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503-612-0498
503-612-0498

Diagnosis / Lung Cancer

There are three main types of lung cancer. Knowing which type you have is important because it will dictate your treatment option and expected prognosis.

  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – the most common type of lung cancer, occurs in 85% of cases. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are all subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer – also known as oat cell cancer, occurs in 10 – 15% of cases. Tends to spread quickly.
  • Lung Carcinoid Tumor – rare, occurs in fewer than 5% of lung cancers. Also sometimes referred to as lung neuroendocrine tumors, they tend to grow slowly and rarely spread.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

  • Tobacco Use – smoking causes 80-85% of lung cancer in the United States. The risk increases with the number of years and packs per day the person smoked.
  • Radon – an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Exposure to radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
  • Asbestos – a mineral fiber that has been used in the manufacturing of many products over decades, including insulation and tiles. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and also of developing mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of organs that can start in the lungs but also the abdomen, heart and chest.
  • Secondhand Smoke (Passive Smoking) – ongoing exposure to smoke from other people’s tobacco use can increase lung cancer risk by 20-30%.
  • Military Service – increased smoking prevalence and chemical exposure rates.
  • Age – average age for diagnosis in the U.S. is 70 years of age.
  • Occupational Carcinogens – environmental and industrial chemicals.
  • Beta Carotene – the use of beta carotene supplements has been found to increase the number of lung cancer diagnoses.
  • Existing Pulmonary Diagnosis – emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma may increase lung cancer risk by 50-100%.
  • Family History – studies suggest that adults who have a had a fully related parent or sibling with lung cancer, especially one who was diagnosed before age 50 or who have multiple relatives with the diagnosis are at increased risk.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Often times lung cancer has no symptoms until it has spread to other areas of the body (metastasized). When lung cancer symptoms do present, they vary depending on the type of lung cancer and the size and location of the tumor.

Local Disease

  • Coughing
  • Blood in sputum
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Pain in chest
  • Fatigue
  • Pneumonia

Locally Advanced Disease

  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • Wheezing
  • Excess fluid in the lining of the lung (pleural effusion)
  • Excess fluid in the lining of the heart (pericardial effusion)

Test to Diagnose Lung Cancer

There are a number of tests your doctor may order to look for cancerous cells and to rule out other conditions.

  • Imaging – an x-ray image of your lungs may reveal an abnormal mass or nodule. A CT scan can reveal small lesions in your lungs that might not be detected on x-ray alone.
  • Sputum Cytology – if you have a cough and are producing sputum, looking at the sputum under the microscope can sometimes reveal the presence of lung cancer cells.
  • Tissue Sample (Biopsy) – a sample of abnormal cells may be removed in a procedure called a biopsy.

IVC’s Treatments for Lung Cancer

You and your doctor will choose a cancer treatment plan based on a number of factors, including your overall health, your diagnosis, and your preferences.

At IVC, we offer percutaneous thermal ablation for treatment of lung tumors. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA) and cyroablation are minimally invasive procedures that use extreme heat or cold to destroy tumors.

Call IVC today at 503-612-0498 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Great experience! My wife’s surgery wasn’t very complex, admittedly…but everything went like clockwork–kind of a first for us. I wish this was the standard, instead of an exception! 🙂
C.T.

Dr Jason Bauer performed our 20 year old son’s kidney biopsy last week. I have had a lot of experience with medical care. Dr Bauer has moved to the top five of all doctors we have encountered. He has taught us more about our son’s medical condition than any other doctor has since March 2019! I just kept wanting to ask him more questions 😄. I felt super confident that our son was getting the best care he could when I let him go into the procedure. Dr Bauer’s skill, knowledge and ability to translate it into lay peoples terms far exceeded FIVE STARS and our expectations. He also related to our young adult son well which put him at ease.

A.R.

Wonderful nurse, did a good job. I am thrilled and excited. (EVLT Patient)

C.W.

If I have to have another drain ever I will come to IVC. Everyone is so great there.

P.P.

Your office has done a great job at follow up.

E.M.

You all are so nice.  Thank you for being there.  Your facility is so great.  So happy not to have to go to the hospital for this.

P.A.

You all were wonderful.  My experience started with the pre-procedure call – where comfort, trust and confidence was gained.  Mary Anne is an asset.  Thanks to Vicky, Paul and Dr. Pfister for their true care & concern.

M.I.

Thank you all, the team was great to work with.  I appreciate your care.

C.D.

Your team is exemplary.  This leads to outstanding results.  Thank you for being great!

I.S.

Everyone at the oncology clinic said how great the port looked today!

S.V.M.

Thank you for the time you spent with me today on the phone. You made a big difference. More than I can express. You have given me hope, calmed my anxiety and informed me. I was getting confused by all of the different instructions and restrictions by others.

R.M.

You made this painless. Your team works together well. Thank you. I feel better already!

M.R.

Best doctors in town!  Dr. Zhang speaks fluent Mandarin which was very helpful to my uncle!

A.C.

You guys were so AWESOME!  Thank you for making this scary procedure go smooth and making me comfortable.  You all are great.

C.P.

I am a medical oncologist who has been referring my patients to the physicians at IVC for 8 years now. In my career, I have never worked with a more dedicated, thorough, humane, and technically superb group of physicians. I have received countless words of positive feedback from my patients echoing the above sentiments.

