Lung Cancer Care in the Willamette Valley

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Newly Diagnosed with Lung Cancer?

A lung cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling overwhelmed and full of questions. Here's our guide to help you prepare for your first medical oncology appointment. And, hopefully, ease your mind about what you can expect. 

Our lung cancer specialists in Willamette Valley are ready to help you navigate your treatment plan as well as help you manage side effects, nutrition, and your emotional well-being.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer. The types are based on the way the cells look under a microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is much more common than small cell lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small Cell Lung Cancer

Causes of Lung Cancer

Although smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, lung cancer risk is also increased by:

  • exposure to secondhand smoke
  • environmental exposures, such as radon
  • workplace toxins (e.g., asbestos, arsenic)
  • air pollution

More Information About Lung Cancer

Our lung cancer care specialists are dedicated to helping patients throughout Willamette Valley - including Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, and Newport.

 

Take a look at the information here to understand your particular cancer and review the important information.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

 

Detection and Diagnosis

Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Treatment Options

Small Cell Lung Cancer

 

Detection and Diagnosis

Stages of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Treatment Options

Find an Oncologist Near You

We encourage you to request an appointment with the cancer care team at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center to discuss your individual situation or any questions that you may have. We have office locations in:

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Research and It's Impact on Treatment for Lung Cancer

Willamette Valley Cancer Institute continues to look for new and better ways to help lung cancer patients. Research that has helped detect cancer earlier with machine learning and advancements in treatment options are helping change the future of lung cancer treatments. 

One promising clinical research study, available through WVCI is called MYLUNG. The study aims to develop new targeted treatment options and is expected to improve the lives of thousands of non-small cell lung cancer patients. 

Read More

Signs & Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can happen to anyone; however, smokers are about 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. At least 20% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked at all! 

Whether you’re young or old, a smoker or nonsmoker, it’s important to be on the lookout for lung cancer symptoms.

Symptoms of Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms don’t always show until the cancer has become more advanced. However, that isn’t the case for everyone. Sometimes, a slight cough or shortness of breath, especially if you never smoked, can be an early indication of lung cancer. And if these symptoms don’t clear up for anyone – smoker or nonsmoker – within a week or so, or become more severe as time goes on, it’s a sign that you should see your doctor.

Historically, lung cancer treatment is more successful the earlier it’s diagnosed. Because of that, we recommend you contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these lung cancer symptoms:

  • A lingering cough not associated with a viral infection
  • Coughing up blood or coughing up spit or phlegm tainted with blood
  • Constant chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Fatigue and/or weakness
  • New onset of wheezing 
  • Recurring (chronic) infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
  • Unexplained hoarseness
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite not due to lifestyle changes
Symptoms of Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer

Symptoms often change once lung cancer becomes advanced and spreads to other areas of the body. Some advanced lung cancer symptoms may include:

  • A headache, dizziness, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Bone pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Lumps in the neck and/or collarbone region
Often, many of the symptoms related to lung cancer are the result of something other than lung cancer. It’s less likely related to a virus or other short-term condition if the symptoms carry on for more than a week or two. It is important to see your doctor if you notice one or more of these signs or symptoms or anything unusual. Even if it’s not lung cancer, there are other conditions affecting the lungs that your doctor should assess.
 
Our lung cancer specialists at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute (WVCI) are available to help if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations. We are conveniently located in Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, and Lincoln City to help patients in Willamette Valley.

Lung Cancer Care in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City & Newport

When you’re ready, click the button to make an appointment with one of our lung cancer specialists. WVCI has a team of experts conveniently located in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, and Newport, Oregon, ready to talk to you about your lung cancer and all your personalized treatment options. We know it’s important for you to get good information and choose a treatment that’s best for you. We’re here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way.
 
find a cancer center at wvci in willamette valley and the oregon coast