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What is Lung Cancer?
More than 90,000 men and 79,000 women are diagnosed each year with cancer of
the lungs and bronchi (the air tubes leading to the lungs). Lung cancer is
presumably developed over a period of many years. There are two major types
of lung cancer:
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Non-small cell lung cancer: This type is the most common;
it is usually associated with a history of smoking. Although it is the
most common type, it is the less aggressive form of lung cancer.
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Small Cell Lung cancer: Previously called "oat cell lung
cancer", this type of cancer accounts for approximately 20 percent of
lung cancers and is also sometimes associated with a history of smoking.
Although this type of cancer occurs less frequently, it grows and
spreads to other organs faster.
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The American Cancer Society reports that:
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America
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More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate
cancers combined
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The average age of people diagnosed with lung cancer is 70
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Fewer than 3 percent of all cases are found in people under age 45
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Risk Factors
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Tobacco use: Lung cancer is usually generated by tobacco use
- cigarette, pipe or cigar smoking. The best prevention of lung cancer
is to quit smoking or never start.
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Environmental exposure: People with long-term exposure to
second-hand smoke, asbestos, or radon may be more vulnerable to lung
cancer.
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Lung diseases: Those with recurring inflammation in the lungs may
be more inclined to developing lung cancer. Lung cancer tends to develop
in areas of the lung that are scarred from tuberculosis (TB) and some
types of pneumonia.
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Common Symptoms
The earliest stages of lung cancer are most often not felt. However, as the
disease progresses, symptoms begin to emerge.
Some of the most common warning signs include:
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Persistent cough that gets worse over time
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Coughing up blood
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Pain in the chest cavity or ribs
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Shortness of breath
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Wheezing or hoarseness
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Repeat bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
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Bloody or rust-colored sputum or phlegm
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
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Screening and Diagnosis
Lung cancer is difficult to detect early because symptoms usually do not
appear until the disease is advanced. Therefore, physical exams are
essential for early detection and successful treatment. A doctor will
conduct an exam if a patient is suspicious of lung cancer. Personal medical
history, family history, tobacco use, exposure to environmental dangers, and
potential symptoms will be reviewed during the examination. One or more of
the following medical tests will additionally be received:
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Chest x-ray
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Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT scans use a computer to
combine a series of x-rays and produce a three-dimensional image of
internal organs and structures within the body.
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Sputum cytology: a study of phlegm (spit) cells under a
microscope
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Needle biopsy: A surgical lung biopsy is performed under
general anesthesia. A tissue sample is collected through a small
incision in the chest and then sent to a pathologist for further study
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Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is administered under local
anesthetic. During the short outpatient procedure, a pulmonologist
inserts a flexible tube through the nose or mouth into the lungs. A tiny
camera at the end of the tube allows doctors to see into the lungs and
collect a tissue sample
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Staging of Lung Cancer
Doctors conduct additional tests to stage the cancer if a diagnosis is made.
They will also determine if the cancer has spread and how far. Staging helps
doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan. Some of the most typical
tests used to stage lung cancer include:
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Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A computer linked to an x-ray
machine creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan): PET is a powerful
imaging technique that provides unique information about the body's
chemistry, cell function and exact location of disease - often detecting
cancerous cells at the molecular level and at the very early stages
better than other diagnostic technologies
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses radio waves and
magnetic fields to obtain superbly detailed anatomical images of the
body
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Bone scan: Usually used in patients with non-small cell lung
cancer when doctors suspect the cancer has spread to the bones
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Common Treatment Options
Depending on the type and stage of the disease, lung cancer can be treated
with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these
treatments. The intent of treatment is to preserve healthy tissue while
demolishing the tumor at its point of origin, as well as any cancer cells
that have invaded the rest of the body.
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Early-stage lung cancer: A widely used surgical procedure called lobectomy is often recommended for patients with early-stage lung
cancer. Performed under general anesthesia, a thoracic surgeon removes
all or part of the affected lung. If cancer is present in the nearby
lymph nodes, they are removed as well.
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Middle-stage lung cancer: Treatment for patients with middle-stage
lung cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
(radiotherapy)-either individually or in combination. Chemotherapy
shrinks the tumor before surgery. Radiation may be administered after
the tumor is removed to eliminate the last traces of disease.
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Late-stage lung cancer: Although surgery is not recommended for
patients with late-stage lung cancer, chemotherapy and radiation are
frequently used. The goal is to enhance quality of life and minimize
pain and discomfort.
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Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of
cancer cells, either by destroying the cells or by stopping the division of
cells. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may be
given as the primary treatment or as an adjuvant (additional) treatment to
surgery. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally or by injection depending on
the type and stage of the cancer. It is vital to discuss treatment protocols
with the doctor so any possible side effects are made aware of.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a non-surgical method of treatment of cancer and other
diseases using penetrating beams of high-energy waves. These waves are
referred to as x-rays or gamma rays. Radiation impairs or destroys tumor
cells by damaging their genetic material, making it highly unlikely for
these cells to continue to grow. There are two types of radiation therapy:
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External beam radiation therapy: Specialized medical equipment is
used to deliver radiation to the tumor site from outside the body.
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Internal radiation therapy (also called brachytherapy): Radioactive
material is placed in the body near the cancer cells (also called
implant radiation or brachytherapy)
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The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the
cancer being treated.
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