Lung cancer starts when cells in the lung grow out of control. These cells can form a lump called a tumor. Over time, they can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Smoking causes most lung cancers. But people who never smoked can get it too. Radon gas, asbestos, and some workplace chemicals also raise the risk.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; New or worse shortness of breath, or trouble breathing; Coughing up blood; Chest pain; Swelling of the face, neck, or arms; New cough that does not go away, especially while on immunotherapy or targeted pills; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Severe headache, confusion, seizure, vision changes, or new weakness on one side; Sudden new back pain, or numbness or weakness in the legs; Swelling or pain in one leg; Very strong thirst, confusion, or feeling very sleepy; Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day.

What chemotherapy plans are used for lung cancer?

Common treatment plans include ABCP, BCP, Carboplatin and etoposide, Carboplatin and paclitaxel, Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer care has improved a lot, and many people now live longer and better with it.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through lung cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What lung cancer is

Let's start with the basics. Lung cancer starts when cells in the lung grow out of control. These cells can form a lump. That lump is called a tumor. Over time, the cells can spread to other parts of the body. Smoking causes most lung cancers. But people who never smoked can get it too. There are two main kinds. They grow differently and are treated differently. Here is some good news. Treatment has improved a great deal. Your care team will explain what this means for you.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind. It usually grows more slowly. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of it. It is the type most often seen in people who never smoked. Squamous cell carcinoma often starts in the larger airways. Large cell carcinoma is less common. Small cell lung cancer grows and spreads quickly. It often responds well to treatment at first. Carcinoid tumors are rare and often slow growing. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A CT scan makes detailed pictures of your chest. A PET scan helps show if the cancer has spread. A brain MRI uses magnets to check the brain. A biopsy takes a small piece of tissue. It is the only way to know for sure. A thin tube with a camera may look into your airways. Gene tests look for changes that help choose treatment. Breathing tests show how well your lungs work. Blood tests help plan treatment and watch for side effects.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how big the cancer is. It also tells how far it has spread. Why do doctors use stages? They help your care team plan treatment. They also help everyone talk the same language. Non-small cell lung cancer uses stages 1 to 4. Lower numbers mean the cancer is smaller and has not spread far. Small cell lung cancer is often called limited stage or extensive stage. Your doctor will explain what your stage means for you.

Markers and gene tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Some lung tumors have a gene change that drives their growth. If your tumor has one, a targeted pill may work well. There are many different markers. Each one has a different role. Testing can be done on tumor tissue or a blood sample. Your doctor will tell you which markers you have. They will also explain what they mean for you. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatment options

Now let's look at treatment. Surgery removes the part of the lung with the tumor. Radiation uses high energy beams to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is medicine that kills fast growing cells. Immunotherapy helps your immune system attack the cancer. Targeted therapy blocks a specific gene change. Supportive care helps with comfort at any stage. Many people get more than one of these. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team if one is right for you.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Feeling very tired is common. Short walks and rest can help. Nausea can happen, and medicines for it work well. Chemotherapy can lower your blood counts. Wash your hands often, and call if you have a fever. Immunotherapy can affect healthy organs. Tell your team about a new cough, diarrhea, or rash. Some pills cause skin rash. Eating small meals can help with low appetite. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well with it

Last, let's talk about living well. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do. You will have regular checkups and scans. Stay as active as you can. It is normal to feel worried or sad. Support groups and counselors can help. No one deserves cancer. Call right away for a fever, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood. If it feels very bad, call 911. Also see our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you took it one step at a time. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time something worries you. You are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
New or worse shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Swelling of the face, neck, or arms
New cough that does not go away, especially while on immunotherapy or targeted pills
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood
Severe headache, confusion, seizure, vision changes, or new weakness on one side
Sudden new back pain, or numbness or weakness in the legs
Swelling or pain in one leg
Very strong thirst, confusion, or feeling very sleepy
Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day

Treatment plans (regimens)

Medicines often used

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is lung cancer?: Lung cancer starts when cells in the lung grow out of control. These cells can form a lump called a tumor. Over time, they can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Smoking causes most lung cancers. But people who never smoked can get it too. Radon gas, asbestos, and some workplace chemicals also raise the risk.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; New or worse shortness of breath, or trouble breathing; Coughing up blood; Chest pain; Swelling of the face, neck, or arms; New cough that does not go away, especially while on immunotherapy or targeted pills; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Severe headache, confusion, seizure, vision changes, or new weakness on one side; Sudden new back pain, or numbness or weakness in the legs; Swelling or pain in one leg; Very strong thirst, confusion, or feeling very sleepy; Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day.
What chemotherapy plans are used for lung cancer?: Common treatment plans include ABCP, BCP, Carboplatin and etoposide, Carboplatin and paclitaxel, Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.