Lung cancer has two main types, small cell and non-small cell. The former is more common than the latter, and makes up 85 percent of all cases. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of small cell lung cancer, although there are rare cases of lung carcinoid tumors. Small cell lung cancers tend to be more aggressive than the latter. These cancers usually begin in the lung tissue’s lining, which is not visible to the naked eye.
The risk of lung cancer is greatly increased if you have a history of lung cancer in your family. In fact, up to eight percent of lung cancer cases can be traced to a gene that has been passed down through a family. It is important to seek proper medical care for any suspected case, including genetic testing and medical examination. Getting a proper diagnosis can be challenging, but it’s vital to ensure your lung cancer is properly diagnosed and treated.
Your physician may choose to perform a biopsy to check for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy may be performed with a needle or a thin lighted scope that is inserted into your mouth or nose. The bronchoscope is used to look for small lesions, and it can be used to take a sample of it. If you suspect cancer, your physician may recommend more invasive procedures to identify the type of cancer. Depending on the location of the lesions, a biopsy may be necessary.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor may decide on treatment based on the stage of the cancer. The TNM staging system is similar to this, and healthcare professionals assess the size and spread of the tumor. Stage 4 lung cancer, which has spread to lymph nodes and other tissues, will require surgery. However, this method is only recommended for patients with stage III or IV lung cancer. If your stage is high, your physician may suggest other treatment options, such as chemotherapy.
Early diagnosis is vital in treating lung cancer. Lung cancer is often difficult to diagnose and is associated with many different symptoms, including shortness of breath. It can also spread to other parts of the body. However, if detected early, treatment can include surgery. For most people, it is still possible to detect a cancer that has not yet spread beyond the lungs. Although the early stage of lung cancer does not cause symptoms, it can still spread to other organs, including the brain and lymph nodes.
Cystic fibrosis is another type of lung cancer. It starts in the outer parts of the lung and is also called adenocarcinoma. It has a better outlook than other forms of lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, which is associated with a history of smoking, starts in the squamous cells that line the lungs. This type of lung cancer is more likely to spread in central parts of the lungs, near the main airway.
