Thoracic (Lung) Cancer Types and Programs

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The Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology treats lung cancer — non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma — and other cancers of organs within the chest. We take a team approach to your treatment, coordinating among our specialists and offering a range of support services so you receive the highest quality care.

Your health care team includes distinguished thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. The team is with you at each stage of treatment to support your needs during your time at Dana-Farber.

Types of Thoracic Cancer We Treat

Our clinicians are experts in treating all types of thoracic cancer, including:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It begins in the lungs and may spread to other parts of the body. The most common types of non-small cell lung cancer are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Learn how we diagnose and treat non-small cell lung cancer.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer affects about 15% of lung cancer patients. Small cell lung cancer usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi) in the center of the chest. The cancer cells are small, but they usually grow very quickly and create large tumors. Learn how we diagnose and treat small cell lung cancer.

EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancers

The Chen-Huang Center for EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancers pushes the boundaries of knowledge in treating lung cancer, to develop new and better therapies. The mission of the Center is to improve the lives of patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer through innovative research and cutting edge clinical care through the seamless integration of preclinical, translational, and clinical research.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a disease in which cancer cells first arise from one of the body’s linings, most often the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) and sometimes the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity). Learn how we diagnose and treat mesothelioma.

Thymoma and Thymic Malignancies

Thymoma and thymic malignancies are diseases in which cancer cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. The thymus, a small organ that lies in the upper chest under the breastbone, is part of the lymph system. It makes white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that protect the body against infections. Learn how we diagnose and treat thymoma and thymic malignancies.

 

NUT Carcinoma

NUT carcinoma, formerly known as NUT-midline carcinoma (NMC), is a rare and very aggressive form of cancer that can form anywhere in the body, but often forms along the midline structures (head, neck, or lungs). It occurs all over the world in both adults and children of both sexes. Learn how we diagnose and treat NUT carcinoma.