There are several stages of lung cancer, and all of them carry their own unique risks and benefits. X-rays and CT scans can reveal abnormalities in the lungs and surrounding tissues. Mucus samples can be obtained for further investigation. A lung biopsy can remove a sample of tissue for analysis. This procedure may require a needle or an incision through the chest. It is performed by a physician, who uses a lighted tube to examine the abnormal tissue.
There are two types of lung cancer: small cell carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Adenocarcinomas (NSCLC) make up the majority of lung cancer cases. They arise from epithelial cells, which line organ surfaces. There are several subtypes of NSCL, but the good news is that most types respond well to treatment. For example, squamous cell lung cancer starts in cells that line the respiratory tract, whereas adenocarcinomas (NSCL) start in small air sacs of the lungs. They are less aggressive than NSCLC, but they do not respond well to chemotherapy.
If you have been a smoker for several decades, you may have developed lung cancer. This type of cancer develops when cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably and begin to grow, eventually turning into tumors. These tumors can damage the lung’s ability to breathe, and may spread to other parts of the body. Although lung cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, the good news is that treatment options for this disease are improving the outlook for those diagnosed with it.
Non-small cell lung cancer is less common and is more often associated with older people than with young adults. It begins in cells lining the bronchi in the center of the lung. It may also occur in glandular cells called squamous cells. The latter type is less common and is called squamous cell lung cancer. Other types of lung cancer may spread to the lungs, called metastasis. Unlike primary lung cancer, lung metastasis cannot be treated with the same methods as small cell lung cancer.
The most common risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. It is estimated that approximately 80% to 90% of cases of lung cancer in the United States are caused by smoking. Exposure to other carcinogens and alcohol use also increase the risk of lung cancer. Although quitting smoking can lower your risk, it is still higher than smoking for any length of time. Tobacco smoking and radon exposure are the two main causes of lung cancer.
