Thoracic / Lung Cancer
This section will cover non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and mesothelioma.
A diagnosis of lung cancer can feel overwhelming, but understanding the disease, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available can help you make informed decisions about your care. Advances in cancer treatment, including surgery, immunotherapy, targeted approaches, radiation therapy, and clinical trials, continue to improve outcomes for many patients. The lung cancer specialists at Virginia Cancer Specialists provide comprehensive, personalized care and access to innovative therapies and clinical research.
Disease Information
Use the sections below to review diagnosis, staging, and treatment information for each condition in one place.
What is non-small cell lung cancer?
There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. It begins when cells in the lung grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. NSCLC typically develops in the tissues that line the airways or air sacs of the lungs and generally grows more slowly than small cell lung cancer.
The three main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
- Large cell carcinoma: Cancer that may begin in several types of large cells.
- Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as mucus.
The lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. When cancer develops in the lungs, it can interfere with normal breathing and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body if not detected and treated.
What causes non-small cell lung cancer?
NSCLC develops when genetic changes (mutations) occur within lung cells, causing them to grow abnormally and avoid the body's normal controls that limit cell growth. Over time, these abnormal cells can form tumors and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
While the exact cause of these genetic changes is not always known, smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, NSCLC can also occur in people who have never smoked.
What are the risk factors for non-small cell lung cancer?
Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing NSCLC, including:
- Cigarette smoking, including current and former smoking history
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Radon gas exposure, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and buildings
- Exposure to asbestos and other workplace chemicals
- Air pollution
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest
- Family history of lung cancer
- Certain chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop lung cancer, and some people diagnosed with NSCLC have no known risk factors.
What are the symptoms for non-small cell lung cancer?
Lung cancer is often found after symptoms develop, such as:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring lung infections
Sometimes, lung cancer is discovered during screening or imaging tests performed for another reason.
How is non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed?
If lung cancer is suspected, doctors may use one or more of the following tests:
- Chest X-ray
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan
- MRI or bone scan when appropriate to check for spread of disease
- BiopsyA biopsy is the most important step in confirming a diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Biopsies may be obtained through:
A biopsy is the most important step in confirming a diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Biopsies may be obtained through:
- Bronchoscopy
- Needle biopsy
- Thoracentesis (sampling fluid around the lung)
- Surgery in certain cases
How is biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer used?
Many patients with NSCLC will also have molecular or biomarker testing performed on their tumor tissue. This testing looks for specific genetic mutations or protein markers that may help guide treatment decisions and identify targeted therapies.
How is non-small cell lung cancer staged?
After NSCLC is diagnosed, doctors determine the stage of the cancer. Staging describes how large the tumor is and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Knowing the stage helps your care team recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Doctors commonly use the TNM staging system, which evaluates:
- T (Tumor): Size and extent of the primary tumor
- N (Nodes): Whether nearby lymph nodes contain cancer
- M (Metastasis): Whether cancer has spread to distant organs
According to the American Cancer Society, NSCLC is generally categorized into:
- Stage 0: Cancer is limited to the lining of the airway and has not invaded deeper tissues.
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the lung and has not spread to lymph nodes.
- Stage II: Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures within the lung.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest or nearby tissues but has not spread to distant organs.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the chest to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, bones, or adrenal glands.
How is non-small cell lung cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the tumor’s genetic characteristics, overall health, lung function, and patient preferences. Many patients receive more than one type of treatment.
Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Surgeons may remove:
- A small portion of the lung
- An entire lobe of the lung (lobectomy)
- Less commonly, an entire lung (pneumonectomy)
Virginia Cancer Specialists often offers minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer. Minimally invasive surgery can typically provide:
- Fewer complications
- Better functional result
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Virginia Cancer Specialists utilizes advanced radiation technologies designed to precisely target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy uses medications that circulate throughout the body to kill cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery, or for advanced disease. [cancer.org], [cancer.org]
Targeted Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Some non-small cell lung cancer tumors contain specific genetic changes that can be treated with targeted drugs. These medications focus on cancer-specific abnormalities and may be used instead of or in addition to chemotherapy. [cancer.org], [cancer.org]
Immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It has become an important treatment option for many patients with NSCLC. [cancer.org], [cancer.org]
Treatment by Stage
Treatment for Stage 0 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Surgery (wedge resection or segmental resection).
