Why choose us for lung cancer care?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Siteman Cancer Center and the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center are two programs accessible through BJC HealthCare. We offer some of the most advanced care for lung cancer in the region. Our experts use pioneering techniques to effectively treat all types and stages of lung cancer.

When you to come to us for lung cancer care, you’ll benefit from:

Nationally recognized expertise: Our network of local hospitals provides the highest quality care. One of our locations, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, is ranked by U.S. New & World Report as a “high-performing” hospital for lung cancer surgery. Siteman Cancer Center provides access to superior care close to home. Siteman is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Groundbreaking treatments: Lung cancer treatment is a quickly evolving field, and our experts are at the forefront of many new discoveries. These breakthroughs mean better outcomes with fewer side effects. We are experts at precision surgeries that preserve lung tissue as well as targeted, more effective radiation therapy.
Research and clinical trials: Our doctors participate in cutting-edge clinical trials that allow you to receive promising new therapies that aren’t widely available. These can be especially important for lung cancer treatment, as breakthrough discoveries can offer hope — even for late-stage disease.
An added layer of support: We understand that a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact every aspect of your life. Our compassionate cancer support services team includes support for you and your family as you navigate treatment. We provide nutritional counseling, emotional support, palliative care and more.

Molecular testing helps target lung cancer treatment

Dr. Matthew Stein uses innovative technology to pinpoint specific features of lung cancer tumors. This allows him to come up with a personalized treatment approach targeted for each patient.

Learn more about how we’re using molecular therapy to fight lung cancer.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the result of cancerous cells growing and multiplying in your lungs. Most commonly, cancer develops in the cells that line the airways inside your lungs.

There are two main types of lung cancer, each of which grows differently and requires different types of treatment. Non-small-cell lung cancer accounts for up to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Small cell lung cancer is rarer. It grows and spreads more quickly and is often diagnosed after it has spread beyond the lungs.

Although smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, not everyone with the disease is a current or former smoker. Advances in prevention, early detection and treatment are improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. But the disease remains the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women, which means it is important to know your risk and take preventive measures.

Take 5 for Lung Cancer

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of lung cancer (such as a cough that won’t go away) or a history of smoking, your doctor may recommend lung cancer screening. As with any type of cancer, finding lung cancer early makes treatment more effective.

The most common type of lung cancer screening test is called low-radiation-dose CT. This imaging test allows your doctor to see images of your lungs and identify any possible tumors. We use the most advanced low-radiation testing to safely screen you for lung cancer.

If imaging tests reveal a possible tumor in your lungs, your doctor will want to take a biopsy (tissue sample) to test. Testing the cells gathered during a biopsy allows us to determine if the tumor is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

We can do a biopsy using either cells taken from mucus you cough up or by removing a sample of tissue from your lungs. Depending on the location of the suspected tumor, we retrieve tissue using a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy.

How is lung cancer treated?

Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer and whether or not it has spread beyond your lungs. We use the most advanced medicines, radiation and surgical techniques to help you fight lung cancer.

In many cases, your lung cancer treatment may be part of a clinical trial of new therapies.

Lung cancer treatment may include:

Surgical Oncology

Our surgical oncology team includes board-certified surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. We provide minimally invasive and robotic options.

Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology

Our cancer centers provide the latest, most effective chemotherapy and medical oncology treatments with a personalized, compassionate approach.

Immunotherapy and Genetics

Our immunotherapy team is knowledgeable in the latest immunotherapy options to treat cancer. We use advanced genetics to tailor your treatment.

Radiation Oncology

Our radiation oncology team features board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists and cancer biologists who specialize in the latest radiation therapies.

Targeted drug therapy

This type of treatment uses medicines that zero in on the specific changes in cancer cells or in nearby tissues that cause the cancer to grow and spread.

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