Cancer education

Lung cancer

Lung cancer care may involve surgery, radiation, drug therapy, or a combination. The best approach depends on the type of lung cancer (such as non-small cell or small cell), stage, and your overall health.

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Role of radiation

Radiation can treat lung tumors that cannot be removed surgically, or that are better treated without surgery. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivers high-dose, precise radiation over fewer sessions for selected early tumors. Longer courses may be used for locally advanced disease, often with chemotherapy. Radiation can also ease symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or airway blockage when cancer has spread.

Careful planning and image guidance help aim the dose at the tumor while protecting nearby lung, heart, and spinal cord as much as possible.

Surgery & medical oncology

Surgery may remove part or all of a lung lobe when disease is localized and the patient can safely undergo an operation.

Medical oncology may use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs (especially when a gene mutation is found) before, during, or after local treatment.

A lung cancer coordinator at the Cancer Care Center can help navigate appointments and next steps. Medical and surgical oncology are available on site.

What patients often ask

  • Is SBRT an option? It depends on tumor size, location, and stage — Dr. Gorty can discuss whether it fits your case.
  • Will I need chemo with radiation? Sometimes yes for locally advanced disease; your medical and radiation oncologists coordinate that plan.
  • Breathing and fatigue can change during treatment; the team monitors and supports you throughout.

Other cancer education pages

Breast cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Colon & rectal cancer Gynecologic cancers How cancer care works

General education only — not a personal treatment recommendation. Call the office with questions about your care.

Call 909-865-9890 Contact & directions

Call office 1-844-DRGORTY