- Photodynamic therapy using an endoscope.
- Electrocautery, cryosurgery, or laser surgery using an endoscope.
Treatment for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Treatment of stage I non-small cell lung cancer may include the following:
- Surgery (wedge resection, segmental resection, sleeve resection, or lobectomy).
- External radiation therapy (for patients who cannot have surgery or choose not to have surgery).
- A clinical trial of surgery followed by chemoprevention.
Treatment for Stage II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Surgery (wedge resection, segmental resection, sleeve resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy).
- External radiation therapy (for patients who cannot have surgery or choose not to have surgery).
- Surgery followed by chemotherapy.
Treatment for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy.
- External radiation therapy alone (for patients who cannot be treated with combined therapy).
- Some stage IIIA non-small cell lung tumors that have grown into the chest wall may be completely removed. Treatment of chest wall tumors may include the following:
- Surgery
- Surgery and radiation therapy
- Radiation therapy alone
- Chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy and/or surgery
- Chemotherapy combined with external radiation therapy.
- External radiation therapy as palliative therapy, to relieve pain and other symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Treatment for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- External radiation therapy as palliative therapy, to relieve pain and other symptoms and improve the quality of life.
- Combination chemotherapy.
- Combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Laser therapy and/or internal radiation therapy using an endoscope.
Clinical Trials for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available. Virginia Cancer Specialists maintains one of the region's largest oncology research programs and offers access to clinical trials for lung cancer and other cancers.
Supportive Care for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms, side effects, and quality-of-life concerns throughout treatment. Services may include pain management, nutrition support, counseling, and symptom control. Virginia Cancer Specialists offers supportive cancer care services as part of comprehensive cancer treatment.
What is small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that begins in the tissues of the lungs, usually in the airways (bronchi). It accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancers and tends to grow and spread more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer.
Because small cell lung cancer often spreads early through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, many people are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread beyond the lung. However, treatment can often help control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.
There are two types of small cell lung cancer. These two types include many different types of cells. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The types of small cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look when viewed under a microscope:
- Small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer)
- Combined small cell carcinoma
What causes small cell lung cancer?
The primary cause of small cell lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Smoking cigarettes is the strongest risk factor, and most people diagnosed with small cell lung cancer are current or former smokers. Tobacco smoke damages the DNA inside lung cells, leading to abnormal cell growth and cancer development.
While smoking is the leading cause, some people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer due to other environmental or genetic factors.
What are the risk factors for small cell lung cancer?
Several factors may increase the risk of developing small cell lung cancer:
- Current or past cigarette smoking
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Radon exposure in the home or workplace
- Occupational exposure to substances such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, beryllium, and nickel
- Prior radiation therapy to the chest
- Air pollution
- Family history of lung cancer
- Increasing age
The most important step anyone can take to lower their risk is to avoid smoking or quit tobacco use.
What are the symptoms for small cell lung cancer?
Early-stage small cell lung cancer may not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the face or neck
- Bone pain if the cancer has spread to the bones
Because these symptoms can occur with many other conditions, it is important to see a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
How is small cell lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosing small cell lung cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and laboratory studies. Tests used to diagnose and stage small cell lung cancer may include:
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will ask about symptoms, smoking history, medical conditions, and family history of cancer.
Imaging Tests
These tests help identify tumors and determine whether cancer has spread:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and brain
- PET scans
- MRI scans in certain situations
Biopsy Procedures
A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Common methods include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
- Thoracoscopy
- Sputum cytology
- Thoracentesis (evaluation of fluid around the lungs)
A pathologist examines the tissue sample under a microscope to determine whether SCLC is present.
