Why Choose Us for Lung Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for lung cancers. Your care team includes expert thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. We work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that’s focused on your needs and goals. Our approach uses evidence-based treatments, including robotic thoracic surgery, clinical trials, and personalized therapy planning to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
“From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. My care team greeted me with warmth and compassion, developing a personalized plan to address my specific cancer."
Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on your cancer stage, location, and preferences:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases, watchful waiting
- Surgery, including minimally invasive approaches like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery
Robotic Surgery
We are among the few cancer centers offering robotic thoracic surgery via the da Vinci system, a robotic-assisted surgical platform used for cancer surgery. This method enables smaller incisions, more precise dissection, faster recovery, and fewer complications when applicable.
Not every patient or tumor is suited for robotic surgery. Our team carefully assesses and advises on the best approach for your cancer.
Recovering After Surgery
After surgery, you will follow a personalized recovery plan. Most surgeons use absorbable sutures or water-proof glue to close incisions, with minimal restrictions during healing.
Important elements of recovery include rest, balanced nutrition, light activity, smoking cessation, and close follow-up. Our team is available for concerns 24/7 after you leave the cancer center.
Support groups and psychosocial resources are offered to help you and your family navigate the emotional and practical challenges of treatment.
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we offer the latest treatments and the highest level of care possible. We are experts in the following:
- Diagnosing and treating both common and rare thoracic malignancies, cancers that begin in the chest and then spread to other organs
- Leading the way in robotic thoracic surgery, routinely teaching and supervising others
- Coordinating multidisciplinary tumor boards, or teams of health care experts, to tailor care.
- Integrating cutting-edge research and technology into patient care
- Performing advanced biopsies and diagnostics to ensure comprehensive evaluation
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Lung Cancer Doctor
Lung Cancer Research
Our expert research teams are working to improve treatment for lung cancers, especially in advanced cases. Through clinical trials, we explore new diagnostics, therapies, and supportive care strategies for lung and chest wall cancers that may offer better outcomes.
By participating, you play an active role in advancing care and helping others facing the same diagnosis. Interested in learning more? Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Lung Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a lung cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Lung Cancer Basics
Lung cancer is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells develop in lung tissues or nearby structures. These are the main types of lung cancer:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
The most common class, NSCLC includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, which starts in the mucus-producing outer lung cells, and squamous cell carcinoma, often found in central lung tissue, and associated with smoking. Treatment may include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or combinations.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC grows more rapidly and often spreads early. Surgery is rarely an option except in very early cases.
Mesothelioma
This is a rarer cancer in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen.
These are warning signs of lung cancer:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath, wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Appetite loss, weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the face or neck
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, please schedule a screening today.
These are risk factors for lung cancer:
- Smoking, including past use
- Secondary (secondhand) smoke exposure
- Family history of lung cancer or lung disease
- Radon exposure in homes or workplaces
- Occupational or environmental exposures from air pollution or radiation
- Prior chest radiation therapy or repeated imaging exposure
- HIV infection, which can cause increased susceptibility
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Diagnosis
To evaluate lung cancer, we use a combination of the following:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Lab tests like bloodwork and urinalysis
- Imaging like Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), PET
- Biopsy or tissue sampling for definitive diagnosis
- In some cases, lung cancer screening, especially for patients with smoking history to detect disease early
Staging
Non-small cell lung cancer staging, or the process of determining how much cancer is in the body and its exact location:
- Occult: cancer detectable only at cellular level
- Stage 0: abnormal cells in airway lining
- Stage 1: tumor ≤ 5 cm, localized
- Stage 2: spread to nearby lymph nodes, or larger tumor
- Stage 3: multiple nodes or chest involvement
- Stage 4: metastasis to distant sites
Small cell lung cancer staging:
- Limited: Cancer is confined to one lung or regional lymph nodes.
- Extensive: Disease has spread beyond local structures.
