Lung cancer---or bronchogenic carcinomas---victimizes more men and women worldwide than the combined total of prostate, colorectal and breast cancer sufferers. Of those, less than half will make it through the first year, and no more than 5 percent will live beyond 5 years, particularly if the cancer has spread beyond the lungs.
Background
A key drawback of lung cancer is that its symptoms are not apparent in the early stages of the disease. In fact, almost one-fourth of its victims do not exhibit signs, even when a positive diagnosis has been made. Lung cancer oftentimes is detected "unexpectedly" as a result of a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan that is taken for another health concern.
Signs of Primary Lung Cancer
The signs of lung cancer are not the same for all sufferers. They differ depending on the tumor's location and whether or not the lung cancer has metastasized to other areas of the body. Generally symptoms arise due to the direct effect of a "primary growth" or a tumor that has spread. As the cancer advances, it assaults tissue in and around the lungs. Primary lung cancer signs may be a new, persistent or blood-producing cough; blunt, aching and constant chest pain; shortness of breath or gasping for air; scratchy voice; or recurring bouts of respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Signs of Metastatic Lung Cancer
Lung cancer that has invaded the liver or adrenal glands generally is symptom-free at the time of diagnosis. Cancer that has affected the brain may produce vision problems, seizures or weakness on one side of the body. Metastatic lung cancer that has traveled to the bones usually brings about aches in the vertebrae (backbone), ribs or thighs. If the cancer has moved into the nerves, it may result in shoulder pain that moves down the outer portion of the arm, or the vocal cords could shut down. Problems swallowing could result if the lung cancer develops in the esophagus, or if a major airway becomes obstructed, a section of the lung is susceptible to collapse, and an infection may ensue.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small-cell lung cancer, or SCLC, is one of the two types of classifications of the disease. Responsible for roughly one-fifth of all instances of lung cancer, SCLC is more invasive and faster spreading than its counterpart. Due to how quickly small cell lung cancer metastasizes, most of the new "sites" go unnoticed until extensive damage has been done. This type of lung cancer appears to be more prevalent in cigarette smokers.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This more common type of lung cancer---non-small cell---represents over three-quarters of all cases. This form of lung cancer is further divided according to the kind of cancerous cells that make up the tumor. Adeno carcinomas account for nearly one-half of all NSCLCs in both smokers and nonsmokers. Most instances originate in the peripheral (or outside) parts of the lungs. Squamos cell carcinomas make up about one-third of the non-small cell tumors and are typically found in the middle of the chest. Large-cell carcinomas, often identified as the "undifferentiated carcinomas," are the rarest type of lung cancer. They are also known to grow quickly.
Other Types of Lung Cancer
Bronchial carcinoids represent less than 5 percent of all lung cancers. Typically found in individuals under the age of 40, the carcinoids are less than 1 1/2 inches in size (3 cm). These tumors are not linked to smoking and can spread throughout the body.
