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Lung Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that crowd out and destroy healthy tissue, and the cessation of normal cell death. Lung cancer starts in the lining of a lung airway or a gland in the lung. The two major types of lung cancer are small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer is sometimes called "oat cell" cancer for the distinctive shape of its cells. It is fast-growing and frequently has no symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. Small cell lung cancer is responsible for about 25 percent of all lung cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer is responsible for about 75 percent of all lung cancers, and also has no symptoms in its early stages.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Each year, it accounts for nearly 160,000 deaths in the United States, and an estimated 3,000 deaths in Maryland. Lung cancer often takes many years to develop and is difficult to detect at an early stage when it has a greater potential for cure. More Americans die each year from lung cancer than from breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.
The Lung Cancer Program at Union Memorial Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACOS). ACOS accreditation defines a high level of expertise and commitment to provide outstanding care to patients with cancer.
Our state-of-the-art facilities offer exams, pre-admission testing, treatment and emergency care. Inpatients benefit from a comfortable hospital setting with a compassionate and highly qualified oncology staff.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Dr. Heitmiller puts the patient first.
To contact our lung cancer line, please call 1-866-488-LUNG (5864).
Learn about lung cancer risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment »
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