Several types of lung cancer exist, each with its own distinct symptoms and prognosis. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develops when healthy lung cells change and form a mass. The tumor may be benign or cancerous, and the cancer cells shed from the mass into the blood or lymph, which surrounds the lung tissue. Lung cancer may spread to distant organs and lymph nodes. However, the disease is most often localized and not spread beyond the lungs.
There are three basic stages of lung cancer. The first is stage I, which is characterized by a tumor that is four centimeters (cm) or smaller. Stage IIb is characterized by tumors that have spread to lymph nodes or tissues in the chest, and stage III is defined by a tumor that has spread beyond the lungs. Stage IV is not considered a curable condition and surgery is not an option. Stage IV is similar, but is only considered incurable if the cancer has spread beyond the lung and to distant areas.
The most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer is adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas usually develop in the outer portions of the lung, making them easier to detect. Because they tend to grow more rapidly, they tend to be more difficult to treat. While most non-small cell lung cancer cases have a common diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a small percentage can have multiple subtypes, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Small cell lung cancer is often diagnosed in men.
Treatment options for lung cancer may include surgery, radiation, or a combination of both. Patients with localized disease may have no symptoms at all or may be treated surgically. In very early stages, however, surgery may be necessary. This treatment option offers the best chances of cure. If cancer has spread to the spine, it may cause symptoms such as weakness, back pain, and leg pain. While radiation is the most effective form of treatment for early stage disease, surgery is not an option for everyone.
While lung cancer treatment options are largely the same, some types of surgery have unique advantages. Minimally invasive procedures may be more efficient for lung tumors than others, such as VATS. For example, surgeons can perform a pneumonectomy through a tiny incision in the chest. If a patient does not have much disease in their chest, a segmentectomies may be the best option. Despite the many risks associated with this procedure, there are significant benefits for undergoing this operation.
The first step in diagnosing lung cancer is to undergo a physical exam and ask about your overall health. A chest x-ray is one of the most common tests. Depending on the location of the tumor, changes may be signs of lung cancer. In advanced cases, CTs, or CAT scans, can help with a biopsy. If you have any of these symptoms, the doctor will perform further tests to determine the cancer type.
