Symptoms of Lung Cancer
What Are The Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
What are the symptoms of lung cancer? Since lung cancer survival is better the earlier it is caught, understanding some of the common symptoms of lung cancer is very important. Symptoms of lung cancer to be aware of can include:
Symptoms Related to Cancer in The Lungs
A cough that persists over time, or does not go away with treatment is a common warning sign of lung cancer. Other local symptoms that can be caused by lung cancer include:
• coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• difficulty breathing – due to decreased airflow by a tumor obstructing the large airways or spread through the lungs
• wheezing – caused by the interference of airflow through an airway obstructed by a tumor
• pain in the chest, back, shoulder, or arm – when a lung tumor presses on nerves around the lungs
• repeated lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• hoarseness
No Symptoms
Roughly 25% of the time, lung cancer causes no symptoms at all. These tumors are usually found when a chest x-ray is done for another reason. Occasionally, lung cancer is found when a smoker or former smoker has a procedure to screen for lung cancer.
General Symptoms Associated With Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can sometimes present with vague symptoms. Concerns such as fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and even depression can be a symptom of lung cancer as well as many other conditions. It is important to talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns such as these, especially if you have a history of smoking.
Symptoms Related to The Spread of Lung Cancer
Sometimes, the first symptoms of lung cancer are due to its spread (metastasis) to other regions in the body. With lung cancer, the most common places lung cancer spreads are to the liver, adrenal glands, brain, and bones. Symptoms commonly found include:
• bone - pain in the back, ribs, or hips
• brain - headaches, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, vision symptoms
Paraneoplastic Symptoms
Paraneoplastic symptoms are symptoms related to the production of hormones-like chemicals by some types of lung cancers. These often show up as unexplained findings on lab tests and can include:
• low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
• elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• anemia
• clubbing of the fingers (bulging of the fingernails)
• new bone formation seen on x-rays
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Lung Cancer Prevention. What Can You Do to Help Prevent Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer Prevention
What Can You Do to Help Prevent Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer prevention is a critical topic, since lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Can lung cancer be prevented? It is estimated that 90% of lung cancer could be prevented through action and awareness. Smoking accounts for the majority of preventable lung cancers, but non-smokers can take action to lower their risk as well. Those who have already been diagnosed with lung cancer should not despair. Some of these measures have been shown to improve survival after lung cancer is already present.
Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Prevention
Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancers in the United States. Quitting smoking at any time can lower the risk of developing lung cancer, and appears to be beneficial after a diagnosis of lung cancer as well.
Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer Prevention
Exposure to radon in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the number one cause in non-smokers. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that results from the normal decay of radium in the soil. Inexpensive test kits are available at most hardware stores and should be placed in the lowest level of living space in the home. If the results are abnormal, the Environmental Protection Agency can provide assistance in repairing the problem.
Secondhand Smoke and Lung Cancer Prevention
Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers two to three fold.
Asbestos and Lung Cancer Prevention
Workplace exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, and combined with smoking the risk is exponential. Employers should have safety recommendations for those exposed. Homes built prior to 1970 may contain asbestos insulation. Left alone, this insulation is rarely of concern, but a contractor that is certified to work with asbestos should be consulted when remodeling.
Chemical and Occupational Exposures and Lung Cancer Prevention
Several chemicals used in industry and around homes may increase the risk of lung cancer. Labels on home products such as wood stripper, and Material Safety Data Sheets provided by employers, provide information on safe exposure and proper masks to use to limit exposure.
Diet and Exercise and Lung Cancer Prevention
A healthy diet and moderate physical activity both play a role in lung cancer prevention.
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Lung Cancer Prevention (PDQ). Health Professional Version. Updated 08/06/09. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/lung/healthprofessional
Environmental Protection Agency. Radon. Updated 02/04/10. http://www.epa.gov/radon/
What Can You Do to Help Prevent Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer prevention is a critical topic, since lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Can lung cancer be prevented? It is estimated that 90% of lung cancer could be prevented through action and awareness. Smoking accounts for the majority of preventable lung cancers, but non-smokers can take action to lower their risk as well. Those who have already been diagnosed with lung cancer should not despair. Some of these measures have been shown to improve survival after lung cancer is already present.
Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Prevention
Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancers in the United States. Quitting smoking at any time can lower the risk of developing lung cancer, and appears to be beneficial after a diagnosis of lung cancer as well.
Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer Prevention
Exposure to radon in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the number one cause in non-smokers. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that results from the normal decay of radium in the soil. Inexpensive test kits are available at most hardware stores and should be placed in the lowest level of living space in the home. If the results are abnormal, the Environmental Protection Agency can provide assistance in repairing the problem.
Secondhand Smoke and Lung Cancer Prevention
Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers two to three fold.
Asbestos and Lung Cancer Prevention
Workplace exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, and combined with smoking the risk is exponential. Employers should have safety recommendations for those exposed. Homes built prior to 1970 may contain asbestos insulation. Left alone, this insulation is rarely of concern, but a contractor that is certified to work with asbestos should be consulted when remodeling.
Chemical and Occupational Exposures and Lung Cancer Prevention
Several chemicals used in industry and around homes may increase the risk of lung cancer. Labels on home products such as wood stripper, and Material Safety Data Sheets provided by employers, provide information on safe exposure and proper masks to use to limit exposure.
Diet and Exercise and Lung Cancer Prevention
A healthy diet and moderate physical activity both play a role in lung cancer prevention.
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Lung Cancer Prevention (PDQ). Health Professional Version. Updated 08/06/09. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/lung/healthprofessional
Environmental Protection Agency. Radon. Updated 02/04/10. http://www.epa.gov/radon/
An Overview of Lung Cancer Treatments
An Overview of Lung Cancer Treatments
What Treatments Are Available For Lung Cancer?
There are many lung cancer treatments available for lung cancer. These vary depending upon the type of lung cancer and stage. When lung cancer is caught early, treatment may be curative. Even when lung cancer is caught in the later stages, lung cancer treatments can improve survival and decrease the pain and discomfort of living with cancer. This is called palliative treatment. Surgery is usually chosen when a cure is considered possible. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also result in a cure.
Surgery
When lung cancer (especially non-small cell lung cancer) is caught before it has spread beyond the lungs, surgery can often be curative. The three procedures performed commonly to remove lung cancer include:
• Wedge resection – the tumor and some surrounding tissue is removed
• Lobectomy – a lobe of the lung is removed
• Pneumonectomy – an entire lung is removed
Common side effects of surgery are infection, bleeding, and shortness of breath, depending on lung function prior to surgery and the amount of lung tissue removed.
• Surgery for Lung Cancer
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays applied from outside the body to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy. Common side effects can include redness and irritation of the skin where the radiation is given, and fatigue.
• Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy
Both oral and intravenous anti-cancer drugs are available to treat lung cancer. These drugs are used to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. The side effects typically encountered occur when the drugs kill rapidly dividing non-cancerous cells, such as hair follicles (resulting in hair loss,) and stomach lining (causing nausea and vomiting.) Sometimes chemotherapy is given as adjuvant therapy, used along with surgery to catch cancer cells that may have spread microscopically. Most of the time, chemotherapy is given as a palliative therapy, to improve survival time and decrease symptoms.
• Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Targeted Therapies
Newer treatments are now available that target cancer cells specifically. Because these do not attack all dividing cells there are usually fewer side effects.
• Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI)
PCI uses radiation to kill cancer cells that may have spread to the brain but do not show up on imaging. This is primarily used with small-cell lung cancer.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies in progress testing many new cancer therapies. An oncologist may recommend one of these when treatment options are limited, or as an addition to other treatment. While these trials can offer hope that standard treatments do not, they do not necessarily promise survival will be improved.
• What are Clinical Trials?
• Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
• Types and Phases of Clinical Trials
• How to Find Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer
Alternative Treatments for Lung Cancer
Several complimentary therapies are available for those diagnosed with lung cancer. Studies are currently looking at these treatments both as an adjunct to conventional treatment, and as a way to decrease symptoms and side effects of traditional therapy.
• What Alternative Treatments Work for Lung Cancer?
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment PDQ. Updated 01/29/10. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/patient/
National Cancer Institute. Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment PDQ. Updated 08/28/09. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/small-cell-lung/patient/
.
What Treatments Are Available For Lung Cancer?
