Lung Cancer
Overview
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in both men and women. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). While people who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, lung cancer often times occurs in people who have never smoked.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Subtypes)
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of lung cancer in the United States. It is also the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: The second most common type of lung cancer accounting for thirty percent of all cases. This type of cancer usually starts in the center of the lung near an airway and tends to grow slower.
- Large cell carcinoma: Large cell carcinoma tends to grow more rapidly and spread aggressively than some other types of lung cancer. A subtype of large cell carcinoma, known as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a fast growing cancer.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
- This type of lung cancer grows and spreads very rapidly.
- Most patients will already have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.
- It responds well to chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Causes
- Smoking
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Previous radiation therapy
- Exposure to radon gas
- Exposure to asbestos
- Exposure to other cancer-causing agents (uranium, arsenic, beryllium, diesel exhaust)
- Air pollution
- Family history of lung cancer
Symptoms
- Chronic cough
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness
Diagnosis
- History and physical
- Comparison of imaging (Chest x-ray, CT scan of the chest)
- Labs (Complete blood count, electrolytes, liver function test, creatinine)
- Tissue diagnosis (CT-guided biopsy, bronchoscopy)
- PET CT Scan, MRI Brain to stage disease
Treatment
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical resection
- Palliative care
Patient Education and Resources
lungcancer.org
Thoracic.org