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directly into a lung tumor. Angiogenesis inhibitors are agents that prevent new blood vessels from forming in growing cancers and may actually turn off the tumor's blood supply. This remains an experimental approach but is promising in part because it seems to cause very few side effects. Genetic testing is being evaluated in order to select patients for appropriate treatment. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) can control early-stage tumors at a rate that is comparable to that achieved by surgery. Clinical Trials For information and resources about clinical trials and to learn about current clinical trials being conducted, see: Clinical Trials - from RadiologyInfo's Screening/Wellness section Lung Cancer Treatment Page 7 of 8 Copyright© 2019, RadiologyInfo.org Reviewed: Jul-17-2019 Clinical Trials - from the National Cancer Institute's Web site Disclaimer This information is copied from the RadiologyInfo Web site (http://www.radiologyinfo.org) which is dedicated to providing the highest quality information. To ensure that, each section is reviewed by a physician with expertise in the area presented. All information contained in the Web site is further reviewed by an ACR (American College of Radiology) - RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) committee, comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas. However, it is not possible to assure that this Web site contains complete, up-to-date information on any particular subject. Therefore, ACR and RSNA make no representations or warranties about the suitability of this information for use for any particular purpose. All information is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty. Please visit the RadiologyInfo Web site at http://www.radiologyinfo.org to view or download the latest information. Note: Images may be shown for illustrative purposes. Do not attempt to draw conclusions or make diagnoses by comparing these images to other medical images, particularly your own. Only qualified physicians should interpret images; the radiologist is the physician expert trained in medical imaging. Copyright This material is copyrighted by either the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), 820 Jorie Boulevard, Oak Brook, IL 60523-2251 or the American College of Radiology (ACR), 1891 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4397. Commercial reproduction or multiple distribution by any traditional or electronically based reproduction/publication method is prohibited. Copyright ® 2019 Radiological Society of North America, Inc. About Lung Cancer cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Overview and Types If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer or are worried about it, you likely have a lot of questions. Learning some basics is a good place to start. ● What Is Lung Cancer? Research and Statistics See the latest estimates for new cases of lung cancer and deaths in the US and what research is currently being done. ● Key Statistics for Lung Cancer ● What’s New in Lung Cancer Research? What Is Lung Cancer? Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?1 Normal structure and function of the lungs 1 American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Your lungs are 2 sponge-like organs in your chest. Your right lung has 3 sections, called lobes. Your left lung has 2 lobes. The left lung is smaller because the heart takes up more room on that side of the body. When you breathe in, air enters through your mouth or nose and goes into your lungs through the trachea (windpipe). The trachea divides into tubes called bronchi, which enter the lungs and divide into smaller bronchi. These divide to form smaller branches called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs known as alveoli. The alveoli absorb oxygen into your blood from the inhaled air and remove carbon dioxide from the blood when you exhale. Taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide are your lungs’ main functions. Lung cancers typically start in the cells lining the bronchi and parts of the lung such as the bronchioles or alveoli. 2 American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 A thin lining layer called the pleura surrounds the lungs. The pleura protects your lungs and helps them slide back and forth against the chest wall as they expand and contract during breathing. Below the lungs, a thin, dome-shaped muscle called the diaphragm separates the chest from the abdomen. When you breathe, the diaphragm moves up and down, forcing air in and out of the lungs. Types of lung cancer There are 2 main types of lung cancer and they are treated very differently. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) 3 American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 About 80% to 85% of lung cancers are