There are many lung cancer treatments available for lung cancer. These vary depending upon the type of lung cancer and stage. When lung cancer is caught early, treatment may be curative. Even when lung cancer is caught in the later stages, lung cancer treatments can improve survival and decrease the pain and discomfort of living with cancer. This is called palliative treatment. Surgery is usually chosen when a cure is considered possible. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also result in a cure.
Surgery
When lung cancer (especially non-small cell lung cancer) is caught before it has spread beyond the lungs, surgery can often be curative. The three procedures performed commonly to remove lung cancer include:
• Wedge resection – the tumor and some surrounding tissue is removed
• Lobectomy – a lobe of the lung is removed
• Pneumonectomy – an entire lung is removed
Common side effects of surgery are infection, bleeding, and shortness of breath, depending on lung function prior to surgery and the amount of lung tissue removed.
• Surgery for Lung Cancer
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays applied from outside the body to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy. Common side effects can include redness and irritation of the skin where the radiation is given, and fatigue.
• Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy
Both oral and intravenous anti-cancer drugs are available to treat lung cancer. These drugs are used to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. The side effects typically encountered occur when the drugs kill rapidly dividing non-cancerous cells, such as hair follicles (resulting in hair loss,) and stomach lining (causing nausea and vomiting.) Sometimes chemotherapy is given as adjuvant therapy, used along with surgery to catch cancer cells that may have spread microscopically. Most of the time, chemotherapy is given as a palliative therapy, to improve survival time and decrease symptoms.
• Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Targeted Therapies
Newer treatments are now available that target cancer cells specifically. Because these do not attack all dividing cells there are usually fewer side effects.
• Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI)
PCI uses radiation to kill cancer cells that may have spread to the brain but do not show up on imaging. This is primarily used with small-cell lung cancer.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies in progress testing many new cancer therapies. An oncologist may recommend one of these when treatment options are limited, or as an addition to other treatment. While these trials can offer hope that standard treatments do not, they do not necessarily promise survival will be improved.
• What are Clinical Trials?
• Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
• Types and Phases of Clinical Trials
• How to Find Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer
Alternative Treatments for Lung Cancer
Several complimentary therapies are available for those diagnosed with lung cancer. Studies are currently looking at these treatments both as an adjunct to conventional treatment, and as a way to decrease symptoms and side effects of traditional therapy.
• What Alternative Treatments Work for Lung Cancer?
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment PDQ. Updated 01/29/10. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/patient/
National Cancer Institute. Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment PDQ. Updated 08/28/09. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/small-cell-lung/patient/
.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer. How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed
How do you diagnose lung cancer? Lung cancer is often suspected after an abnormal spot is found on a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. During this frightening time, it is helpful to know some of the procedures that may be recommended to find out if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous.) If the abnormality is malignant, further studies are done to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas in the body.
History and Physical
When lung cancer is suspected, a physician will first perform a thorough history and physical exam. This is done to evaluate symptoms and risk factors for lung cancer, and to look for any physical signs suggestive of lung cancer. These can include abnormal lung sounds, enlarged lymph nodes, or clubbing of the fingernails (chubby fingernails.)
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is usually the first test performed to evaluate any concerns based on a careful history and physical. This may show a mass in the lungs or enlarged lymph nodes. Sometimes the chest x-ray is normal, and further tests are needed look for a suspected lung cancer. Even if a mass is found, these are not always cancerous and further studies are needed.
CT Scan (computerized tomography)
A CT scan is frequently the second step either to follow up on an abnormal chest x-ray finding, or to evaluate troublesome symptoms in those with a normal chest x-ray. CT scanning involves a series of x-rays that create a 3-dimensional view of the lungs. If the CT is abnormal, the diagnosis of lung cancer still needs confirmation through a sample of tissue by one of the procedures below.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
In some patients, MRI will be used to evaluate the possibility of lung cancer. This procedure uses magnetism and does not involve radiation. Certain individuals, such as those with metal implants (pacemakers, etc) should not have MRI scans. The technician will ask questions to make sure these are not present.
PET scan
A PET scan uses radioactive material to create colorful 3-dimensional images of a region of the body. This type of scan differs from the others in that it defines tumors that are actively growing. As an addition to the other procedures, some researchers suggest that PET scanning may detect tumors earlier, even before they are visible anatomically through other studies.
