Cancer is a disease that can affect many different parts of the body, including the lung. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is further divided into three subtypes, including adenocarcinoma.
Lung adenocarcinoma is most often found in the outer region of the lung. It is less common in people who never smoked than other NSCLC types, which are more likely to develop in the cells that line the inside of the lung’s tiny air sacs and make mucus. It is also rare in people under the age of 50.
Smoking is the primary cause of adenocarcinoma, but it can also be caused by certain other risk factors such as a family history of cancer, previous radiation therapy in the chest area and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s more likely to affect men than women.
In adenocarcinoma lung cancer, tumors can grow in glandular tissue or it may spread through the blood to other areas of the body such as the liver, bones and adrenal glands. Symptoms vary depending on the area of the lung affected, but they can include coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Adenocarcinoma is usually diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, but it’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms or have risk factors for lung cancer. Several methods can be used to diagnose the condition, and the specific tests will depend on your symptoms and risk factors.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes but hasn’t reached distant organs. Stage 4: The cancer has spread to the other lung, surrounding fluid, nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Adenocarcinoma lung cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the location and size of the cancer, your doctor will recommend one or more of these treatment options.
The team of specialists at the Lung Cancer Program will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals. We will evaluate your general health and pulmonary function before making any treatment recommendations. If a surgical resection is feasible, your multidisciplinary team will discuss surgical options which might include lobectomy and pneumonectomy. In addition to the standardized staging system, your pathologic specimen will be tested for EGFR and ALK mutations as patients with these mutations have an increased benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The multidisciplinary team will continue to collaborate throughout your care. This includes re-evaluation, support services, follow-up visits and access to clinical trials.