How is small cell lung cancer staged?
Staging describes how far cancer has spread and helps determine the best treatment plan.
Most physicians use a two-stage system for small cell lung cancer:
- Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
The cancer is confined to one side of the chest and can typically be treated within a single radiation field. It may involve nearby lymph nodes but has not spread extensively throughout the body.
- Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
The cancer has spread beyond one side of the chest, to the opposite lung, distant lymph nodes, bone marrow, brain, liver, bones, or other organs.
In addition to this two-stage system, doctors may also use the TNM staging system, which evaluates:
- Tumor size and extent (T)
- Lymph node involvement (N)
- Presence of metastasis, or spread (M)
What are the treatment options for small cell lung cancer?
While small cell lung cancer is an aggressive disease, treatment advances continue to improve outcomes. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, access to clinical trials, and personalized treatment planning all play important roles in patient care. Working closely with a team of lung cancer specialists can help ensure that treatment decisions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, lung function, and patient preferences. Most patients receive more than one type of treatment.
Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy remains the foundation of treatment for most patients with SCLC. It uses medications that travel throughout the body to destroy cancer cells. Common chemotherapy regimens often include platinum-based drugs such as cisplatin or carboplatin combined with etoposide.
Immunotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is commonly used with chemotherapy for extensive-stage SCLC and may also be used in certain patients after treatment for limited-stage disease.
Radiation Therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and may be used:
- Along with chemotherapy for limited-stage disease
- To relieve symptoms caused by cancer spread
- To reduce the risk of cancer spreading to the brain in selected patients
Virginia Cancer Specialists offers advanced radiation techniques, including image-guided and intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Surgery for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Surgery is rarely used for SCLC because the disease has often spread before it is diagnosed. However, in carefully selected patients with a very small tumor and no evidence of lymph node involvement, surgical removal may be considered, usually followed by chemotherapy.
Laser Therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Laser therapy is a cancer treatment that uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) to kill cancer cells.
Endoscopic Stent Placement for Small Cell Lung Cancer
An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body. An endoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may be used to place a stent in a body structure to keep the structure open. Endoscopic stent placement can be used to open an airway blocked by abnormal tissue. Follow-up tests may be needed. Some of the tests that were done to diagnose the cancer or to find out the stage of the cancer may be repeated. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests. This is sometimes called re-staging. Some of the tests will continue to be done from time to time after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can show if your condition has changed or if the cancer has recurred (come back). These tests are sometimes called follow-up tests or check-ups.
Clinical Trials for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available. Virginia Cancer Specialists maintains one of the region's largest oncology research programs and offers access to clinical trials for lung cancer and other cancers.
Supportive Care for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms, side effects, and quality-of-life concerns throughout treatment. Services may include pain management, nutrition support, counseling, and symptom control. Virginia Cancer Specialists offers supportive cancer care services as part of comprehensive cancer treatment.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines and protects many of the body's internal organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining around the lungs (the pleura). Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), the lining around the heart (pericardium), and, rarely, around the testicles.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be overwhelming, especially because many people have never heard of this rare cancer before receiving the diagnosis. Because the disease often develops decades after exposure to a risk factor, many patients are diagnosed later in life. Learning about mesothelioma, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help patients and families make informed decisions about care and treatment.
At Virginia Cancer Specialists, patients have access to multidisciplinary cancer care, advanced therapies, and clinical trials designed to provide personalized treatment close to home.
What causes mesothelioma?
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials, insulation, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become trapped in the body's tissues and cause inflammation and cellular damage over many years. This damage can eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma often develops 20 to 50 years or more after asbestos exposure. Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma, but exposure remains the most significant known risk factor.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
Several factors may increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma:
- Exposure to asbestos in the workplace
- Living with someone who works around asbestos and may bring fibers home on clothing
- Living or working in buildings containing disturbed asbestos materials
- Previous radiation therapy
- Certain inherited genetic changes, including BAP1-related syndromes
- Older age
- Male sex
- Exposure to certain naturally occurring minerals such as zeolites
Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. Many patients with mesothelioma worked in industries such as construction, shipyards, manufacturing, military service, mining, or insulation installation. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to form.
Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:
- Living with a person who works near asbestos.
- Being exposed to a certain virus.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Pain under the ribs
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion)
Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining) include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Because these symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure should discuss any persistent symptoms with their healthcare provider.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma typically involves several steps.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will review your symptoms, occupational history, potential asbestos exposure, and overall health.
Imaging Tests
Imaging studies help identify abnormal tissue, fluid buildup, or tumors and determine how far the disease may have spread. Common imaging tests include:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- PET scan (positron emission tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Biopsy
A biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Diagnostic procedures may include:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
- Thoracoscopy
- Thoracotomy
- Peritoneoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) biopsy
- Fluid removal procedures such as thoracentesis
How is mesothelioma staged?
Staging describes how much cancer is present and whether it has spread beyond its original location. Staging helps physicians determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Pleural mesothelioma is generally classified into four stages:
Stage I Mesothelioma
Cancer remains localized to one area of the pleura and has not spread extensively. Patients diagnosed at this stage may have more treatment options.
Stage II Mesothelioma
The cancer has grown beyond the pleural lining and may involve nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Stage III Mesothelioma
The disease has spread further into nearby structures and lymph nodes but remains primarily on one side of the chest.
Stage IV Mesothelioma
Cancer has spread to distant organs or other areas of the body.
Doctors often use the TNM staging system, which evaluates:
- Tumor size and extent (T)
- Lymph node involvement (N)
- Distant spread or metastasis (M)
How is mesothelioma treated?
Treatment is individualized and depends on:
- Type of mesothelioma
- Stage of disease
- Location of the tumor
- Overall health
- Patient goals and preferences
While mesothelioma remains a challenging cancer, advances in surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical research continue to improve treatment options and outcomes. Early diagnosis, specialized care, and a personalized treatment plan can help patients achieve the best possible quality of life and disease control.
Surgery for Mesothelioma
Surgery may be recommended for some patients with localized disease. Surgical procedures may include:
- Pleurectomy and decortication (removal of part of the pleural lining)
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (removal of one lung and surrounding affected tissue)
- Tumor removal procedures
- Procedures to relieve fluid buildup and symptoms
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used before surgery, after surgery, or as the primary treatment for advanced disease.
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells. Several immunotherapy drugs have been approved for mesothelioma and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be used after surgery, along with other treatments, or to help relieve symptoms such as pain and breathing difficulties.
Multimodality Therapy for Mesothelioma
Many patients receive a combination of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This approach, known as multimodality treatment, is commonly used for eligible patients with earlier-stage disease.
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma
Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available. Virginia Cancer Specialists maintains one of the region's largest oncology research programs and offers access to clinical trials for lung cancer and other cancers.
Supportive Care for Mesothelioma
Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms, side effects, and quality-of-life concerns throughout treatment. Services may include pain management, nutrition support, counseling, and symptom control. Virginia Cancer Specialists offers supportive cancer care services as part of comprehensive cancer treatment.
Cancer Treatment Options
Most treatment plans combine several of these approaches. Your Virginia Cancer Specialists care team builds a plan around your specific diagnosis — explore each option below, or browse all treatments & services.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth, and it remains one of the most widely used and effective cancer treatments. It can be given on its own or alongside surgery, radiation, or other therapies.
- Given by IV infusion or as pills, in planned cycles with recovery time between
- Delivered in our offices by our medical oncology team, close to home
- Often used to shrink a tumor before surgery or lower the risk of recurrence after
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted, high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissue. Virginia Cancer Specialists offers advanced, state-of-the-art radiation for a wide range of cancers and select benign conditions.
