Lungs are cone-shaped organs that bring oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide. When you breathe in, the lungs push air into your lungs through the bronchi. Lung cancer sometimes involves the bronchi, which lead from the trachea to the lungs. Lungs contain air sacs called alveoli, which are tiny tubes that line the inside of the lungs.
Treatment for lung cancer includes undergoing various treatments to reduce symptoms. Radiation therapy is a treatment method that involves giving your body a large amount of X-rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. This treatment helps alleviate symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties, coughing, and blockage of the airway. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body so that it has maximum effect on the cancer cells. Although radiation therapy typically comes from a machine, it can also be delivered internally through tubes.
The most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell, which comprises about 85% of cases. These cancers develop from epithelial cells, which line organ surfaces. There are different types of non-small cell lung cancer, and each one has different symptoms and treatment options. Small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) usually starts in the central chest region, and it rapidly spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment options for small cell lung cancer are usually more limited than for non-small cell lung cancer.
Stages of lung cancer are based on the size of the tumor and its spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues. Stage 1 tumors are four centimeters in diameter or smaller, while stage 2 and stage 3 lung cancers are eight to ten centimeters (cm) in size. Stage 4 lung cancers have spread to lymph nodes and distant body parts. SCLC also has its own categories, known as extensive and limited. These stages indicate whether cancer has spread inside or outside of the lungs.
Different types of NSCLC have different treatments, so it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible. Doctors identify the type of NSCLC by its appearance and the types of cancer cells in it. The most common type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops in cells that make mucus. Squamous cell cancer begins in cells that line the inside of the lungs and accounts for about 30% of all cases of NSCLC.
While many factors increase the risk of lung cancer, smoking is the biggest contributor. The earlier you start smoking, the higher the risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors include workplace exposure to hazardous materials, air pollution, and smoking. If you think that you might have lung cancer, watch for signs and symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer such as shortness of breath and a cough that won’t go away. You should see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. If you’re not experiencing these symptoms, you may have a symptom of another type of cancer.
