According to the American Cancer Society, more than 230,000 cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. There are two major subtypes of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, which account for about 85% and 15% of lung cancers in the U.S., respectively. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths.
The good news is that the number of new lung cancer cases continues to decrease, partly because more people are quitting smoking, or not starting altogether. The number of deaths from lung cancer continues to drop as well, due to fewer people smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
Facing a lung cancer diagnosis brings challenges, uncertainties, and decisions to make about treatment plans. At Louisville CyberKnife, we utilize innovative radiation therapy methods like the CyberKnife, to treat lung cancer. The CyberKnife excels in treating lung tumors, even those diagnosed at later stages. Its cutting-edge capability lies in real-time tracking and adjustment for both patient and tumor movement. This technology delivers precise radiation even within the constantly moving environment of the lungs, where breathing and other factors can cause significant movement. Traditional treatments often struggle with lung mobility, but the CyberKnife’s real-time tracking overcomes this challenge, ensuring accurate targeting of cancer cells. The CyberKnife administers targeted radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision allows patients to maintain a higher quality of life during treatment, reducing side effects and enhancing overall outcomes.
For more information about treating lung tumors with CyberKnife technology, please contact Louisville CyberKnife today.