Lung Cancer

Each type of cancer has unique characteristics and responds differently when treated. Our highly trained staff and physicians combine their skills with the latest equipment and techniques to treat all forms of cancer. The webpages below contain detailed information about specific types of cancer, related issues and the treatment options available.

Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Anatomy

The chest contains the right and left lungs and a central structure called the mediastinum. Located in the mediastinum are the heart, esophagus (food pipe), trachea (windpipe), numerous major blood vessels, including the aorta, which carries blood out of the heart, and the inferior and superior vena cava, which carry blood into the heart. Also located in the mediastinum are many lymph nodes.

Lung tissue looks like a very fine air-filled sponge. Surrounding the lung is a membrane called the pleura. Immediately outside the pleura is the chest, comprising of ribs and muscle.

The lungs are connected to the windpipe through air tubes called the left mainstem bronchus and the right mainstem bronchus.

The mainstem bronchi branch successively into smaller and smaller bronchi supplying the minute air sacs (alveoli) where the actual gas exchange takes place.

Where the mainstem bronchi connect with the lungs are also located lymph nodes and major blood vessels, carrying blood to and from the lungs. These connecting structures are known in the aggregate as the hilum of the lung.