Lung Cancer Surgery Program

Overview

Lung cancer is one of the most common yet complex and aggressive forms of cancer, but today the outlook for a person diagnosed with lung cancer is getting better, thanks to a greater understanding of the disease, new treatments, and less invasive surgeries, such as robotic surgery. The Lung Cancer Surgery Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers the latest and most advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat lung cancer, supporting better outcomes for patients.

Our Lung Cancer Surgery Program brings together specialists from our Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Pulmonology Department and the Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Program, to offer a multidisciplinary approach to care. Led by thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists and surgical oncologists, the team collaborate with a diverse range of specialists to provide customized, coordinated care, ensuring the entire team’s expertise is focused on every patient. This comprehensive range of services ensures the highest quality of care is delivered, always.

The team works together and meets regularly as a Tumor Board to explore and discuss the most appropriate approach to treatment for every patient. We also work closely with Cleveland Clinic main campus to discuss patient cases, when necessary, home to some of the most respected lung cancer specialists in the world.

What We Treat

There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer, which both develop in different ways:

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the most common form of lung cancer. It often spreads and grows slowly and has three main types (named after the cells within which the cancer develops):

• Adenocarcinoma: Usually begins near the edge of the lung. It can vary in its size and the rate at which it grows. It is the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Usually begins in the larger breathing tubes in the middle of the chest.
• Large cell carcinoma: Usually begins at the edge of the lung, and it grows quickly.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC is less common than NSCLC, accounting for only around 15% of lung cancers. However, this type of lung cancer grows quickly, and is often advanced and has spread at the time of diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about the different types of lung cancer.