Our Services / Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women in America. Getting effective diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer at Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) in Memphis, Tennessee, can give you the support you need. Joy Burbeck and a team of experts provide personalized and compassionate care throughout the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Call the multi-specialty group practice or request an online appointment if you or a loved one are concerned about lung cancer and need help. 

What causes lung cancer?

The most common causes of lung cancer are smoking and secondhand smoke. Less frequently, lung cancer is caused by exposure to environmental pollutants. In rare cases, cancer develops in people with no known risk factors, and unfortunately, the cause is unclear.

What are the signs of lung cancer?

You are at risk if you have a history of smoking or secondhand smoke exposure along with these common signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

• A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Feeling tired or weak
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Chronic lung infections
• Repeated bouts of pneumonia 

Don’t brush these symptoms off if they’re causing problems for you. Diagnosis is less invasive than traditional biopsy methods, with cutting-edge technology available at Midsouth Independent Group (MIG).

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

The primary test to detect cancerous changes in the lungs is bronchoscopy. Your provider slides a thin bronchoscope made of fiber optic cable through your mouth and nose to your lungs while you are under local anesthesia. The cable includes a camera that takes videos of your lungs.

Your provider uses the highest-quality technology to diagnose lung cancer, including endobronchial (EBUS) bronchoscopy and navigational bronchoscopy. These options are minimally invasive and safer when compared to chest biopsies.

What are the different types of lung cancer?

Understanding the type of lung cancer you have will affect the kind of treatment you receive and your prognosis. Your provider will recommend the appropriate oncologist for specialized treatment based on your lung cancer type:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form, making up approximately 85% of diagnoses. Subtypes include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer, or oat cell cancer, causes about 10-15% of cases and spreads quickly.

Lung Carcinoid Tumor

Lung carcinoid tumors cause approximately 5% of lung cancers. They can also be called neuroendocrine lung tumors. This type rarely spreads and tends to grow slowly.

Your provider educates you about lung cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and follow-up care so you can make the best choice based on your needs.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or need help, call Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) now, or schedule a visit online at your convenience.