Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women in the United States, but Wickii Vigneswaran, MD, in Maywood, Illinois, can help improve the quantity and quality of your life if you’re suffering from this disease. Dr. Vigneswaran has more than 25 years of experience in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for treating people with lung cancer. If you’re looking for lung cancer treatment in the Chicago area, call Dr. Vigneswaran’s office or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
Two main types of cancer originate in your lungs: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
The most common types of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers. This type of lung cancer is used to describe lung cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.
Small cell lung cancers are most common in heavy smokers and generally less common than non-small cell varieties.
In most cases, lung cancer is due to smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. However, sometimes there is no obvious cause.
In the earliest stages of lung cancer, you may not have any symptoms. As your condition advances, common symptoms might include:
It’s also common to have bone pain or headaches if you have lung cancer.
Based on your symptoms, Dr. Vigneswaran might suggest a variety of tests, including:
Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Vigneswaran also evaluates the stage of your cancer. Lung cancer stages range from I to IV. If you have stage I or II lung cancer, it’s limited to your lung. Stage IV cancers are advanced and have spread to other parts of your body. Stages I- III are considered for surgical treatment.
Dr. Vigneswaran outlines a course of treatment based on your general health, your type of lung cancer, and the extent of your illness. He also works with you to ensure your comfort and that you have the best quality of life possible during treatment.
Common lung cancer therapies include surgery to remove small portions of the lung, an entire lobe of one lung, or to remove your lung entirely. Dr. Vigneswaran also offers advanced surgical techniques like minimally invasive surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and Robotic Surgery. These surgical techniques can speed up your recovery process and often result in less pain and fewer complications.
Additional treatments for lung cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, radiosurgery, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Dr. Vigneswaran also offers supportive or palliative care to keep you comfortable during and after your lung cancer treatment.
For more information on lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, call Wickii Vigneswaran, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.