Sputum Cytology
After a lung cancer is suspected based on imaging, a sample of tissue is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Sputum cytology is the easiest way to do this, but its use is limited to those tumors that extend into the airways. Sputum cytology is not always accurate and can miss some cancer cells.
Bronchoscopy
In a bronchoscopy, a lung specialist inserts a tube into the airways to visualize and take a sample of the tumor. This procedure is used when the tumor is found in the large airways and can be reached by the scope. Patients are given anesthesia during this procedure to minimize discomfort.
• What Should I Know About My Bronchoscopy?
Needle Biopsy (fine needle aspiration)
With this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted through the chest wall, usually guided by CT visualization, to take a sample of the tumor. This can be performed for tumors that cannot be reached by bronchoscopy.
Thoracentesis
When lung cancer affects the periphery of the lungs, it can create a fluid build up between the lungs and the lung lining (pleural effusion). With local anesthesia, a larger needle is inserted into the pleural space from which either a diagnostic amount of fluid (small amount to test for cancer cells) or a therapeutic amount of fluid (large amount to improve pain/shortness of breath) is removed.
Mediastinoscopy
This procedure is done in the operating room under general anesthesia. A scope is inserted just above the sternum (the breast bone) into the region between the lungs to take tissue samples from lymph nodes.
• What Can You Expect During a Mediastinoscopy?
Test to Determine Spread of Lung Cancer (Metastasis)
Lung cancer most commonly spreads to the liver, the adrenal glands, the brain, and the bones. Common tests include:
• CT scan of the abdomen – to check for spread to the liver or adrenal glands
• CT scan of the brain – to look for metastases to the brain
• Bone Scan – to test for bone involvement, especially the back, hips and ribs
Other Tests During Diagnosis
Additional non-diagnostic tests are frequently performed during the diagnosis of lung cancer as well. These can include:
• Pulmonary function tests – these test lung capacity and can determine how much the tumor is interfering with breathing, and sometimes, whether it is safe to perform surgery
• Blood tests – certain blood tests can detect biochemical abnormalities caused by lung cancers, and can also suggest spread of the tumor
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Institute of Health. Medline Plus: Lung Cancer. Updated 03/01/10. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed
How do you diagnose lung cancer? Lung cancer is often suspected after an abnormal spot is found on a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. During this frightening time, it is helpful to know some of the procedures that may be recommended to find out if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous.) If the abnormality is malignant, further studies are done to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas in the body.
History and Physical
When lung cancer is suspected, a physician will first perform a thorough history and physical exam. This is done to evaluate symptoms and risk factors for lung cancer, and to look for any physical signs suggestive of lung cancer. These can include abnormal lung sounds, enlarged lymph nodes, or clubbing of the fingernails (chubby fingernails.)
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is usually the first test performed to evaluate any concerns based on a careful history and physical. This may show a mass in the lungs or enlarged lymph nodes. Sometimes the chest x-ray is normal, and further tests are needed look for a suspected lung cancer. Even if a mass is found, these are not always cancerous and further studies are needed.
CT Scan (computerized tomography)
A CT scan is frequently the second step either to follow up on an abnormal chest x-ray finding, or to evaluate troublesome symptoms in those with a normal chest x-ray. CT scanning involves a series of x-rays that create a 3-dimensional view of the lungs. If the CT is abnormal, the diagnosis of lung cancer still needs confirmation through a sample of tissue by one of the procedures below.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
In some patients, MRI will be used to evaluate the possibility of lung cancer. This procedure uses magnetism and does not involve radiation. Certain individuals, such as those with metal implants (pacemakers, etc) should not have MRI scans. The technician will ask questions to make sure these are not present.
PET scan
A PET scan uses radioactive material to create colorful 3-dimensional images of a region of the body. This type of scan differs from the others in that it defines tumors that are actively growing. As an addition to the other procedures, some researchers suggest that PET scanning may detect tumors earlier, even before they are visible anatomically through other studies.
Sputum Cytology
After a lung cancer is suspected based on imaging, a sample of tissue is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Sputum cytology is the easiest way to do this, but its use is limited to those tumors that extend into the airways. Sputum cytology is not always accurate and can miss some cancer cells.
