Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and oxygen exchange. The two main types are non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which tends to grow and spread more quickly.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our pulmonologists provide comprehensive lung cancer care, from early detection through low-dose CT (LDCT) screening to advanced treatment planning with our oncology, thoracic surgery, and radiation teams. We focus on timely diagnosis, coordinated therapy, and compassionate support throughout every stage of care.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Lung cancer symptoms can be subtle early on and are often mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough or change in a chronic cough
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or loss of appetite

If you are a current or former smoker, or have a history of occupational exposure (e.g., asbestos, radon), you may be at higher risk for developing lung cancer.

Our pulmonologists perform a thorough evaluation, reviewing your medical history, imaging results, and risk factors to guide the next steps in diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing lung cancer involves several steps to identify the type, location, and stage of the disease. Because symptoms can be subtle in early stages, imaging and tissue testing play an essential role in detection.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Scan: Used to detect small lung nodules in high-risk individuals, such as current or former smokers.
• Bronchoscopy or Navigational Bronchoscopy: Enables your pulmonologist to directly view the airways and collect tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis.
• CT-Guided Needle Biopsy: Uses imaging guidance to sample lung tissue from hard-to-reach areas.
• PET-CT Scan: Helps determine whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our pulmonologists coordinate closely with oncology and radiology teams to ensure a comprehensive and efficient diagnostic process, allowing treatment to begin as quickly as possible once a diagnosis is confirmed.

Treatment

Lung cancer treatment is highly personalized, based on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. Our goal is to control disease, relieve symptoms, and support long-term quality of life through a multidisciplinary care plan.

Surgical Management

For early-stage lung cancer, surgery may provide a curative outcome. Surgical procedures commonly performed to remove (resect) lung cancer include:

• Lobectomy or Wedge Resection: Removes the affected portion of the lung for localized or early-stage cancers.
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic-Assisted Thoracoscopic surgery (RATS): These are minimally invasive approaches that offer faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort for selected patients.¹

Medical Therapy

For advanced tumors or when the tumor cannot be fully removed by surgery, medical options may include:

• Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: Target rapidly growing cancer cells or boost your immune system to fight disease, especially in advanced or metastatic cases.
• Targeted Therapy: Uses precision medications designed for tumors with specific genetic mutations.
• Radiation Therapy: Focused energy treatment used for local tumor control or to relieve symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath.

Supportive & Palliative Care

Comprehensive care goes beyond treating the cancer itself. Our team focuses on improving patients’ comfort and maintaining strength through:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation to enhance lung capacity and endurance.
• Symptom management for fatigue, cough, or pain.
• Smoking cessation counseling to prevent additional lung damage and improve treatment outcomes.

By combining cutting-edge therapies with compassionate care, The Medical Group of New Jersey helps patients navigate each stage of lung cancer with confidence and support.

1. Mattioni, Giovanni, et al. “Approaches and Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) for Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review.” Journal of Robotic Surgery, 21 Dec. 2022.

Ongoing Management & Prevention

After initial treatment, long-term follow-up is key. Our team monitors recovery and screens for recurrence using periodic imaging and physical exams. Ongoing management includes:

• Regular chest CTs or PET scans
• Medication review and side-effect management
• Nutrition and fitness counseling
• Emotional and psychological support

We also emphasize lung cancer screening for high-risk adults (ages 50–80 with a history of heavy smoking), which can detect cancer early when it’s most treatable.