Your Lung Cancer Team

Lung Cancer Care Providers

Your lung cancer care team might include healthcare professionals and specialists you have never heard of, or even thought of seeing before. Everyone involved in your lung cancer treatment and management should work together to give you the best care possible.

Your primary care team will not be your only healthcare providers during lung cancer treatment. Throughout your journey, many other providers who specialize in different areas of care will contribute to your treatment planning and management. Some of these specialists may include:

• Medical oncologist: A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using a variety of therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
• Radiation oncologist: A physician with expertise in the use of therapeutic radiation to treat lung cancer.
• Thoracic surgeon: A surgeon with expertise in the surgical management of lung cancer.
• Interventional pulmonologist: A physician with specialized training in advanced techniques to diagnose and stage lung cancer. They also help to relieve symptoms of patients with tumors blocking large portions of the lung. They can also assist patients with fluid build-up around the lungs.
• Pathologist: This doctor studies your tissues, fluid or blood to assist in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• Radiologist: This doctor interprets a variety of imaging studies including chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans and MRIs.
• Nurse Navigator: An oncology nurse navigator offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers.
• Dietitian or nutritionist: A specialist trained to advise people on what to eat to meet their dietary needs.
• Radiation technologist: A technician who prepares patients for radiation therapy and runs the radiation equipment.
• Rehabilitation specialist (physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist): This person can help you reduce your lung cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. They will teach you techniques that will help you improve your quality of life.
• Pharmacist: A person trained to prepare and dispense medications. Your pharmacist can be a great resource and answer many of your questions about lung cancer medications and side effects.
• Palliative care doctor: Specialists who focus on the management of your pain, side effects and quality of life.
• Psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers: Specialists that can help you cope with the emotional aspects of lung cancer.
• Clergy or spiritual care: You may have your own spiritual resource, or you can ask your care team or treatment facility to help connect you with spiritual or religious support.

Treatment Guidelines

Your cancer care team should follow guidelines for treating lung cancer. These decisions are based on the type and stage of a patient's cancer and other aspects of their current health. Using the best practice lung cancer treatment guidelines helps ensure everyone gets the best possible care. Learn more about treatment guidelines.

Getting a Second Opinion

You are entitled to seek a second opinion or switch doctors at any time. It is important that you feel comfortable and in control. Don't worry about upsetting your doctor if you get a second opinion. It is common for patients to explore all of their lung cancer treatment options. A good doctor will respect your desire to be informed and will help you make the best choices. Learn more about when to seek a second opinion.