What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is believed to develop over a period of
many years. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided
into two major types, small cell lung cancer and non-small
cell lung cancer.
- Small cell lung cancer occurs less frequently but
grows and spreads to other organs faster
- Non-small cell lung cancer is the least aggressive
and most common type. There are three types of non-small
cell lung cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma,
and large cell carcinomas
Each type of lung cancer develops in unique ways and
requires different treatments. If undiagnosed and untreated,
lung cancer may spread to the lymph nodes or other tissues
in the chest (including the other lung). The disease
also may spread (metastasize) to other organs, such
as the bones, brain, or liver.
According to the American Cancer Society:
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths
in America
- More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast,
and prostate cancers combined
- The average age of people diagnosed with lung cancer
is 70
- Fewer than 3 percent of all cases are found in people
under age 45
>
Back to top
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use:
Lung cancer is most often caused by tobacco use -
cigarette, pipe or cigar smoking. The best way to
prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking or never start.
- Environmental exposure:
People with long-term exposure to second-hand smoke,
asbestos, or radon also may be more susceptible to
lung cancer.
- Lung diseases:
Recurring inflammation in the lungs may increase your
chance of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer tends
to develop in areas of the lung that are scarred from
tuberculosis (TB) and some types of pneumonia.
>
Back to top
Common Symptoms
In the earliest stages of lung cancer, you won't feel
anything or know you have it. But, as the disease progresses,
symptoms begin to emerge. Some of the most common signs
of trouble include:
- Persistent cough that worsens over time
- Coughing up blood
- Pain in the chest cavity or ribs
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or hoarseness
- Repeat bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
- Bloody or rust-colored sputum or phlegm
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
>
Back to top
Screening and Diagnosis
For all types of cancer, early detection is essential
to successful treatment and recovery. To find the cause
of symptoms, a physical examination and medical testing
are required. During the exam, your doctor will review
your personal medical history, family history, tobacco
use, exposure to environmental dangers, and potential
symptoms. You will also receive one or more of the following
medical tests:
- Chest x-ray
- Computed Tomography
(CT) scan: CT scans use a computer to combine
a series of x-rays and produce a three-dimensional
image of internal organs and structures within the
body.
- Sputum cytology:
a study of phlegm (spit) cells under a microscope
- Needle biopsy:
A surgical lung biopsy is performed under general
anesthesia. A tissue sample is collected through a
small incision in the chest and then sent to a pathologist
for further study
- Bronchoscopy:
Bronchoscopy is performed under local anesthetic.
During the short outpatient procedure, a pulmonologist
inserts a flexible tube through your nose or mouth
into the lungs. A tiny camera at the end of the tube
allows doctors to see into the lungs and collect a
tissue sample
>
Back to top
Stages of Lung Cancer
Once a diagnosis is made, doctors conduct additional
tests to stage the cancer, or determine if the cancer
has spread and how far. Staging helps your doctor develop
an appropriate treatment plan. Some of the most common
tests used to stage lung cancer include:
- Computed Tomography
(CT) scan: A computer linked to an x-ray machine
creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside
the body
- Positron Emission Tomography
(PET scan): PET is a powerful imaging technique
that provides unique information about the body's
chemistry, cell function and exact location of disease
- Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI): MRI uses radio waves and magnetic
fields to obtain superbly detailed anatomical images
of the body
- Bone scan: Usually
used in patients with non-small cell lung cancer when
doctors suspect the cancer has spread to the bones
>
Back to top
Common Treatment Options
Treatment for lung cancer is based on the type, stage,
and size of the lung tumor, as well as your personal
preferences, prognosis, and ability to tolerate certain
medical procedures or medications. The goal of treatment
is to preserve healthy tissue while destroying the tumor
at its point of origin, as well as any cancer cells
that have spread throughout the body.
- Early-stage lung cancer:
A widely used surgical procedure called lobectomy
is often recommended for patients with early-stage
lung cancer. In this procedure, which is performed
under general anesthesia, a thoracic surgeon removes
all or part of the affected lung. If cancer is present
in the nearby lymph nodes, they are removed as well.
- Middle-stage lung cancer:
Treatment for patients with middle-stage lung
cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
(radiotherapy)-either individually or in combination.
Chemotherapy shrinks the tumor before surgery. Radiation
may be administered after the tumor is removed to
eliminate the last traces of disease.
- Late-stage lung cancer:
Although surgery is not recommended for patients
with late-stage lung cancer, chemotherapy and radiation
are frequently used. The goal is to enhance quality
of life and minimize pain and discomfort.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs
to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing
the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Depending
on the type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may
be given as the primary treatment or as an adjuvant
(additional) treatment to surgery. Chemotherapy drugs
can be taken orally or by injection depending on the
type and stage of the cancer and the drug protocol your
doctor has prescribed. It is important to discuss your
treatment protocol with your treatment team so you are
aware of any possible side effects.
Radiation
Therapy
Radiation therapy is a non-surgical method of treatment
of cancer and other diseases using penetrating beams
of high-energy waves called x-rays or gamma rays. Radiation
injures or destroys tumor cells by damaging their genetic
material, making it impossible for these cells to continue
to grow. There are two types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy: Specialized
medical equipment is used to deliver radiation to
the tumor site from outside the body.
- Internal radiation therapy: Radioactive
material is placed in the body near the cancer cells
(also called implant radiation or brachytherapy)
The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the
type and stage of the cancer being treated.
