Lung Cancer

About 1 in 17 people receive a lung cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. While a lung cancer diagnosis is frightening, Cancer Care Institute, located in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, oncologist and hematologist Youram Nassir, MD, is changing fear into hope with a highly personalized approach to lung cancer care. Working with colleagues at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Nassir offers multidisciplinary care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted molecular therapies. Call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer refers to cells that grow out of control within the lungs. The cancer may spread to other organs or lymph nodes. It’s also possible for other cancers, for example, some gynecologic, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers, to migrate to the lungs. Lung cancer is the third-most common cancer in the United States today.

What are the types of lung cancer?

There are two main categories of lung cancer, including: 

Non-small cell lung cancers

Most lung cancers (around 85%) are non-small cell lung cancers. There are several types of non-small cell lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, each starting from different cells in the lungs. Generally, non-small cell lung cancers grow far more slowly than small cell lung cancers.

Small cell lung cancers

Small cell lung cancers (small cell adenocarcinomas) account for around 10-15% of lung cancers today. With this type of lung cancer, malignant cells typically grow and spread rapidly. In many cases, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis.

Because the two types of lung cancer are unique, and every subtype has its own characteristics, each requires its own specific treatment protocol.

How are lung cancers treated?

Cancer Care Institute offers all-encompassing lung cancer care for patients with all types and stages of lung cancer. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the pillars of cancer treatment, but newer options, including molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, offer excellent results for many people with lung cancer today. 

Dr. Nassir works with highly-ranked colleagues at Cedars-Sinai to provide the most comprehensive lung cancer care. Cancer Care Institute believes in whole-person care that improves your quality of life, and they’re always here to support you at every step of your treatment process and cancer journey. They’ll even work closely with insurance providers to help you secure funding for essential treatments, ensuring financial concerns do not impede your access to vital life-saving or life-prolonging care.

To receive exceptional lung cancer care, call Cancer Care Institute or request an appointment online today.