More recently, I have been a patient with Dr. Michael Pfister. Dr. Pfister is an outstanding interventionalist, who brings a warm bedside manner to his interactions. He is the “whole package,” providing both technical savvy as well as kindness. As a patient, I could not ask for more.

I.S.

I’ve been a pt of Dr. Pfisters for over 10yrs, during which time he has performed 5+ procedures. As a medical professional myself, I have an exceptionally high expectation of the quality of care I receive, as well…and JUST AS IMPORTANT…the attitude and respect my Dr’s and healthcare team provide! Dr. Pfister and the staff on his team get AA+++ from me!!!!! He is kind, respectful, informative AND an EXCEPTIONALLY skilled interventional radiologist!!! I won’t EVER trust anyone else!!!

P.R.

From the time I first spoke to Maryanne who was so kind, and walked thru your doors with friendly smiles to greet me – meeting Patty who was so kind and caring and meeting Dr. Love – great bedside manner and smile and made sure all my questions were answered – and having the port placed with an excellent team – Paul asking me what my hobbies were first thing – I knew I was in the right place! Thank you all, you all are amazing!

Anonymous

One of our best medical experiences during our entire cancer treatment. Thanks so much for everything!

Anonymous

This is for Dr. Pfister. I just wanted to thank him for all the time he spent with us the other week. In all the years I’ve had my vascular problems I’ve never had a doctor really sit down and explain to me the intricacies of what might be going on. I have a lot to think about…but just wanted to say thanks for being so nice and answering our many questions!

L.H.

A fantastic group of wonderful people. The procedure was very smooth. When they were putting the port in I felt like I was getting a great massage!! Thank you all!

S.C.

Charley was instrumental in getting me scheduled in quickly to get my PICC line removed. She actually worked until late in the day to get the information from my referring doctor’s office. It is nice to know great people like Charley still exist in this world!

K.S.

I had my blood clot filter removed on 2/21/18. I was very apprehensive, yet EVERYONE in Dr. Pfister’s office and surgical team helped to make me comfortable. I am extremely claustrophobic so laying down or having something covering my face creates anxiety. Mary Anne listened to my concerns and made sure I was made comfortable and did not feel anxious. The surgical team was amazing, they explained everything thoroughly. Dr. Pfister came in after the procedure to review what he did and discuss any follow up that might be required. I so appreciate the time and attention he gives me as his patient. This was a positive experience.

G.H.

110% Thank You! Best unit so far in my cancer treatment. Thanks Dr. Love

Anonymous

If you ever need an Interventional Radiologist for a child I realize it is serious business. I’ve seen Dr. Love go and save a child’s kidney without missing a beat. I could recommend no one better for myself, or for people I love. I think he is a little cool at the bedside, but that’s OK Dr. Love, stay frosty! If you can’t see Dr. Love, one of the other professionals at IVC will be able to help you. Ashley, the dynamite scheduler and one of the other surgeons at IVC will care for you. I’ve had multiple surgeries with this practice over the past several years. Never a hiccup!

S. R. – Portland, OR

Great experience, doctor was thorough in explaining what was going to happen. The nurses were very attentive and made sure I was comfortable and my needs were met. I would recommend this office for any related procedure.

Anonymous

Everything went very smoothly. Joe enjoyed the music. Very friendly staff! Good Experience!

J. & E.

All staff was courteous and efficient. Good experience.

J. J.

Dr. Pfister, thanks so much for your excellent care, removing my chemo port earlier this week. With all your experience and your fine touch, I’m confident the scar will be nearly invisible. Your team, from beginning to end, did a super job with me. Please extend my gratitude to Jennifer, Mary Anne, Todd and Charley. I’ve got a whole lot of living left to do. I appreciate all of you helping me do it!

M. F.

Dr. Pfister, thank you for all of the attention you gave to me. I learned lots from our discussion – hearing you speak of ultimate healing was enough to encourage me to do all I can to strengthen those muscles.

S. O.

The entire office is one of the most professional, helpful and informative medical offices I have dealt with (and I have dealt with many). Kudos to Jennifer, Henry, and Charley!

K. C.

Great people. Great place. Good surgery.

G. G.

Patty, Mary Anne and the whole staff was amazing! Best experience I’ve had since being diagnosed with cancer. From start to finish, was great. Thanks.

M

My brother came into Legacy Meridian Park, had a stroke. Dr. Bauer came in immediately, in his work jeans and shirt. He worked with Neurologist Dr. Burbank, developed a plan and took my brother into a procedure where they removed the clot from his head! Very down to earth doctor, explained procedure to family, worked with sense of urgency.

J. P.

I want to comment regarding Dr. Bauer of how he was thorough explaining my CT Biopsy and showing me how on the computer he would get the tissue needed. In all the years of several surgeries I have never felt better going in to have a procedure done. His bedside manner was incredible. I wish all doctors were like Dr. Bauer. Thank you for preparing and relaxing me prior to the biopsy.

R.S. Molalla OR

Everyone did a superb job taking care of me and doing the procedure. Thank You All

K.S.

Dr. Bauer genuinely cares about his patients and strives to make sure they understand every aspect of their treatment.

A.L.

Dr. Bauer, our family wants you to know how thankful we are to you for saving G.P.’s life and bringing him back to us in normal health. Thank you over and over you are the best!

Family of G. P.
Read More

We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.

We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.

To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.

Medical Records Release Form

Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Jason Bauer, MD RVT
Michael Pfister, MD RVT

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