Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably, causing tumors to grow. Tumors can reduce a person’s ability to breathe, and they can spread to other parts of the body. Show Lung cancer is the third most common cancer type and the main cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is most common in males, and in the U.S., Black males are around 12% more likely to develop it than white males. Smoking is a major risk factor, although 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 what treatment options are available. Cancer causes changes in cells that are otherwise healthy. The cells grow too quickly, without dying off. Healthy 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, cells continue to grow and multiply. As a result, tumors develop. The two main types of lung carcinoma are small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), depending on how they appear under a microscope. NSCLC is more common than SCLC. Anyone can develop lung cancer, but cigarette smoking and having exposure to smoke, inhaled chemicals, or other toxins can increase the risk. The main types of lung cancer are NSCLC and SCLC. They differ in the size of cell, as seen under a microscope. NSCLCAround 84% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are NSCLC. There are three subtypes:
SCLCAround 13% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are SCLC. This type tends to grow more quickly than NSCLC. The staging of cancer describes how far it has spread through the body and how severe it is. Staging helps healthcare professionals and individuals decide on a suitable course of treatment. The most basic form of staging is as follows:
Similar to this is the TNM staging system. Healthcare professionals assess the tumor for size and spread, whether or not it affects the lymph nodes, and whether or not it has spread elsewhere. There are also specific ways of staging NSCLC and SCLC. Learn more about the stages of lung cancer here. Stages of NSCLCHealthcare professionals typically use tumor size and spread to describe the stages of NSCLC, as follows:
Stages of SCLCSCLC has its own categories. The stages are known as limited and extensive, and they refer to whether the cancer has spread within or outside the lungs. In the limited stage, the cancer affects only one side of the chest, although it might already be present in some surrounding lymph nodes. The ACS states that around one-third of people with this type of the condition find out they have cancer when it is in the limited stage. Healthcare professionals can treat it with radiation therapy as a single area. In the extensive stage, the cancer has spread beyond the one side of the chest. It may affect the other lung or other parts of the body. The ACS notes that around two-thirds of people with SCLC learn they have it when it is already in the extensive stage. Below, we outline the chances of surviving for 5 years or longer after receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer, as estimated by the ACS. The percentages reflect the chances of a person surviving with lung cancer compared with the chances of a person surviving without the condition. NSCLCSCLCAs lung cancer progresses, it can cause several complications. This may be due to side effects associated with certain cancer treatments or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Some possible complications of lung cancer include:
Undergoing regular screening may be a good idea for people with a high risk of developing lung cancer. Screening is with a low dose CT scan. The American Lung Association(ALA) recommends screening if a person meets all of the following criteria:
Insurance will often cover this screening if a person is aged 55–80 years and has private health insurance or is aged 55–77 years, has Medicare, and meets all the other criteria. However, people should check with their insurance company before signing up for lung cancer screening. Additionally, false positive results sometimes occur when screening for lung cancer. The ALA estimates that around 12–14% of initial screening scans for lung cancer will have a false positive. However, advances in screening methods have helped reduce the rate of false positives over time. Also, if a person undergoes regular screening, it allows physicians to detect changes more easily between scans to prevent false positives. A person should speak with a doctor about the likelihood of false positives and what to expect after screening. If a person has any symptoms that could indicate lung cancer or if screening shows something unusual, a healthcare professional will likely recommend some diagnostic tests. Imaging testsAn X-ray, a CT, an MRI, or a PET scan might reveal areas of lung tissue with cancer. If the cancer has spread, imaging tests can also reveal changes to bones and other organs. Moreover, scans can help track the progress of treatment. Tissue samplingA healthcare professional may wish to take a biopsy to check for cancer cells. They will do this using a fine needle or a bronchoscope. A bronchoscope is a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end that enters the lungs through the mouth or nose. A healthcare professional can use it to look for lesions and take samples. For less accessible lesions, they may use a more invasive surgical procedure, such as thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracic surgery, to remove lung tissue. Other samplesLaboratory tests can also reveal whether or not cancer is present in the:
This information can help confirm whether cancer is present and, if it is, determine its type and stage. Treatment will depend on various factors, including:
All the treatment options can have adverse effects. A person should consult a healthcare professional about the most suitable choice for them, including the pros and cons of each option. Some treatment options include:
A healthcare professional will work with the individual and adjust their treatment plan as their needs change. Smoking tobacco is the most common cause of lung cancer. According to estimates, about 80% of lung cancer deaths stem from smoking. However, not everyone who has lung cancer smokes, and lung cancer can occur due to several other factors, including:
Although it is not possible to prevent all lung cancers, there are several steps a person can take to reduce their risk of the condition. These include the following:
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:
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. Individuals with a high risk of developing lung cancer may wish to consider undergoing regular screening. This can help detect the early signs and allow for treatment before the cancer spreads. Anyone who has concerns about their risk of lung cancer should seek guidance from a healthcare professional. What disease is caused by abnormal cell growth in the lungs?Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer. Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain.
What are 3 diseases that affect the lungs?The most common lung diseases include:. Asthma.. Collapse of part or all of the lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis). Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis). Lung cancer.. Lung infection (pneumonia). Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). What causes growth in the lungs?There are many possible causes of benign lung tumors and nodules. These include: Granulomas (small clumps of inflamed cells) that develop as a result of a bacterial infection such as tuberculosis or from fungal infections such as histoplasmosis or coccidiomycosis.
What is lung disease called?The most common lung diseases include: Asthma. Collapse of part or all of the lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis) Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)
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