Bronchoscopy
In a bronchoscopy, a lung specialist inserts a tube into the airways to visualize and take a sample of the tumor. This procedure is used when the tumor is found in the large airways and can be reached by the scope. Patients are given anesthesia during this procedure to minimize discomfort.
• What Should I Know About My Bronchoscopy?
Needle Biopsy (fine needle aspiration)
With this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted through the chest wall, usually guided by CT visualization, to take a sample of the tumor. This can be performed for tumors that cannot be reached by bronchoscopy.
Thoracentesis
When lung cancer affects the periphery of the lungs, it can create a fluid build up between the lungs and the lung lining (pleural effusion). With local anesthesia, a larger needle is inserted into the pleural space from which either a diagnostic amount of fluid (small amount to test for cancer cells) or a therapeutic amount of fluid (large amount to improve pain/shortness of breath) is removed.
Mediastinoscopy
This procedure is done in the operating room under general anesthesia. A scope is inserted just above the sternum (the breast bone) into the region between the lungs to take tissue samples from lymph nodes.
• What Can You Expect During a Mediastinoscopy?
Test to Determine Spread of Lung Cancer (Metastasis)
Lung cancer most commonly spreads to the liver, the adrenal glands, the brain, and the bones. Common tests include:
• CT scan of the abdomen – to check for spread to the liver or adrenal glands
• CT scan of the brain – to look for metastases to the brain
• Bone Scan – to test for bone involvement, especially the back, hips and ribs
Other Tests During Diagnosis
Additional non-diagnostic tests are frequently performed during the diagnosis of lung cancer as well. These can include:
• Pulmonary function tests – these test lung capacity and can determine how much the tumor is interfering with breathing, and sometimes, whether it is safe to perform surgery
• Blood tests – certain blood tests can detect biochemical abnormalities caused by lung cancers, and can also suggest spread of the tumor
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Institute of Health. Medline Plus: Lung Cancer. Updated 03/01/10. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html
What is Lung Cancer? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is Lung Cancer?
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung cancer arises when a series of mutations in normal lung cells cause them to become abnormal and grow out of control. These changes can take place anywhere from the bronchus (the windpipe), down to the small air sacs in the periphery of the lungs where oxygen exchange takes place.
How Common is Lung Cancer?
Once uncommon, the surge in smoking of the 20th century has contributed to a tremendous rise in the incidence of lung cancer. Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. On the bright side, with widespread awareness of the risks of smoking, many hope these numbers will decrease in the future.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Tobacco use is responsible for almost 90% of lung cancer cases. That being said, those who have never smoked or quit long ago, may develop lung cancer as well. Common causes include radon exposure in the home, workplace chemicals such as asbestos, and environmental pollutants including secondhand smoke.
• Lung Cancer Causes - An Overview
• Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer
• Occupational Causes of Lung Cancer
• Hereditary Lung Cancer
• Radon at Home - The Leading Cause in Non-Smokers
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer most commonly presents with a cough that does not go away over time. Sometimes it shows up with vague symptoms, such as fatigue, and about 25% of the time, there are no symptoms at all. Since lung cancer is common, anyone, especially those who smoke, should seek prompt medical attention for any symptom that is new or unexplained. The most common symptoms include:
• a chronic cough
• coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• pain in the chest, back, shoulder, or arm
More about symptoms:
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Women
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Men
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Lung cancer is often suspected initially from a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. Further studies are performed to determine if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous.) If these show cancer, further tests may be performed to see whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas in the body.
• Diagnosing Lung Cancer
• Screening for Lung Cancer
Types of Lung Cancer
There are two major types of lung cancer. Non small-cell lung cancer accounts for roughly 80% of cases. Small cell lung cancer, which is usually causes by smoking, comprises 15% of lung cancers and tends to spread quickly. Rare forms of lung cancer include carcinoid tumors and mesothelioma.
• Lung Cancer Types
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Small Cell Lung Cancer
Stages of Lung Cancer
Non small cell cancer is divided into stages from 1 to 4 depending on how far the cancer has spread. Stage 1 is localized. Stage 2 has spread locally, often to a lymph node. Stage 3A and Stage 3B involves further spread locally but beyond the lung. Stage 4 indicates spread to another region of the body. Small cell cancer is separated into two stages based on whether the cancer is limited or extensive.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages
• Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages
How is Lung Cancer Treated?
