Lung Cancer

Lung cancer results from out of control cell growth that occurs in one or both of the lungs. Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs begin to grow and spread, sometimes throughout the entire body. A large group of abnormal cells in the lungs is called a tumor. Lung cancer most commonly develops in the bronchi, which is the part of the lung that divides into branches like a tree.http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/guide/understanding-lung-cancer-basics

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Most cases of lung cancer are caused by cigarette smoking.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/tobacco/cancerSome genetic traits can make people more susceptible to cancer-causing substances than others. Aside from the chemicals found in cigarettes, other cancer-causing substances include asbestos, silica, air pollution, radioactive gas, and radon. Genetics can also play a part.http://www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/page2.htm#tocc

There are two main categories of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common of the two types. SCLC cases are mostly linked to smoking causes, and the disease spreads rapidly through the lungs. NSCLC isn't as fast-growing and has three main groups, Adenocarcinomas being the most common. This type of lung cancer isn't as directly related to cigarette smoking, although smokers have experienced NSCLC.http://www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/page3.htm#tocd

Distinguishable by cell size, small cell lung cancer accounts for only about 10% to 15% of lung cancer cases. The cancerous cells spread quickly, which nearly always necessitates a drug-based treatment.http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_small_cell_lung_cancer.aspThe more common varieties, NSCLC, typically develop over a period of years. Treatments for these types require either chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.http://www.lungcanceronline.org/treatment-nsclc/index.html

The information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on lung cancer.