281-647-7766
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Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
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281-647-7766
Home/Cancer Types/Lung Cancer
Board-certified medical oncologists Dr. Shagufta Naqvi and Dr. Mohammad Riaz treat non-small cell and small cell lung cancer with biomarker-matched targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, coordinated with surgery and radiation. We care for patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston.
Overview
Lung cancer is a cancer that starts when abnormal cells in the lungs grow out of control and form a tumor. It is grouped into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which grows and spreads faster.
| Type | Share of cases | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Adenocarcinoma (NSCLC) | Most common | Starts in mucus-making cells, often in the outer lung. Most common type in people who never smoked; frequently has targetable mutations. |
| Squamous cell carcinoma (NSCLC) | Common | Starts in cells lining the airways, usually near the center of the chest; strongly linked to smoking. |
| Large cell carcinoma (NSCLC) | Less common | Can appear anywhere in the lung and may grow quickly. |
| Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) | About 13% | Fast-growing, almost always linked to smoking, and often spread by the time it is found. Very responsive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy at first. |
Lung carcinoid tumors and mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) are separate, less common cancers with their own treatment approaches.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are a cough that does not go away or gets worse, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue. Early lung cancer often causes no symptoms at all, which is why screening high-risk adults matters.
Signs the cancer may have spread: bone pain, headaches, dizziness or weakness, yellowing of the skin, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. When to see a doctor: any cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, or coughing up blood, should be checked promptly.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 86% of cases in adults age 30 and older. Other risks include secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos and other workplace exposures, air pollution, prior chest radiation and a family history of lung cancer. People who have never smoked can still get lung cancer.
| Risk factor | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cigarette smoking | The biggest risk. Risk falls steadily after quitting, at any age. |
| Secondhand smoke | Raises lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked. |
| Radon | A natural radioactive gas that can build up in homes; the leading cause in people who never smoked. Home test kits are inexpensive. |
| Asbestos and workplace exposures | Asbestos, diesel exhaust, silica and some chemicals used in industry raise risk, especially combined with smoking. |
| Family history and genetics | Having a parent or sibling with lung cancer increases risk. |
| Prior chest radiation | Past radiation for lymphoma or breast cancer can raise risk. |
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a yearly low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year means smoking one pack a day for one year. A biopsy is needed to confirm lung cancer and identify its type.
The American Cancer Society’s 2023 guideline also recommends screening for former smokers in this age group regardless of how many years ago they quit. Ask your doctor which guideline fits you.
Non-small cell lung cancer is staged from I to IV using the TNM system. Stage I is a small tumor confined to the lung, stages II and III involve larger tumors or spread to lymph nodes in the chest, and stage IV means the cancer has spread to the other lung, the lining around the lung or heart, or distant organs. Small cell lung cancer is often described as limited or extensive stage.
| Stage | What it means | Common treatment approach |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Tumor is small and limited to the lung, with no lymph node spread. | Surgery (often lobectomy) or stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) for those who cannot have surgery. Targeted therapy may follow for EGFR-positive tumors. |
| Stage II | Larger tumor and/or spread to lymph nodes within the lung. | Surgery, often with chemotherapy and immunotherapy before and/or after surgery; adjuvant targeted therapy when a driver mutation is present. |
| Stage III | Locally advanced: spread to lymph nodes in the center of the chest or into nearby structures. | Chemotherapy with radiation followed by immunotherapy (durvalumab), or surgery with perioperative therapy in selected patients. |
| Stage IV | Spread to the other lung, fluid around the lung or heart, or distant organs such as brain, bones, liver or adrenal glands. | Systemic therapy chosen by biomarkers: targeted pills, immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy, plus radiation for symptoms. |
| SCLC limited stage | Cancer on one side of the chest that can be treated in one radiation field. | Chemotherapy with radiation, followed by immunotherapy in eligible patients. |
| SCLC extensive stage | Cancer has spread widely in the chest or to other organs. | Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (atezolizumab or durvalumab); newer options after progression. |
| Stage at diagnosis (SEER) | What it means | NSCLC 5-year relative survival |
|---|---|---|
| Localized | No sign of spread outside the lung | 67% |
| Regional | Spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes | 40% |
| Distant | Spread to distant parts of the body | 12% |
| All stages combined | 32% |
Source: American Cancer Society, NCI SEER data for people diagnosed with NSCLC 2015–2021. Survival is lower for small cell lung cancer. These are averages that cannot predict one person’s outcome, and outcomes keep improving with targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Biomarker testing looks for gene changes and proteins in the tumor that drive its growth. For non-small cell lung cancer, finding a mutation such as EGFR, ALK or KRAS G12C can mean treatment with a targeted pill instead of, or before, chemotherapy, and a high PD-L1 level can predict a strong response to immunotherapy.
| Biomarker | Matched treatment examples |
|---|---|
| EGFR mutation | Osimertinib and other EGFR inhibitors |
| ALK rearrangement | Alectinib, lorlatinib, brigatinib |
| KRAS G12C | Sotorasib, adagrasib |
| ROS1, RET, MET, BRAF, NTRK, HER2 | Specific targeted drugs approved for each change |
| PD-L1 expression | Helps guide immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab or atezolizumab |
We order comprehensive biomarker testing for patients with non-squamous NSCLC and for others when appropriate, so your first treatment is the right one.
