Lung oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and lung oncology is a rapidly advancing field that employs a range of treatment options to manage the disease.

The main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and each requires a different approach to treatment. NSCLC is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancers, and includes several subtypes, such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. SCLC is a less common but more aggressive type of lung cancer.

The treatment of lung cancer often involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, among others. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of lung cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors.

Prevention and early detection are also important aspects of lung oncology. Smoking cessation and other lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of lung cancer, while screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can help detect lung cancer in its early stages, when it is more treatable.