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Lung Cancer

Our nationally recognized lung cancer program brings world-class care to the Greater Capital Region. The specialists at St. Peter's Health Partners deliver timely, advanced treatments, helping people live longer, fuller lives after a lung cancer diagnosis.

Lung Cancer Care at St. Peter's Health Partners: Why Choose Us?

Highlights of our lung cancer program include:

  • National recognition: St. Peter's Hospital in Albany has been a U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital for Lung Cancer Surgery since 2017. In addition, St. Peter's Hospital and Samaritan Hospital are accredited as Centers of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). You get access to highly experienced specialists who provide expert, comprehensive care.
  • Care coordination: We guide you through every stage of the cancer journey, from scheduling appointments to managing treatment side effects. Experienced nurses and social workers help you and your loved ones heal before, during and after treatment.
  • Range of treatment options: Our cancer specialists offer many treatment options for lung cancer, including minimally invasive surgeries. We tailor your care plan to the exact type and stage of cancer you have for optimal results.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the most common form of thoracic cancer. Types of lung tumors include:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung tumor, NSCLC makes up about 85% of all lung cancers.
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): About 15% of lung cancers are SCLC. This cancer grows quickly. Doctors usually don't diagnose it until it has metastasized, or spread, to other areas of the body.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Coughing up blood
  • Persistent, worsening cough
  • Unexplained weight loss

Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced, making it difficult to treat. When lung cancer is detected early, treatments are more effective.

St. Peter's Health Partners has a comprehensive lung cancer screening program for people at high risk for the disease, such as those who have a history of smoking. We perform low-dose lung CT scans at our imaging centers throughout the Capital Region.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

If an imaging exam reveals lung abnormalities, we'll do a biopsy. We take a small sample of tissue from the lungs and examine it with a team of skilled pathologists to determine if it's malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).

Our cancer specialists work with pulmonologists and interventional radiologists to perform several diagnostic tests. We offer:

  • Bronchoscopy: We examine your lungs using a thin tube equipped with a small camera and light (bronchoscope).
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): Similar to a bronchoscopy, this procedure uses an imaging device to create pictures of the lungs and lymph nodes.
  • Mediastinoscopy: This exam helps us see the upper chest, in front of the lungs, to get a biopsy and stage the lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Our medical, radiation and surgical oncologists work together to tailor a treatment plan to your needs. We treat the cancer while maximizing your lung function and quality of life.

Depending on the cancer's location and stage, we may recommend chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Medical oncology treatments can help alleviate symptoms for people who aren't candidates for lung cancer surgery.

Radiation therapy for lung cancer

We offer a range of leading-edge radiation therapies that target lung tumors:

  • Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): We deliver 3D-imaging guided radiation to the tumor from multiple angles, reducing exposure to nearby tissues.
  • Stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT): We treat the precise area of the tumor with high doses of radiation. SBRT often requires fewer treatments than traditional external beam radiation therapy.
  • Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT): A form of IMRT, VMAT is exceptionally fast and accurate. It delivers precise doses of radiation from multiple angles around the entire body.

Surgery for lung cancer

Our thoracic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that can get you back to normal activities sooner. We offer:

  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): Through several tiny incisions in your chest, we use a thoracoscope and surgical tools to remove early-stage lung tumors.

Robotic-assisted surgery: A surgeon controls a robotic arm that allows for exceptional precision when removing lung cancer.