What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignancy that develops in the tissue of the lung, and most commonly occurs in the cells which line air passages. Lung cancer is the most deadly of all cancers and is almost always terminal at diagnosis. In 2008, among the 215,020 diagnoses in the United States, lung cancer or complications related to lung cancer were expected to cause 161,840 deaths.
About the Disease
There are two main types of lung cancer and these are small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, which are determined by how the malignant cells appear beneath a microscope. Smoking accounts for nearly 90% of lung cancer cases, making lung cancer among the most deadly of all cancers but likely also the most preventable. Risk of developing lung cancer increases with the length of time you smoke and number of cigarettes smoked. Those who quit smoking, even after many years of smoking can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer. Other known causes of lung cancer include exposure to asbestos, radon, and secondhand smoke.
Effects of the Disease
Lung cancers affect the respiratory system and normal breathing function, though symptoms do not often appear in the early stages. It is only when the cancer is in advanced stages that it begins to disrupt respiratory function. Signs of lung cancer may include a chronic cough, changes in coughing patterns in a smoker, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and hoarseness. Smokers who encounter any of these symptoms or have already been diagnosed with a smoking related condition, such as emphysema need to be particularly diligent about monitoring their health. Additionally, those who have been exposed to asbestos or knowing exposed to high radon levels should be likewise diligent about monitoring their respiratory health. Regular exams can identify lung cancer in early stages if suspected and extend survival rates.
Who is Most at Risk of Lung Cancer?
Those most at risk include smokers, former smokers and those exposed to asbestos, radon, or secondhand smoke. Although lung cancer has developed in non smokers and those who have not been exposed to asbestos, radon, or secondhand smoke, these cases are rare and considered statistical anomalies in the bigger picture.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Lung cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because many symptoms mimic those of more minor health conditions, such as the common cold or bronchitis. Typically, a physician will recommend extensive testing for those who smoke, former smokers, or those exposed to asbestos, radon, or secondhand smoke. The only way to accurately diagnose lung cancer is through a biopsy, which extracts a small amount of lung tissue for testing. This can be done in three ways. A brochoscopy involves the insertion of a lighted tube down the throat and into the lung to extract tissue. A mediastinoctopy involves a small insertion beneath the neck in the back to remove tissue samples. A needle biopsy can remove cells through a syringe if the location is amenable to the procedure.
How is Lung Cancer Treated?
Lung cancer is treated using the three traditional cancer treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is not typically possible in advanced staged lung cancers but can be possible in earlier stage diagnoses and typically involves the removal or a portion or entire lung as well as some surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy drugs will target cancer cells and kill them, but has also been known to kill other surrounding cells and cause difficult side effects. Radiation will kill cancer cells through localized beams of radiation. Though treatment is possible in most cases, survival rates for those diagnosed with lung cancer are poor and nearly 60% of patients die within a year of diagnosis.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
