Lung Cancer
If you have just been diagnosed with lung cancer or have learned that your
physician may suspect cancer and further testing is needed, you are probably
on an emotional roller coaster – scared, mad, confused, overwhelmed.
We’re here to help you.
What is Lung Cancer?
When air passes into your lungs, it divides into tubes called bronchi that
help carry oxygen out to the blood stream. Most lung cancers start
in the lining of the bronchi. First, there are pre-cancerous changes in
the lung. They cannot be seen on an X-ray, and they do not cause symptoms. But,
over time, these changes can progress to cancer. Then cells from
the cancer can break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts
of the body.
Depending on how the cells look under a microscope, lung cancers are divided
into two major types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell
lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different
ways and is treated differently.
Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.
It usually grows and spreads more slowly. There are three main types of
non-small cell lung cancer, which are named for the type of cells in which
the cancer develops: squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma),
adenocarcinomas and large cell carcinoma. Surgery is the most common way
to treat this type of lung cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy also
may be used to slow the progress of the condition and to manage symptoms.
Small cell lung cancer, sometimes called oat cell cancer, is less
common. It grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs
in the body. To reach cancer cells throughout the body, physicians almost
always use chemotherapy. Treatment also may include radiation therapy aimed
at the tumor in the lung or tumors in other parts of the body.
Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Chronic cough
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Recurrent lung infections
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and neck