Lung cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the lungs.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
There are two types of lung cancers:
The following can cause damage to the cells in the lungs, leading to lung cancer:
These factors increase your chance of developing lung cancer:
If you have any of these do not assume it is due to lung cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will also ask about:
Tests may include:
Once lung cancer is found, staging tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread.
Surgery involves removing the tumor and nearby tissue. Lymph nodes may also need to be removed. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor, such as:
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This may also be used to relieve symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Radiation may be:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This may be given in many forms, including pill, injection, and via a catheter. Chemotherapy is often used to kill lung cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
These two types of treatments are not yet widely used. The National Cancer Institute considers these potential therapies:
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, follow your doctor's instructions .
To reduce your risk of getting lung cancer:
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
The Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/
References:
General information about non-small cell lung cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/patient . Updated June 2008. Accessed July 22, 2008.
Lung cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2008. Accessed July 23, 2008.
What causes small cell lung cancer? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org . Updated November 2007. Accessed July 22, 2008.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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