Lung Cancer & Other Thoracic and Related Cancers
The University of Colorado Cancer Center Lung Cancer
Team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists,
thoracic surgeons, pathologists and others, all specializing
in the diagnosis and treatment of lung and chest cancers.
Cancers of the lung and chest affect about 175,000 people a year in the United States. They are treatable, but can be some of the most serious cancers that affect both men and women.
At the University of Colorado Cancer Center, we are experts in treating the two main types of lung cancer:
We also treat other cancers of the respiratory system and related cancers, including:
- Malignant mesothelioma
- Thymoma and thymic carcinoma
- Small cell cancer in other body sites
- Chest sarcomas
- Pulmonary carcinoid tumors
The University of Colorado Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology Program
The UCCC Thoracic Oncology Program is internationally renowned for lung and chest cancer research and care. As part of the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Rocky Mountain region, the program:
- Is a multidisciplinary team of doctors and surgeons that specialize in caring for lung and chest cancers
- Offers state-of-the-art treatment for both common and rare cancers of the chest/thorax
- Has lead many breakthroughs in the treatment of lung and chest cancer
- Provides access to the latest drugs and vaccines through clinical trials, years before they may be more freely available
- Is a nationally recognized center for second opinions on lung and chest cancer
Common thoracic cancers
Non-small cell lung cancers
Non-small cell lung cancers account for about 85 percent of all lung cancers. Subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma (BAC)
- Squamous carcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
- Large cell neuro-endocrine carcinoma
- Mixed histology lung cancer
Small cell lung cancers
Small cell lung cancers account for about 15 percent of all lung cancers.
Rarer thoracic cancers and related cancers include:
- Mesothelioma
- Thymic carcinoma or thymoma
- Pulmonary/lung carcinoid
- Chest sarcoma
- Small cell cancers that arise from other parts of the body are usually treated similarly to small cell cancers of the lung. Because of this they are often treated by the same oncology team.
We’re the Region’s Only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the Rocky Mountain Region's National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of only 39 in the United States.
- This designation means that we are recognized as leaders in providing outstanding cancer care and cancer-related education, and in driving new research.
- No other cancer center in the region offers the expertise we do.
We’re One of the Nation’s Best Cancer Centers
U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s adult patient care center at University of Colorado Hospital among the best cancer programs in the nation.
- In 2007, we ranked 35th overall and among the ten best in the West
- 5280 Magazine consistently votes our cancer doctors among the best in Colorado
- We have more cancer doctors listed among Best Doctors in America than any other cancer center in the region