the very best team of cancer specialists providing you care. At Fairview, respected thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists and clinical nurse specialists work together to ensure you have the very best treatment and care. Thoracic cancers often require a combination of therapies and our team of specialists consider surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and in many cases innovative therapies and procedures to find the most effective therapeutic approach for your condition.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, although the survival rate has improved slightly in recent years. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for lung cancer, with more than 85 percent of all lung cancers attributable to smoking or secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer accounts for less than one percent of all cancers. However, the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing. Cancer can develop in any part of the esophagus. It can spread to surrounding lymph nodes, the windpipe, large blood vessels in the chest or other nearby organs. Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on a number of factors, including its location, size, extent and type of cancer cells. Age and general health are important factors in developing a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs.
When to call your doctor
Contact your doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Difficult breathing
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest, back, shoulder or arm
- Hoarseness
- Repeated bouts with bronchitis, pneumonia or other infections of the lung