Use the resources below as a starting point in your research to understand what cancer is, how lung cancer symptoms present themselves, and how lung cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society, 87 percent of all lung cancer cases involve tobacco. Cigarette smoking, cigar smoking and secondhand smoke can all contribute to both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.All cancers form at the cellular level in our bodies. Under normal circumstances, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells to keep the body functioning properly. Sometimes though, cells keep dividing and producing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells form a tumor, which can be either benign or malignant.
- Benign tumors are not cancer. They are usually harmless, and when removed, rarely return. They do not spread to other parts of the body, and aren't usually life threatening.
- Malignant tumors are cancer.
Lung Cancer Types
Two kinds of cancer can affect the lungs: non-small cell cancer and small cell cancer. They are identified by how they look under a microscope, and are distinguishable by how they grow and spread. Treatment programs differ, depending on which cancer a person has.Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell cancer, and tends to grow and spread more slowly than small cell cancer. This cancer is further divided into three types. They are named after the cells affected:
- squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma)
- adenocarcinoma
- large cell carcinoma
Lung cancer has several causes, most revolving around tobacco use. According to the American Cancer Society, 87 percent of all lung cancers cases involve tobacco use
Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogens, as well as other toxins. Cigarette smoke that is breathed into the lungs damages the body's cells, and over time, those cells can become cancerous. The factors which appear to influence whether a person will develop lung cancer are:
- age the person was when they starting smoking
- the number of pack years they've smoked
- how deeply the smoke was inhaled
Other causes of lung cancer include:
- Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that can be present in soil and rocks. People who work in mines are often exposed to radon gas, which may also be found in the foundations of homes in some parts of the United States. Radon causes damage to the lungs which can lead to lung cancer.
- Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that have the naturally occurring characteristic of a fibrous composition. When these fibers break apart and become airborne, they can be inhaled. They then lodge in the lungs, damaging cells and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
- Pollution is suspected to increase the chance of getting lung cancer, especially breathing in the by-products from the combustion of diesel and fossil fuels. The links are not clear, but research is underway in this area.
- Lung Disease such as tuberculosis (TB) appears to increase the risk of lung cancer. The cancer tends to form in the areas of the lung which have scar tissue from TB.
- Personal history of lung cancer. If a person has had lung cancer once, it is more likely to recur. However, that risk is diminished if a person quits smoking.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be difficult because symptoms don't often present themselves aggressively until the disease is in advanced stages. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, schedule a visit with your doctor to check them out.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The majority of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking, killing upwards of 162,500 people in the U.S. alone in 2006.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
- A habitual cough which worsens over time
- Constant chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
- Continual problems with bronchitis or pneumonia
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
A doctor will evaluate several factors when diagnosing lung cancer.A patient's smoking history, exposure to occupational hazards and family history will be taken into account. A chest x-ray will be taken, and if cancer is suspected, sputum cytology(looking at the cells under a microscope from a deep-cough sample) will also be done.
- Chest X-Ray Chest x-rays are radiographic studies used for diagnosing unusual masses within the lungs.
- CAT Scan / CT Scan CAT scans are used to detect abnormalities in structures of the body. Computed tomography is a noninvasive procedure, meaning no entry of the body is necessary.
There are several ways to do the biopsy.
- Bronchoscopy A bronchoscope(a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the lungs through the nose or mouth and down the windpipe. A small sample of tissue can be obtained using this tool.
- Needle Aspiration A needle is inserted into the the tumor through the chest to obtain the sample.
- Thoracentesis This method uses a needle to remove a sample of the fluid which surrounds the lungs to check for cancer cells.
- Thoracotomy This is a major surgical procedure in which the chest is opened to look for the presence of cancer.
Staging Lung Cancer
If cancer is present, the doctor will want to determine whether it has spread to other parts of the body, what is known as staging. Lung cancer often spreads to the brain or bones. Staging helps the doctor decide on a plan for treatment.Lung Cancer Staging Methods
- CAT or CT Scan (computed tomography) A computer connected to an x-ray machine takes a series of detailed pictures of particular areas inside the body.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) A powerful magnet linked to an x-ray machine takes detailed pictures of areas of interest inside the body.
- Radionuclide Scanning This type of scan can see other areas of the body that the cancer may have spread to. The person swallows a mildly radioactive liquid which, when scanned, will reveal the level of radioactivity in certain organs, which will help identify abnormal areas.
- Bone Scan This scan will show whether the cancer has spread to the bones. A mildly radioactive is injected into a vein, and it will collect in abnormal bone areas, which will be detectable on the scan.
- Mediastinoscopy/Mediastinotomy This procedure is done under general anesthesia, and will help the doctor find out whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. A lighted viewing instrument, called a scope is inserted through a small incision in the neck(mediastinoscopy) to view the center of the chest and nearby lymph nodes. If the incision is made in the chest, the procedure is called mediastinotomy. A small tissue sample is taken in either of these two procedures.
