Adenocarcinoma Of The Lung

What Is It?

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a type of lung cancer.

Like other cancers, adenocarcinoma is the growth of abnormal cells. These cancerous cells multiply out of control, and form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it destroys parts of the lung. Eventually, the tumor's abnormal cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the brain.

Adenocarcinoma is more likely than other types of lung cancer to be contained in one area of the body. It also responds better than other lung cancers to treatment.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. Most of this type of cancer is found in smokers. However, it also is the most frequent type of lung cancer seen in nonsmokers. It also is the most common form of lung cancer seen in women and people younger than 45.

As with other forms of lung cancer, you are more likely to get adenocarcinoma if you:

• Smoke cigarettes — Smokers have 13 times more risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke is associated with most cases of adenocarcinoma.
• Breathe cigarette smoke — Nonsmokers who inhale the cigarette fumes of smokers have an increased risk of lung cancer.
• Are exposed to radon gas — Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is formed in the ground. It seeps into the lower floors of homes and public buildings, and can contaminate drinking water. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
• Are exposed to asbestos — Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used in home insulation, fireproofing, tiles for floors and ceilings, automobile brake linings and other products. It is believed that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer. People at risk of lung cancer include workers who are exposed to asbestos on the job (miners, construction workers, shipyard workers, and auto mechanics who work with brakes), and people who live or work in buildings in which building products that contain asbestos are deteriorating.
• Are exposed to other carcinogens in the workplace — These include uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, diesel exhaust and high levels of talc dust.

Symptoms

Symptoms of adenocarcinoma are the same as for other forms of lung cancer. They can include:

• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort during breathing
• Chest pain
• Fever and a mucus-producing cough