Premier Oncology Consultants provides the medical treatments for lung cancer, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, along with palliative and supportive care. We coordinate surgery and radiation with trusted thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists in Katy and Houston.
Your plan is built around your lung cancer type, stage and biomarkers. We explain every option, coordinate your care with surgeons and radiation oncologists, and treat you in a comfortable, supportive setting close to home.
Oral or IV drugs that block the specific mutation driving the cancer, such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or KRAS G12C inhibitors. Often fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Used for: NSCLC with a driver mutation
Checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab and durvalumab help the immune system attack cancer cells.
Used for: NSCLC and small cell lung cancer
Platinum-based combinations, often given with immunotherapy or radiation. Used before or after surgery and for advanced disease.
Used for: All stages, both NSCLC and SCLC
Lobectomy and minimally invasive (VATS or robotic) surgery for early-stage cancer, with medical therapy before or after when it helps.
Used for: Stage I–III NSCLC
Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) for small tumors, and chemoradiation for stage III disease or symptom relief.
Used for: Early-stage and locally advanced cancer
Led by Dr. Riaz, who completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. We manage breathlessness, cough, pain and fatigue at every stage.
Used for: All stages, alongside active treatment
Learn more about chemotherapy at Premier Oncology and our full range of cancer treatment services.
Side effects depend on the treatment. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea and low blood counts; immunotherapy can occasionally inflame organs such as the lungs, bowel, liver or thyroid; targeted drugs can cause rash, diarrhea or swelling. Most side effects can be prevented or treated, and supportive care starts on day one.
Our biopsychosocial approach treats the whole person: we manage shortness of breath, cough, pain, appetite and fatigue, support emotional health, help families and caregivers, and connect you to pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation support. Quitting smoking after a diagnosis still improves treatment results.
The most effective way to lower lung cancer risk is to never smoke or to quit, at any age. Avoid secondhand smoke, test your home for radon, limit workplace exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens, and if you are 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history, ask about yearly low-dose CT screening.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Naqvi brings years of experience treating a wide range of cancers with a focus on personalized medicine, patient advocacy and compassionate care.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Palliative Care Specialist
Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, so patients receive cutting-edge cancer therapy while keeping the highest possible quality of life.
Our oncology office is located at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, with easy access from I-10 and the Grand Parkway. Patients come to us for lung cancer care from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, West Houston and communities throughout Greater Houston.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Phone: 281-647-7766 · Fax: 281-647-7767 · Map & directions
Yes, lung cancer can be cured, especially when it is found at an early stage and treated with surgery or stereotactic radiation. Advanced lung cancer is usually not curable, but targeted therapy and immunotherapy now allow many people to live for years with good quality of life.
Most stage 1 lung cancers are classified as localized. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized non-small cell lung cancer is about 67%, according to the American Cancer Society. Outcomes depend on the tumor type, overall health and treatment.
It varies. Small cell lung cancer can grow and spread within weeks to months, while many non-small cell lung cancers grow more slowly. Any new or worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Yes. Up to 1 in 5 people who die of lung cancer never smoked. Radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace exposures and inherited factors can all play a role, and never-smokers are more likely to have targetable mutations such as EGFR or ALK.
Non-small cell lung cancer makes up about 77% of cases, tends to grow more slowly and is often treated with surgery, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Small cell lung cancer is about 13% of cases, grows quickly and is usually treated with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and radiation.
The USPSTF recommends yearly low-dose CT screening for adults ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who smoke now or quit within the past 15 years. Medicare and most insurance plans cover screening for eligible people.
No. Patients whose tumors have certain mutations, such as EGFR or ALK, often start with targeted pills, and some patients with high PD-L1 levels can receive immunotherapy alone. Biomarker testing helps decide.
A medical oncologist confirms the diagnosis and stage, orders biomarker testing, and treats lung cancer with targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The oncologist also coordinates with surgeons and radiation oncologists and manages side effects and follow-up.
Stage 4 lung cancer may cause breathlessness, persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss, plus symptoms where it has spread, such as bone pain, headaches or neurological changes from brain metastases. Palliative care can relieve many of these symptoms.
Premier Oncology Consultants offers same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients at our Katy office. Call 281-647-7766 to schedule.
Yes. A second opinion can confirm the stage, check that complete biomarker testing was done and review newer treatment options. Our oncologists see patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston.
We accept most major insurance plans, including AARP, Aetna, Aetna Medicare, Amerigroup Star Plus, Amerivantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Medicare Advantage PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare and TMHP. Self-pay patients are welcome. Call 281-647-7766 to verify coverage.
Sources
This page is for education only and does not replace medical advice from your own physician. Treatment decisions should be made with your care team based on your individual diagnosis.
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