Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms include:

• A worsening, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Hoarseness
• Frequent lung infections
• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

The most common types of lung cancer include:

• Non small cell lung cancer – the most common form of lung cancer, which, if detected early, can be cured with surgery in more than half of all cases
• Small cell lung cancer – spreads (metastasizes) more rapidly and almost always is caused by smoking

Houston Methodist’s lung cancer experts work as a team to offer the most advanced lung cancer treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Our goal is to provide effective treatments, while preserving healthy tissue and cells.

Learn more about how our experts treat lung cancer >

We offer routine lung cancer screening for early diagnosis so high-risk patients can get the treatments they need as quickly as possible, sometimes even before symptoms occur. This is important because the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

To be eligible to be screened for lung cancer, you must be 50 to 80 years old. In addition, you must currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. You must also have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history — one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years.

Talk with your doctor to find out if you qualify for screening. Houston Methodist offers lung cancer screening at multiple locations across Greater Houston, allowing you or your loved one to receive care close to home or work.

There are ways you can reduce your risk of lung cancer, including dietary and lifestyle changes, regular screenings and genetic testing.

Know Your Family History
Your family history gives you a lot of information that can help you and your doctor potentially stay ahead of a cancer diagnosis. If you had a close family member diagnosed with lung cancer, you are twice as likely to develop lung cancer. Your risk increases if you smoke tobacco or live with someone who does. 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of lung cancer. Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and reduce your alcohol intake.

Get Regular Care From Your PCP
A crucial part of cancer prevention includes getting regular care before you notice any symptoms. Work with your primary-care provider (PCP) for your annual checkups, immunizations and any recommended screenings.

Pay Attention to Your Body
You know what's normal for your body and what is not, so you can notice subtle changes first. Let your doctor know if you regularly experience a worsening or persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pain, coughing up blood, ongoing fatigue or unexplained weight loss. 

Schedule an appointment with your physician right away if you have any concerns or questions.

• Anxiety or depression
  • Seek prayer or spiritual support
  • Speak with friends, family or a mental health professional
  • Try deep breathing exercises or meditation
  • Try light to moderate exercise
• Fatigue
  • Ask for help
  • Eat nutritious snacks and meals
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Try light to moderate exercise
• Gastrointestinal issues
  • For loss of appetite, try eating several small meals throughout the day; adding olive oil, milk or yogurt for extra calories and protein in each meal; taking a walk prior to eating
  • For nausea or vomiting, try taking prescription or over-the-counter nausea medication; eating plain foods; drinking peppermint tea, ginger tea or ginger ale
  • For diarrhea, try avoiding high fiber foods like beans or raw vegetables; eating bland foods; eating small meals with plenty of water in between
  • For constipation, try avoiding caffeinated beverages; drinking plenty of fluids; eating foods high in fiber; doing light to moderate exercise
• Hair loss
  • Try gentle shampoos and conditioners, soft-bristled hairbrushes and low heat on your hair
  • Consider buying a wig
  • Consider proactively cutting your hair short or shaving it all off
  • Consider wearing a hat or scarf

Depending on the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as any specific features of the particular cancer, your care team may use one or more of the following lung cancer treatment options:

• Surgery
  • Wedge resection – removal of the tumor and a wedge-shaped piece of the lung
  • Segmentectomy – removal of a small part of the lung where the tumor is located
  • Lobectomy or sleeve lobectomy – removal of the lobe with cancer
  • Pneumonectomy – removal of the lung
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery – a minimally invasive surgical technique using a small incisions and special instruments
• Radiation therapy
  • Brachytherapy
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
  • 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Reconstructive surgery – restores the structure and function of areas affected by lung cancer and/or lung cancer treatment

Yes, lung cancer can be cured, depending on the type and how soon you receive treatment. Early diagnosis can improve your treatment options and outcomes.

Survival rates vary, depending on your overall health, age and response to treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate of lung cancer (percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis) is 26.7%.  

The primary reason for low survival rates is a lack of noticeable symptoms until later stages, when the cancer has already spread (metastasized) to other organs and areas in the body.