Cancer - lung - non-small cell

Alternative names

Lung cancer - non-small cell; Non-small cell lung cancer

Definition

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor of the lungs. There are many types of lung cancer, but most can be categorized into two basic types, "small cell" and "non-small cell." Small cell lung cancer is generally faster growing than non-small cell, but more likely to respond to chemotherapy.

There are several different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer - adenocarcioma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. However, the outlook is similar for these subtypes and they are treated the same.

Non-small cell cancer is divided into four stages, I-IV.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Over 150,000 people die in the U.S. every year from lung cancer.

Most lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater the risk of lung cancer.

Second-hand smoke has also been shown to increase risk. Government surveys show that as many as 3,000 people each year develop lung cancer from second-hand smoke. High levels of pollution, radiation, and asbestos exposure may also increase risk.

Lung cancer begins in cells that line the airways and usually invades adjacent tissues or other organs before symptoms are noticed.

Symptoms

• Cough
  
• Bloody sputum
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Wheeze
  
• Chest pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Weakness
  
• Swallowing difficulty
  
• Nail abnormalities
  
• Joint pain
  
• Hoarseness or changing voice
  
• Facial swelling
  
• Facial paralysis
  
• Eyelid drooping
  
• Bone pain or tenderness
  

Signs and tests

When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the doctor can sometimes detect fluid that has collected around the lungs from a cancer.