Lung Cancer: Diagnosis, Staging, and Radiation Therapy Treatments

Jacqueline (Kim) Mylan, MBA, R.T.(T)(ARRT)

^*Program Dean and Instructor Emeritus, Radiation Therapy, Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, Delray Beach, FL

Address correspondence to: Jacqueline (Kim) Mylan, MBA, R.T.(T)(ARRT). E-mail: jkimmylan@yahoo.com.

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, in recent years, screening modalities, and treatment options have improved. It is necessary to understand the details of the disease, its natural history, and clinical presentation so that appropriate diagnostic tools and treatment regimens can be structured. Understanding the different modalities currently available is important to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Tissue-sparing surgery, chemotherapy combinations, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are important tools to treat patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Currently, most lung cancer treatments include, standard radiation, chemotherapy, image-guided external-beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, or proton therapy for the best chance of local control and long-term overall survival (OS). By understanding each screening and diagnostic modality as well as treatment options, the radiation therapy healthcare professional can assist the patient with treatment, improving OS. This CE course will review the anatomy of the lung, the most common types of lung cancer, their epidemiology, etiology, and clinical symptoms. Lung cancer screening protocols and techniques, as well as tumor staging, grading, and prevention strategies will be outlined. A variety of radiation therapy treatment options for these types of lung cancers will be covered including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, brachytherapy, and proton therapy.