Lung Cancer

Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined. In fact, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States in both men and women, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The thoracic (chest) cancer experts at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) fight this devastating disease by:

• Offering experienced physicians who regularly treat even rare cancers
• Providing personalized and precise lung and thoracic cancer care to patients with all stages of cancer
• Yielding the best quality outcomes. Data shows being treated first at a NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center like ours improves a patient's survival
• Leading clinical trials and working with other NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in research

Types of Lung Cancers

UMGCCC oncology experts partner with the University of Maryland Medical Center's thoracic surgery team to treat the two types of lung cancer:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This umbrella term can be broken down into many different types. The first three are the most common:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Large cell carcinoma
• Pleomorphic
• Carcinoid tumor
• Unclassified carcinoma

Small Cell Lung Cancer

This less common type of lung cancer typically appears in heavy smokers. There are two types of small cell lung cancer:

• Small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer)
• Combined small cell carcinoma

Lung Cancer Treatment at UMGCCC

Our university-based chest cancer experts (medical, surgical and radiation) consult together to determine the best possible treatment plan for every patient. Our team meets twice a week to evaluate patient profiles, discuss treatment plans and examine new innovative treatments that could be beneficial. Through this approach, our patients receive personalized care while undergoing treatment, including complex and aggressive therapies and radiation oncology.

Online Doctor Visit for Chest Conditions

UMGCCC already provides the highest levels of care for lung cancer and other chest conditions, but now patients may learn about their treatment options from the comfort of their homes. Call 1-888-754-6631 to learn more about our TeleThoracic program.

Proton Therapy

UMGCCC's affiliation with the Maryland Proton Treatment Center gives patients access to this cutting edge therapy, where a precise dose of radiation can target cancer cells with very little radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.

Thoracic Intermediate Care Unit

This type of dedicated recovery unit for chest surgery patients is known to increase safety and decrease length of stay. UMMC's Thoracic Intermediate Care Unit is the region's first and only fully-integrated unit dedicated to the care of general chest surgery patients.

To make an appointment with a lung cancer expert, please call 410-328-6366.