- Painless outpatient treatments that usually take only minutes a day
- Planned and delivered with image guidance by our APEx-accredited radiation oncology team
- Can be the main treatment, or support surgery and chemotherapy
Surgery to Treat Cancer
Surgery is one of the oldest and most effective treatments for cancer. For many cancers, removing the tumor offers the best chance for a positive outcome, often combined with other therapies before or after the operation.
- Used to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer, and to relieve symptoms
- Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques when appropriate
- Coordinated with your medical and radiation oncologists as one care plan
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your body’s own immune system recognize, target, and destroy cancer cells. Over the past decade it has transformed treatment for many types of cancer.
- Works with your immune system rather than attacking cells directly
- Usually given by IV infusion in our offices
- May be used alone or with chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on the specific genes, proteins, and other molecular features that help cancer cells grow and survive. By attacking what makes a cancer unique, it can be highly effective with fewer effects on healthy cells.
- Guided by biomarker and genomic testing of your cancer
- Taken as pills or given by infusion
- Often paired with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy treats cancers that use the body’s natural hormones to grow — most commonly breast and prostate cancers — by lowering hormone levels or blocking their effects.
- Usually pills or injections rather than infusions
- Can lower the risk of recurrence after surgery or radiation
- Managed by your medical oncology team, sometimes over months or years
Specialized Programs
CAR T-Cell Therapy Program — one of the most advanced treatments for certain blood cancers: your own immune cells, re-engineered to fight the disease.
Scalp Cooling — cold-cap therapy that can significantly reduce hair loss during many types of chemotherapy.
Clinical Trials & Research — access to tomorrow’s treatments today through the Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute.
Physicians
Find physicians and care teams who support this specialty area.
Locations
Find Virginia Cancer Specialists locations connected to patient care across the region.
Alexandria
Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.
571.350.8400
703.823.5723
4660 Kenmore Ave., Suite 1018
Arlington
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
571.350.8400
703.528.0338
1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1600, 3 Ballston Plaza
Bristow
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
571.350.8400
571.222.2202
9450 Innovation Drive
Fairfax
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
571.350.8400
703.280.9596
8613 Route 29
The Supportive Cancer Care Team works in close partnership with each patient’s primary oncology team to ensure patients receive coordinated, comprehensive, seamless support that complements their current medical treatment. Patients have easy access to a team of compassionate experts – palliative care physicians, pain management specialists, social workers, nutritionists, nurse navigators, clinical coordinators, research coordinators, financial counselors, and many others who provide guidance, education, and emotional support every step of the way.
TODO: Text needed here.
Goals of Supportive Cancer Care
Virginia Cancer Specialists’ Supportive Cancer Care Program has 3 key goals:
Hallmarks of Our Supportive Cancer Care Program
While the primary goal is to improve quality of life for the patient and family throughout the treatment process, there are various ways in which this can be accomplished:
- Focusing on symptom management, including treating pain, insomnia, anxiety, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems
- Fostering open and honest communication
- Understanding the patient’s hopes and expectations
- Facing the realities of treatment and how it affects one’s life, including finances, employment, and more
- Providing support to caregivers and family
Patient Stories
Read patient stories and gain insight into their experiences, as well as the support they received from our dedicated care team.
Newsroom
Read articles, updates, and resources from Virginia Cancer Specialists.
Clinical Trials, Precision Medicine, Provider Spotlight, Video
Awards & Recognition, Practice News, Provider Spotlight, Surgery, Treatment Options
Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Research & Publications, Targeted Therapy, Treatment Options
Clinical Trials, Provider Spotlight, Research & Publications, Targeted Therapy, Treatment Options
Clinical Trials, Immunotherapy, Provider Spotlight, Research & Publications, Treatment Options
Events & Community, Treatment Options, Video
Ready to Make an Appointment?
If you have questions about whether this treatment or service may be right for you, make an appointment with the Virginia Cancer Specialists team.