Depending upon the stage and type of lung cancer diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. New treatments, often with fewer side effects, are becoming available that target lung cancer.
• Overview of Lung Cancer Treatments
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Targeted Therapies
• Alternative Treatments
What is My Prognosis?
Caught early when it can be treated with surgery, lung cancer can be very curable. Sadly, the majority of people with lung cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has spread too far to do surgery. Even in this case (inoperable lung cancer,) treatment can increase length of survival, and sometimes result in long-term cancer free remission. Since people vary widely in their general health at the time of diagnosis, it can be discouraging and misleading to look at statistics. Your health care provider is a better source for looking at your individual situation.
• Lung Cancer Survival by Type and Stage
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Institute of Health. Medline Plus: Lung Cancer. Updated 01/21/2009. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung cancer arises when a series of mutations in normal lung cells cause them to become abnormal and grow out of control. These changes can take place anywhere from the bronchus (the windpipe), down to the small air sacs in the periphery of the lungs where oxygen exchange takes place.
How Common is Lung Cancer?
Once uncommon, the surge in smoking of the 20th century has contributed to a tremendous rise in the incidence of lung cancer. Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. On the bright side, with widespread awareness of the risks of smoking, many hope these numbers will decrease in the future.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Tobacco use is responsible for almost 90% of lung cancer cases. That being said, those who have never smoked or quit long ago, may develop lung cancer as well. Common causes include radon exposure in the home, workplace chemicals such as asbestos, and environmental pollutants including secondhand smoke.
• Lung Cancer Causes - An Overview
• Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer
• Occupational Causes of Lung Cancer
• Hereditary Lung Cancer
• Radon at Home - The Leading Cause in Non-Smokers
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer most commonly presents with a cough that does not go away over time. Sometimes it shows up with vague symptoms, such as fatigue, and about 25% of the time, there are no symptoms at all. Since lung cancer is common, anyone, especially those who smoke, should seek prompt medical attention for any symptom that is new or unexplained. The most common symptoms include:
• a chronic cough
• coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• pain in the chest, back, shoulder, or arm
More about symptoms:
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Women
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Men
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Lung cancer is often suspected initially from a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. Further studies are performed to determine if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous.) If these show cancer, further tests may be performed to see whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas in the body.
• Diagnosing Lung Cancer
• Screening for Lung Cancer
Types of Lung Cancer
There are two major types of lung cancer. Non small-cell lung cancer accounts for roughly 80% of cases. Small cell lung cancer, which is usually causes by smoking, comprises 15% of lung cancers and tends to spread quickly. Rare forms of lung cancer include carcinoid tumors and mesothelioma.
• Lung Cancer Types
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Small Cell Lung Cancer
Stages of Lung Cancer
Non small cell cancer is divided into stages from 1 to 4 depending on how far the cancer has spread. Stage 1 is localized. Stage 2 has spread locally, often to a lymph node. Stage 3A and Stage 3B involves further spread locally but beyond the lung. Stage 4 indicates spread to another region of the body. Small cell cancer is separated into two stages based on whether the cancer is limited or extensive.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages
• Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages
How is Lung Cancer Treated?
Depending upon the stage and type of lung cancer diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. New treatments, often with fewer side effects, are becoming available that target lung cancer.
• Overview of Lung Cancer Treatments
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Targeted Therapies
• Alternative Treatments
What is My Prognosis?
Caught early when it can be treated with surgery, lung cancer can be very curable. Sadly, the majority of people with lung cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has spread too far to do surgery. Even in this case (inoperable lung cancer,) treatment can increase length of survival, and sometimes result in long-term cancer free remission. Since people vary widely in their general health at the time of diagnosis, it can be discouraging and misleading to look at statistics. Your health care provider is a better source for looking at your individual situation.
• Lung Cancer Survival by Type and Stage
• What is Lung Cancer?
• Symptoms of Lung Cancer
• Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
• Treatment of Lung Cancer
• Preventing Lung Cancer
Sources:
National Institute of Health. Medline Plus: Lung Cancer. Updated 01/21/2009. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html
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