Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Patients with lung cancer can have a variety of tumor types, and we do classify them into different subtypes. Treating lung cancer is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists working together. Approximately 85% of patients with lung cancer have some exposure to tobacco—either through personal use or secondhand smoke. However, about 15% of patients have no known risk factors. Other contributors include environmental exposures such as asbestos, radon gas, and in some cases, wood-burning fireplaces in poorly ventilated areas. While a genetic predisposition to lung cancer exists, it affects a small percentage of patients—around 15%. Most individuals, upon close examination, have had some exposure to carcinogens that may contribute to the disease.
One of the biggest challenges with lung cancer is that it often isn’t diagnosed until it has progressed. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and general malaise. At this point, the cancer has often spread to other parts of the body, complicating treatment. On the other hand, early-stage lung cancers are frequently discovered incidentally or through screening and carry a better chance of being curable. Patients with symptoms like a cough or wheezing are typically evaluated for more common conditions first, such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis. While this approach is appropriate, it's important for physicians to investigate further if the symptoms persist or fail to improve with treatment.
My name is Dr. Michaela Straznicka, and I’m a proud member of the BASS Medical Group.
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