Although the symptoms of lung cancer are often the same as those of other ailments, your healthcare provider can make a definitive diagnosis based on your health history, your risk factors, and family history of the disease. In addition, a thorough physical exam can reveal any signs of cancer. Depending on the stage of lung cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. One test to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis is a biopsy, which involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the tumor to be tested for cancer cells. Other tests may be performed to determine whether your cancer is a non-malignant type or if it has spread to other organs.
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably and begin to form tumors that can interfere with a person’s ability to breathe. If left untreated, lung cancer tumors can spread to other parts of the body, causing significant damage to the person’s health. Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States and accounts for nearly nine out of 10 deaths related to the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, men are at the highest risk for developing the disease. Although smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, effective treatments and advanced care are improving patient outcomes and the outlook.
The most common type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma. There are two types of lung cancer: noninvasive and invasive. Minimal-invasive adenocarcinoma is smaller and solitary in nature, with a lepidic growth pattern. It is not invasive. It is usually less than 5 mm in diameter. Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia is a preinvasive form of lung cancer, and is less than 3 cm in size.
The tumor may be smaller or larger than what is considered “tuberculoma.” In addition, a T2 tumor does not involve the visceral pleura or carina. The stage of lung cancer also depends on the opposite hemithorax. If the symptoms are tolerable, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the tumor. If not, resection should be avoided. While lung resection may be the only option for you, it is a serious procedure that carries a high risk of morbidity.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, type, and the result of tests. Treatment goals may include the cure of the disease, control of symptoms, or relief of the patient’s symptoms. Before selecting any treatment, discuss all options with your healthcare team. Discuss possible side effects, risks, and overall health to make the best decision for your condition. A lung cancer diagnosis is critical to a person’s quality of life and overall survival.
Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. These abnormal cells then develop into a lump or mass, and can spread to other parts of the body. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell and non-small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell. While small cell lung cancer is considered a rare form, it is still a serious medical condition. When it spreads beyond the lung, it is called metastatic lung cancer.
