Lung cancer occurs when cells divide in the lungs uncontrollably. This causes tumors to grow. These can reduce a person’s ability to breathe and spread to other parts of the body.
Lung cancer is
the third most
common Trusted Source cancer and the main cause of
cancer-related death in the United States. It is most common in males, and in
the U.S., Black males are around 15% more likely to develop it than white
males.
Smoking is a major risk
factor, though not everyone who develops lung cancer has a history of smoking.
Lung cancer can be
fatal, but effective diagnoses and treatments are improving the outlook.
This article will
explain what lung cancer is, how to recognize the symptoms, and the treatment
options available.
Cancer causes
changes in cells that are otherwise healthy. The cells grow too quickly,
without dying off.
Normal cells in the body
usually die at a certain stage in their life cycle, thereby preventing a
buildup of too many cells. In cancer, however, the cells continue to grow and
multiply. As a result, tumors develop.
The two main types of
lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell
lung cancer, depending on how they appear under a microscope. Non-small cell
lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.
Anyone can develop lung
cancer, but cigarette smoking and having exposure to smoke, inhaled chemicals,
or other toxins can increase the risk.
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visit our dedicated hub.
The main types of lung
cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. They differ
in the size of cell, as seen under a microscope.
Non-small
cell lung cancer
Around 84% of
lung cancer cases in the U.S. are non-small cell. There are three subtypes:
- adenocarcinoma
- squamous
cell cancer
- large cell
carcinoma
Small
cell lung cancer
Around 13% of
lung cancer cases in the U.S. are small cell. This type tends to grow more
quickly than non-small cell lung cancer.
People with lung cancer
may not have any symptoms until a later stage. If symptoms do appear, they can
resemble those of a respiratory infection.
Some possible
symptoms Trusted Source includes:
- changes to
a person’s voice, such as hoarseness
- frequent
chest infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- swelling
in the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest
- a
lingering cough that may start to get worse
- chest pain
- shortness
of breath and wheezing
In time, a
person may also experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- severe
chest pain
- bone pain
and bone fractures
- headaches
- coughing
up blood
- blood
clots
- appetite
loss and weight loss
- fatigue
Learn more about the
early signs of lung cancer here.
According to
the American Cancer Society, the chances of surviving for 5 years or
longer after receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer are as follows.
The percentages reflect
the chances of a person surviving with lung cancer compared with the chances of
a person surviving without lung cancer.
Non-small
cell lung cancer
|
Localized |
63% |
|
Regional |
35% |
|
Distant |
7% |
|
Overall |
25% |
Small
cell lung cancer
|
Localized |
27% |
|
Regional |
16% |
|
Distant |
3% |
|
Overall |
7% |
Treatment will
depend on various factors, including:
- the type
of cancer
- the
location and stage
- the
person’s overall health
- their
individual preferences
All the treatment
options can have adverse effects. A person should speak with their healthcare
professional about the most suitable choice for them, including the pros and
cons of each option.
Some treatment options
include:
- surgery to
remove part or all of a lung
- chemotherapy,
which refers to a drug treatment that can kill cancer cells and shrink
tumors
- radiation
therapy, which uses high energy rays to kill cancerous cells
- radiofrequency
ablation, wherein a healthcare professional inserts a thin needle and uses
an electric current to destroy cancer cells
- targeted
therapy, which targets a specific behavior to prevent tumor growth
- immunotherapy,
which helps the body fight cancer cells
- palliative
therapy, including pain relief, oxygen therapy, and other help that a
person may need to manage their symptoms
A healthcare
professional will work with the individual and adjust their treatment plan as
their needs change.
Lung cancer can be
fatal, but emerging treatments mean that many people now survive and recover
from lung cancer, especially if they receive an early diagnosis.
Some factors affecting
the likelihood of a positive outcome include:
- a person’s
overall health
- their age
- the stage
of cancer at diagnosis
- the type
of cancer they have
It is not possible to
predict exactly how cancer will affect an individual, but a healthcare
professional can help a person understand what they may be able to expect by
looking at the results of tests and other factors.
Lung cancer is a
potentially fatal type of cancer, but people who receive an early diagnosis
often have a good chance of survival.
People with a high risk
of developing lung cancer may wish to consider undergoing regular screening. This
can detect the early signs and allow for treatment before the cancer spreads.
Anyone who has concerns
about their risk of lung cancer should talk with their healthcare professional
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