The two main types of lung cancer are non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small-cell carcinoma is more common than small-cell lung tumors and makes up 85 percent of lung cancer cases. Generally, small-cell lung cancers are more aggressive and grow more rapidly. They can also spread to other areas of the body, including bones and lymph nodes. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer among non-smokers. While squamous-cell carcinoma begins in the bronchi, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, bones, and the liver.
Lung cancer can start anywhere in the lung and does not typically produce symptoms until the cancer has spread to nearby areas. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain, bloody sputum, unexplained weight loss, and susceptibility to lower respiratory infections. In more severe cases, you may also notice visible lumps or bone pain. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
If you have cancer in the lungs, your doctor will use a staging system to assess the extent of the disease. Cancer stages are based on size, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, or has spread to other areas of the body. In addition to the size of the tumor, cancer stage also determines what treatment is appropriate for the patient. While stage one lung cancer does not spread beyond the lungs, stage two has spread outside the lung and has metastasized to lymph nodes.
Depending on the type of cancer, test results, and stage, treatment options may vary. The goals of treatment may include curing, controlling, or easing the symptoms of lung cancer. Discuss the risks and side effects of each option with your healthcare team. The goal of treatment should be based on the stage and type of cancer. If possible, you may want to combine different treatments. But if you feel the need for surgery or chemotherapy, you can consider a combination of therapies.
While early diagnosis is important, lung cancer is notoriously difficult to treat. It is rare to reach complete remission, and recurrence is common. Even after years of treatment, many patients still experience relapse. Therefore, healthcare providers say that lung cancer cannot truly be cured. And although there are no known cures for lung cancer, there are many treatments available to ensure you live a healthy life. If you’re diagnosed with lung cancer, don’t hesitate to consult with a specialist as soon as possible.
Treatment for lung cancer may vary, and your doctor may prescribe a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. If you don’t smoke, you should try to stop now. In addition to stopping smoking, you should eat nutrient-rich foods. They may help protect against lung cancer, as well as reduce the risk of developing it in the first place. If your lung cancer doesn’t respond to any of these treatments, it may be time to move on to another type.
