Lung Cancer

DEFINITION: Lung Cancer occurs when cells in the lung divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

Lung cancers are divided into two types:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - generally grows and spreads more slowly (This is the more common type of lung cancer.)

Small Cell Lung Cancer - generally grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

TREATMENTS There are a number of types of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery. With faculty who have led national trials in VATS lobectomy, Mount Sinai is the leader in minimally invasive approaches in the New York tri-state area.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT). For patients with unresectable tumors of the airway and esophagus, especially those patients experiencing difficulty in breathing or swallowing, PDT - which involves a light-activated drug in combination with a medical laser - is often the palliative treatment of choice.

Laser therapy and stenting for esophageal and lung cancer. As alternative palliative treatments, laser therapy and stenting can have a dramatic impact on a patient's quality of life. Laser therapy can be used to burn away portions of an unresectable tumor that blocks the esophagus or airway, while stenting may be recommended either following laser therapy to make its effects more durable or when laser therapy cannot be used to open the airway or esophagus.

Cyberknife. Evidence of Mount Sinai's commitment to having the latest and best equipment available for the treatment of its patients, installation of the Cyberknife is expected shortly. Call to see if this latest innovation in stereotactic surgery is already available for clinical use.

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BENEFITS Especially for patients with small nodules, minimally invasive surgery is most often the favored approach since it hastens recovery time and improves the patient's experience. Minimally invasive solutions are preferred whenever possible, allowing less tissue damage, faster recovery time, and less scarring than open surgery.

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FIND A DOCTOR

This surgery is performed by the following physician(s). Click on a name for a complete profile and contact information.

Scott Swanson, MD
Steven Herman, MD
Daniel Krellenstein, MD
Jorge Camunas, MD
Paul Waters, MD
Fouad Lajam, MD

To Find a Doctor, you may also click here or call the toll-free Physician Referral number: 1-800-MD-SINAI

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