Understanding lung and thoracic cancers

Lung and thoracic cancers affect the lungs, chest wall, pleura and mediastinum. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer death — but early detection and personalized treatment options are improving outcomes.

At Endeavor Health, our multidisciplinary teams of experts combine state-of-the-art diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, advanced radiation therapy (including IMRT and SBRT), targeted therapies, and immunotherapy to provide comprehensive care. We guide you through every phase of diagnosis, treatment and recovery with a personalized plan that reflects your cancer type, stage and life goals.

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Types of lung and thoracic cancers

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
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Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
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Pleural mesothelioma
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Mediastinal tumors
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Chest wall tumors
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Thymoma and thymic carcinoma
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Tests and screenings

Early detection improves survival in lung and thoracic cancers. Endeavor Health offers low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for eligible high-risk patients — a method shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 40 percent.

Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who meet all three of the following criteria:

  • 50–80 years of age
  • 20 pack-years of smoking history (e.g., one pack a day for 20 years)
  • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Common diagnostics include:

  • Chest X-ray or LDCT scan
  • PET, MRI, and bronchoscopy
  • Ion robotic bronchoscopy
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Molecular testing to guide therapy

Learn more about screening and early detection

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

The most common type of lung cancer, NSCLC, when diagnosed at an early stage through screening, can very often be cured with surgery or radiation. Patients with more advanced stage disease can also do well but require a combination of surgery, radiation and systemic therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted oral therapies).

  • Persistent cough
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Low-dose CT scan (LDCT) for high-risk patients
  • Chest X-ray or PET scan
  • Biopsy with minimally invasive robotic assisted bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound or needle-guided imaging
  • Genetic testing to identify mutations (EGFR, ALK, KRAS)
  • Surgery, including VATS and robotic-assisted techniques
  • Radiation therapy (IMRT, SBRT)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

A fast-growing cancer that is most heavily associated with smoking. Often diagnosed at a later stage, SCLC typically spreads quickly.

  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing or chest tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Imaging (CT, PET, MRI)
  • Minimally invasive robotic, bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound and biopsy
  • Staging scans to detect metastasis
  • Chemotherapy and radiation
  • Immunotherapy
  • Palliative care to manage symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma

A rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, often linked to asbestos exposure. It may develop decades after exposure.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Pleural effusion (fluid around lungs)
  • CT scan or MRI
  • Thoracentesis or surgical biopsy
  • PET scan for staging
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Multimodal therapy (combined approach)

Mediastinal tumors

Tumors located in the central part of the chest between the lungs. Can be benign or malignant.

  • Chest pain
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling in the neck or face
  • CT or MRI of the chest
  • Minimally invasive bronchoscopy biopsy via endobronchial ultrasound, mediastinoscopy or image-guided needle
  • Blood tests for tumor markers
  • Surgical resection
  • Radiation and/or chemotherapy
  • Observation for benign lesions

Chest wall tumors

These may be primary (starting in the chest wall) or metastatic. Surgery is often the main treatment.

  • Visible mass or swelling
  • Chest pain
  • Limited movement or rib pain
  • Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
  • Biopsy to confirm diagnosis
  • Surgical planning with 3D modeling in some cases
  • Surgical removal with reconstruction if needed
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy for metastatic cases

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Rare cancers that originate in the thymus gland. Often discovered incidentally on imaging.

  • Cough or chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Myasthenia gravis symptoms (in some patients)
  • Chest CT or PET
  • Biopsy or surgical resection
  • Blood tests for autoimmune markers
  • Surgery (often minimally invasive with robotic assisted techniques)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy or immunotherapy (for advanced cases)

Why choose Endeavor Health?

We’re redefining what it means to receive expert cancer care close to home. From the latest diagnostic tools to personalized treatment plans and supportive services, our approach is centered on you. Here are a few ways our team makes a difference in lung and thoracic cancer care.

Your case is reviewed by a team of thoracic surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation specialists and pathologists — working together to tailor your care.

We offer minimally invasive biopsy techniques, robotic-assisted surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to speed recovery.

We use the latest therapies, including genotype-directed drugs and checkpoint inhibitors, matched to your tumor’s genetics.

From tobacco cessation to nutrition, social work and survivorship planning — we support your physical, emotional and financial needs.

Lung and thoracic cancer FAQ

Screening is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years.

A persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood may signal lung cancer — especially in current or former smokers.

NSCLC is more common and grows more slowly. SCLC spreads faster and is often diagnosed at a later stage.

Many patients benefit from surgery, especially if cancer is caught early. Others may start with radiation, chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

We offer a full tobacco cessation program, including support groups, counseling and medication options.

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Clinical trials & research

Our researchers are exploring new immunotherapy combinations, surgical advances, molecular targeting strategies and radiation techniques — offering hope for more patients through clinical trials.

Learn more about clinical trials

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Whether you’ve been diagnosed or are high risk, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation or lung cancer screening today.

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The Endeavor Health Cancer Institute provides advanced lung and thoracic cancer care — combining expertise, technology and compassion to deliver leading-edge treatment, close to home.

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