Lung Cancer Stages Defined
The particulars of lung cancer stages from About.com Lung Diseases.How Lung Cancer is Staged
When diagnosed with lung cancer, a stage of the lung disease is identified to describe the severity and indicate the extent of its progression. This staging of lung cancer is used by healthcare professionals to determine the choice of treatment that will best rid the body of the lung cancer.
Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Stage 0 Lung CancerThe lung cancer is localized; it is found only in a local area and only in the first few layers of cells. The lung cancer has not penetrated the surface lining of the lungs.
Five-Year Survival Rate = 70 - 80%
Stage I Lung Cancer
The lung cancer is confined to the lungs and surrounded by normal tissue.
Five-Year Survival Rate = 50%
Stage II Lung Cancer
The lung cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Five-Year Survival Rate = 30%
Stage III Lung Cancer
The lung cancer has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm, or other nearby organs or blood vessels.The lung cancer may have spread to lymph nodes in the mediastinum or the other side of the chest or neck
Five-Year Survival Rate = 5 - 15%
Stage IV Lung Cancer
The lung cancer has spread to more distant sites in the body.
Five-Year Survival Rate = Less than 2%
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Limited Stage Lung CancerThe lung cancer is confined to one of the lungs, the mediastinum and nearby lymph nodes.
Five-Year Survival Rate = 15 - 30%
Extended Stage Lung Cancer
The lung cancer has spread to other lung tissues or other areas of the body.
Five-Year Survival Rate = 0 - 2%
Source: Cancer Free by Sidney J. Winawer, M.D., and Moshe Shike, M.D.
Updated: 01/21/06
Treating Lung Cancer
Surgical Treatments for Non Small Cell Lung CancerSurgery may be chosen as the best course of treatment, especially if the cancer is detected in its early stages and hasn't spread to other areas of the body. There are four types of surgery used for non small cell lung cancer:- Resection - This surgery removes a small part of the lung where the tumor is. The procedure is referred to as a wedge resection if a small triangular slice of tissue is taken, or a segmental resection when the tissue sample is a little larger.
- Sleeve Resection - A surgical procedure that removes part of the bronchus.
- Lobectomy - Removal of an entire lobe (section) of the lung is done with this procedure.
- Pneumonectomy - A pneumonectomy removes the entire lung.
Non-Surgical Lung Cancer Treatments
- Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells in the body, or to keep existing cells from dividing. Even after surgery, some cells may remain, and chemotherapy may be added to the treatment plan. Most chemotherapy is given either by injection into a vein (IV) or by catheter. A few drugs are given in pill form.
- Radiation Therapy treats the cancer by using high energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink tumors, or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Sometimes it is used in combination with chemotherapy as a primary treatment plan instead of surgery. Most radiation therapy is administered by a machine (external radiation) with the rays aimed directly at the tumor. There is another form of radiation treatment(internal radiation), in which a small capsule of radioactive material is implanted near or in the tumor.
- Laser Therapy uses a highly accurate pinpoint of laser light to kill cancer cells.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) - this therapy involves using a laser. A special chemical is injected into the bloodstream. This chemical travels to cells all over the body, and is absorbed by them. In normal cells, the chemical leaves quickly, but it remains for a longer time in cancer cells. A laser is then aimed at the cancer which activates the chemical. The chemical then kills the cancer cell it is in. This therapy can be used to relieve symptoms of lung cancer, such as bleeding, or blocked airways. It's also an option for treating very small tumors which may not be suitably treated in more conventional ways.
Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments
Side effects from lung cancer treatments vary from person to person, and are often temporary. Doctors and nurses can explain possible side effects of a particular treatment plan, and ways to alleviate discomfort during and after treatment.Lung cancer surgery is a major operation. Air and fluid tend to collect in the chest after surgery, so it is important to do things such as coughing, turning over, and breathing deeply to help remove the excess air/fluid. Soreness in the chest and arm and shortness of breath are common side effects of lung surgery. It takes weeks or even months to regain strength and energy after this procedure.Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy side effects depend on the types of drugs used and how much was given. Chemotherapy affects normal cells as well as cancerous cells. Common side effects include:- nausea and vomiting
- hair loss
- mouth sores
- fatigue
Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy also affects normal cells. Side effects depend on what part of the body is being treated, and how strong the dose is. Side effects may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- hair loss
- difficulty swallowing
- dry, sore throat
- fatigue
- skin changes at the site of the treatment
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- skin changes
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue
- hair loss
- problems with thought and memory processes
Photodynamic Therapy Side Effects
Photodynamic therapy makes the person's eyes and skin very sensitive to light for 6 weeks or more after treatment ends. It is recommended that these people not go outside if possible, and to avoid bright indoor light as well. If they must go out, protective clothing and sunglasses are a must. Other side effects of this treatment may include:- coughing
- difficulty swallowing
- painful breathing, or shortness of breath.
If swelling, redness, or blistering appears on the skin, people should consult with their doctors as to how to treat it.
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