Lung Cancer Treatment in Port Jefferson, NY

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is the second most common cause of cancer seen in both men and women in the United States.

The lungs act as sponges that work to absorb and filter out any potentially harmful substances while also supplying the body with much-needed oxygen for numerous vital functions. As the lungs are exposed to more and more harmful substances, particles, and chemicals, their health becomes continually compromised, which can lead to severe conditions like lung cancer.

Meet Dr. Brevetti

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Gregory Brevetti, MD

Dr. Gregory Brevetti has been board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery since 2001. With over 20 years of experience in thoracic surgery, patients throughout Long Island seek out Dr. Brevetti when they’re in need of lung cancer surgery. He will be able to determine whether you need a lobectomy, wedge resection, pneumonectomy, or sleeve resection, and can perform each surgery with extreme precision. If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and require surgery, contact our office today to schedule an appointment in Port Jefferson. Give us a call at (631) 353-0909 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

The Three Most Common Types of Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is by far the most common kind diagnosed with about 85% of all lung cancer cases belonging to this category. Some examples of non-small cell lung cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a more aggressive type of lung cancer that appears as a small and oval-shaped mass. Also called oat cell cancer, this type accounts for roughly 10-15% of lung cancers.

Lung carcinoid tumors are responsible for about 5% of all lung cancer cases. These tumors are typically characterized by very slow growth and rarely spread. Lung carcinoid tumors may also be referred to as lung neuroendocrine tumors.

There are also instances of extremely rare forms of lung cancer, as well as cancer that originated elsewhere in the body and eventually metastasized (spread) to reach the lungs.

Who Is at Risk for Lung Cancer?

Any person can encounter abnormal cell growth within the lung tissue that has the potential to become cancerous. The following factors do not guarantee a person with these habits will develop lung cancer, though they are known to significantly increase their risk:

• Smoking
• Regular inhalation of secondhand smoke
• Being frequently exposed to toxic chemicals or pollution
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to asbestos
• Being infected with HPV
• Having a family history of lung cancer
• Age (the average age of diagnosis is around 70 years old)

What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

If you experience any or all of the symptoms listed below, please contact Gregory Brevetti, MD immediately at (631) 353-0909 for an appointment, as they are often signs of lung cancer or another serious respiratory condition:

• Chest pain
• Chronic coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, and/or hoarseness
• Presence of blood in the person’s spit or phlegm
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Recurring respiratory infections
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling in the face or neck

Staging and Treatment for Lung Cancer

Before a course of treatment can be recommended by Dr. Brevetti, the patient must first undergo diagnostic testing to determine how far their lung cancer has progressed. This process is called staging, and the later the stage the patient is involved in, the tougher their treatment and recovery are likely to be.

The type of surgical procedure recommended for a patient will depend on where the cancer is located, the size of the tumor, and whether or not it has metastasized, or spread to other parts of the patient’s body. Common lung cancer surgeries performed include:

• Lobectomy – If an affected lung is healthy enough to function with two lobes instead of all three, a lobectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the removal of the entire cancerous lobe of a lung.
• Wedge resection – If lung function would be decreased too much by the complete removal of a lobe, a wedge resection may be an alternative. This procedure involves the removal of only a small piece of the lung and a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor.
• Pneumonectomy – If the cancer has spread throughout a lung, a patient may require a pneumonectomy, which involves the removal of the entire affected lung. This procedure is usually performed as a last resort.
• Sleeve resection – At the top of each lung is a tube-like structure called the bronchus, which connects the lung to the windpipe. If the cancer is located in this region, surgeons may remove the cancerous segment of the bronchus and then reattach the healthy ends.

Whenever possible, Dr. Brevetti uses minimally invasive techniques to perform these procedures.