Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease identified by the presence of malignant cells in the lungs. The uncontrolled growth of these cells can cause metastasis or the spreading of the disease throughout the body, including into the bloodstream. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death in men and women, killing over an estimated one million people worldwide every year.

A number of factors can contribute to the development of cancer in the lungs including genetic and environmental factors, or a combination of both. The most commonly recognized causes of lung cancer include exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco, asbestos exposure, and air pollution.

Lung cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, hemoptysis, chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bone pain, fever, and many other health complications that may range from mild to severe. Diagnosing the disease is frequently done in steps, beginning with a chest x-ray to identify whether there is the obvious presence of a mass. Use of a biopsy, CT scan, or bronchoscopy may be additional steps taken in order to confirm a diagnosis. 

Lung cancer is often classified as primary or secondary. A majority of lung cancers are labeled carcinomas or malignancies that develop from epithelial cells. The term small cell lung cancer is sometimes used in reference to a small cell lung carcinoma, which is the type seen in nearly 17 percent of cases. The other carcinoma classification, non-small cell, is reportedly seen in more than 80 percent of cases.

Lung cancer treatment options may vary depending on source, type, how far the disease has spread, and other circumstances. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are some of these options. Each patient’s lung cancer prognosis is also dependent on several factors. Lung cancer stages play a significant role in the survival rates of patients. Sources such as the Lung Cancer Alliance and the National Cancer Institute are recommended resources for more extensive information about lung cancer.