Lung and esophageal cancer

At HonorHealth, we have an elite team of board-certified and nationally recognized medical oncologists, surgeons and researchers who specialize in lung and esophageal cancer.

Providing you with compassionate and quality care is our top priority. We’re with you every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world. It begins in the lungs, which are sponge-like, air-filled organs.

 

Are you at risk for lung cancer?

If you still smoke, quitting will decrease your risk of getting lung cancer. If you’re a smoker or former smoker, look for these signs and symptoms:

  • Cough that will not go away (sometimes with blood)
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Although smoking is the most serious lung cancer risk, it is not just traditional tobacco use that is a threat. Additional risk factors include vaping, and exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos, or other harmful chemicals, toxins or carcinogens. Family history and genetics can also put you at risk.

If you have any of these symptoms or risk factors, talk to your primary care doctor.

 

Lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is diagnosed in one of four stages. It is easiest to treat when caught early, and has minimal or no spread elsewhere in your body.

If you meet the criteria, your doctor will order additional tests to get an accurate diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed with lung cancer, your doctor will recommend the best treatment approach for your condition. At HonorHealth, we offer the most promising advances in cancer treatment. Our cancer specialists and surgeons have extensive expertise in providing personalized therapies and treatment options, including:

 

What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer can start anywhere along your esophagus. Your esophagus is a long tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Its purpose is to move swallowed food to your stomach to be digested.

 

Are you at risk for esophageal cancer?

While the exact causes of most esophageal cancers are not known, there are certain factors that can put you at risk.

 

Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol use
  • A history of Barrett’s esophagus
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Obesity

 

Symptoms to look for include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Chest or esophageal pain
  • Worsening indigestion or heartburn
  • Acid reflux
  • Cough or hoarseness

 

Esophageal cancer treatment

If you’re diagnosed with esophageal cancer, our team of experts will partner with you to help you understand your diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.

  • Treatment options for esophageal cancer include:
  • Surgery
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation  

What if I need surgery for lung or esophageal cancer?

If surgery is required, our expert team of thoracic surgeons at HonorHealth Heart Care - Heart and Lung Surgery specialize in surgical and minimally invasive surgical techniques for lung and esophageal cancer. They will partner with you, explain your tests and review all your options to help you get back to normal as soon as possible.