Lung Cancer

Cancer Center
Lung Cancer

All Types of Cancer

Lung Cancer Care and Treatment in Brevard County

Lung cancer is caused by abnormal cells that begin to grow out of control and form tumors in the lungs, and sometimes even beyond the lungs. As with most types of cancer, there are different variations that fall under the category of lung cancer.

The two primary types are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). These types of cancer treated somewhat differently which is why an oncologist will determine the type of lung cancer very early in the treatment process. Stage and location of the lung cancer is also assessed before recommending a treatment plan.

Choosing Lung Cancer Care at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard

Cancer Care Centers of Brevard offers expert, compassionate care close to home. Serving patients throughout Brevard County—including Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, and Rockledge—our team of experienced oncologists create personalized treatment plans based on the type, stage, and location of your lung cancer.

As the only community oncology practice and the only cancer research institute in Brevard County, we provide access to the latest treatments, including clinical trials, right here on the Space Coast. At Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, you're not just a patient—you’re part of a team that’s committed to helping you through every step of your cancer journey.

Lung Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Lung cancer can happen to anyone. Men and women who smoke are about 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. But at least 20% of those diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked at all! Whether you’re young or old, a smoker or nonsmoker, it’s important to be on the lookout for lung cancer symptoms.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancers are broadly classified into two types, small cell lung cancers and non-small cell lung cancers. The difference between the two primary types of lung cancer is literally the size of the cancer cells. Small cell lung cancer cells appear small and round under a microscope while non-small cell lung cancer cells are larger.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

There are multiple tests used to detect, diagnose, and stage lung cancer. The tests used with each patient will vary based on the type and whether it’s suspected that the cancer has spread outside of the lungs.

Lung Cancer Staging

After determining a diagnosis of small cell or non-small cell lung cancer there may be additional testing to determine if the cancer cells have spread within the chest or to other parts of the body. Information gathered determines the stage of the disease and the treatment plan.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

The type of treatment you receive for lung cancer will depend on the type of lung cancer that you've been diagnosed with, as well as the stage and your overall health. The experts at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard will walk you through your personalized lung cancer care treatment options.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

When it comes to lung cancer, no one is immune to the possibility of developing it— and unfortunately, there are several risk factors that can leave you more susceptible than others. While there are some obvious risk factors, like smoking, that can be changed, other risk factors, like genetics, cannot.

Biomarker Testing for Genetic Mutations in NSCLC

Several gene mutations are associated with non-small lung cancer development. Based on the results of biomarker tests, lung cancer doctors create a treatment plan personalized to the specific genetic mutations found during testing. The absence of genetic mutations also provides information to the oncology team when developing a treatment plan.