Lung Cancer

A team approach for your care

The healthcare team at the St. Vincent’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancers of the respiratory system. 

Our multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists work closely with your primary care physician to coordinate your care and keep you safe.

Cancers of the respiratory system includes cancers of the:

• Lung  
• Trachea
• Mediastinum
• Pleura

Facts about lung cancer

The respiratory system allows the body to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen to maintain healthy tissues. The system is divided into the upper respiratory tract (nose and nasal passages) and the lower respiratory tract (lungs and air sacs).  The main windpipe is the trachea and covering of the lungs is called the pleura.  Between the lungs is a space referred to as the mediastinum which houses the great vessels, heart, trachea, and lymph nodes.

Lung cancer accounts for almost 14% of all new cancer cases in the United States with approximately 221,130 new cases annually. There are about 156,940 deaths from this disease.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.  More people die from lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. 

It is rare in people under the age of 45.  Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer and results in nearly 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer.

Cancer of the trachea, pleura, and mediastinum are rare and account for only a small percentage of cases within the respiratory system. Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for cancer of the pleura (mesothelioma).

Treating lung cancer at St. Vincent’s

Our comprehensive care approach to treating patients addresses the medical as well as the psychological needs of cancer patients and their families. From diagnosis to treatment to support services and survivorship, our team of physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and support staff work collaboratively to determine individualized treatment options leading to the most optimal results for the patient.

A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is commonly used to treat cancers of the respiratory system.  Each patient’s individual needs are assessed by our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists to determine which combination of treatment options is most appropriate. 

Complex lung cancer cases are often reviewed at our bi-weekly lung cancer specific Tumor Conferences attended by physicians and staff from different disciplines ensuring the most thorough assessment of these cases.

Treatments designed exclusively for you

At St. Vincent’s, patients are assessed on an individualized basis for specialized treatments including minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT),  intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), personalized chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery or SRS utilizing the Novalis Tx platform. 

Patients receiving chemotherapy may receive treatment in our ambulatory infusion center where they will find a warm, healing environment with state-of-the-art medical equipment and experienced, certified oncology nurses.

You will always be treated with compassion and with the philosophy of treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit – not just the cancer. Compassionate care is our mission.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care is accredited with commendation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.  

Criteria for accreditation include a relationship with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and a representative from the ACS is a member of our Hospital Committee on Cancer.

Click in for additional information about specific cancers listed by ACS, and call the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care's referral line: 1-877-231-SWIM (7946) for more informaton.

Contact us

To find a St. Vincent’s physician who can discuss your health concerns or those of a loved one, please click on our FIND A DOCTOR tool and search by specialty, practice, location or keyword. We’re here to help you locate the medical expert you need.

To speak with a St. Vincent's Care Line representative, call (877) 255-7847

To speak with somone at the front desk of the Medical Center, please call (203) 576-6000

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