What kind of doctors treat lung cancer?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or your doctor thinks you could have lung cancer, he or she may refer you to different types of specialists for testing and a diagnosis. If you have lung cancer, your treatment team will likely involve doctors from many specialties who work together to provide you with the best multidisciplinary care available. At Beaumont’s Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, expert doctors from all disciplines will work together to provide you with state-of-the-art treatment options for lung cancer.
Here are some of the specialists you may see if you have lung cancer.
Oncologist
An oncologist is a cancer specialist who will help you set up a treatment plan after your cancer diagnosis. There are several types of oncologists available to you, including:
- Thoracic oncologists, who are experts in lung cancer and are up-to-date on the latest technologies and treatments. They may know more about lung cancer and lung cancer treatments than a general oncologist.
- Radiation oncologists are specialists who use radiation to treat cancer.
- Medical oncologists, who are specialists in using drugs like chemotherapy or biological therapy to treat cancer.
- Surgical oncologists, who are experts at removing cancer and affected tissue through surgery.
Pulmonologist
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the respiratory system, which includes the lungs. They may also be called pulmonary specialists. These doctors treat disorders like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
Neoplastic pulmonologists are pulmonologists who have expertise in treating tumors in the lungs. You may see one of these experts if you have lung cancer. Your pulmonologist will work closely with your other specialists to treat your lung cancer.
Thoracic surgeon
Thoracic surgeons specialize in chest (thorax) surgery. These experts perform operations on the throat, lungs, and heart. They are sometimes grouped with cardiac surgeons. Thoracic surgeons work closely with experts in oncology, pulmonology, and other medical fields. Your thoracic surgery team could include nurses, respiratory therapists, pain management therapists, and other multidisciplinary team members.
Genetic counselor
If you have cancer or are at risk for developing cancer, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor. People with a family history of cancer or a genetic susceptibility to it may be able to take steps to stop cancer from occurring. Genetic counselors can help you figure out which cancers you may be at risk for and what, if anything, you can do to help prevent cancer. Experts believe that about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are linked to heredity.
Genetic counselors offer:
- Family history evaluations
- Genetic testing
- Genetic counseling
- Cancer risk management strategies
Genetic counselors work closely with other physicians involved in your prevention or treatment plans.
Experts in other fields
Specialists in many other fields may be involved in your lung cancer treatment, including fields like:
- Radiology and nuclear medicine to administer imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs
- Doctors working on clinical research trials who may be able to offer you the newest experimental treatment strategies
- Integrative medicine specialists who combine traditional and holistic approaches to treat disease
- Cancer support professionals who offer counseling and other support and guidance
Discover your treatment options at Beaumont
If doctors think you may have lung cancer, you can trust Beaumont specialists to meet your treatment needs. Doctors at Beaumont detect more early stage cancers than any other hospital in Michigan. We use the most advanced treatments and the latest technology to offer patients individually targeted care. Our Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at Beaumont Hospital, Troy offers you a highly trained and experienced team of cancer specialists.
Through Beaumont’s Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer program, we develop an individualized treatment plan based on your unique situation. Your doctor will work closely with you to develop the most effective treatment plan for you.