Lung cancer is cancer that originates from cells in the lungs, the organs in the chest that help move oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the body. Those who smoke cigarettes are at greatest risk of developing lung cancer, says the Mayo Clinic, although people who have never smoked can also develop the disease.
Significance
In 2010, the American Cancer Society estimates that 222,520 new diagnoses of lung cancer will be made in the United States, and over 153,000 individuals will die from the disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths, constituting approximately 28 percent of all fatal cases. The disease is typically diagnosed in older individuals, with two out of three diagnoses of lung cancer being made in those over the age of 65 years old.
Types
There are two main kinds of lung cancer, says the American Cancer Society: small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. In the very rare case that a lung cancer has characteristics of both types, it would be labeled as mixed-cell or large-cell cancer. The American Cancer Society states that non-small-cell lung cancer makes up approximately 85 to 90 percent of lung cancers, with three subtypes existing; squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large-cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. Small-cell lung cancers make up the remainder of the lung cancers and are usually the result of smoking cigarettes.
Symptoms
Lung cancer may not cause symptoms early in the disease, says the Mayo Clinic, but as the illness progresses, symptoms may occur, including a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, bone pain and headache. Changes in a chronic cough may also signal the development of lung cancer.
Identification
Tests to diagnose lung cancer include imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans, sputum cytology to analyze the mucus for cancer cells, and biopsies of lung tissue with a bronchoscopy. Once a diagnosis of lung cancer has been made, staging of the disease is performed. Staging involves classifying the spread and extent of disease; CT scans, MRI, PET scans and bone scans may all be done to examine the body for signs that the cancer has spread, says the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the overall health of the patient and type of lung cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typically, one or more treatment options are used, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy. Clinical trials, which are closely monitored research studies, may also be an option for individuals who meet criteria for participation in the trial.
