Various treatments are available for lung cancer, including chemotherapy and surgery. Doctors use imaging studies, such as X-rays and CT scans, to diagnose and treat the symptoms. Chest X-rays show if the cancer has spread to other organs. CT scans also show the fluid surrounding the lungs. When these findings indicate the presence of lung cancer, doctors may recommend surgery or chemotherapy. Patients should consult their doctor about treatment options, as these can vary from person to person.
Lung cancer is a disease that strikes smokers and ex-smokers. The vast majority of cases can be attributed to genetics, but there is some debate over whether environmental factors play a role. Research indicates that cigarette smoking and other environmental factors may influence the risk for developing lung cancer. Scientists continue to investigate the complex relationship between genes and environment. Specific gene mutations in patients with lung cancer can be identified to predict the likely course of treatment. Although symptoms of lung cancer may be delayed until advanced stages, they are usually caused by the tumor itself, or by the spread of cancerous cells to other organs.
Lung cancer is classified by stage. Stage 0 cancer is less than 4 centimeters in diameter and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage 2 is when the tumor has spread to other lung tissues and lymph nodes. Stage 3 cancer has spread to lymph nodes and distant sites in the body. Stage 4 lung cancer is considered metastatic. It has spread to lymph nodes and is a more serious cancer. A patient with stage 3 lung cancer should be evaluated for further tests.
Stages determine the extent of the cancer. Healthcare professionals use the TNM staging system to determine what treatments are appropriate for each stage of the disease. The TNM staging system is used by physicians to assess the size, extent of spread, and lymph nodes. It is important to note that some cancers are occult, which means they are not visible on imaging scans. However, the cancerous cells may still appear in phlegm or mucus.
Using a hollow needle inserted through the skin into the lung, a healthcare professional can obtain tissue samples to test for any signs of cancer. These samples are then sent for laboratory testing and diagnostic tests. The results of these tests can confirm whether or not the patient has lung cancer. Some patients may undergo treatment based on the results of the biopsy. There are a variety of treatment options available for patients with lung cancer. They may choose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The two major types of lung cancer are small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. Most cases of lung cancer are NSCLC. There are also less common types such as cylindromas, carcinoids, and certain sarcomas. Although scientists are not yet sure what causes the disease, some believe all cancers begin as a common malignant stem cell that can develop into different cancers. In either case, the survival rate of patients with NSCLC is largely dependent upon the stage of the disease and the subtype.
