Lung Cancer

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 and is the leading cause of cancer. Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body.  Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs .Lung cancers usually are grouped into two main types called small cell and non-small cell. These types of lung cancer grow differently and are treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer. Risks for lung cancer include:

• Smoking
• Second Hand smoke
• Radon
• Other substances such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and some forms of silica and chromium. For many of these substances, the risk of getting lung cancer is even higher for those who smoke.
• Personal or family history
• Radiation therapy to the chest

Different people have different symptoms for lung cancer. Some people have symptoms related to the lungs. Some people whose lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized) have symptoms specific to that part of the body. Some people just have general symptoms of not feeling well. Most people with lung cancer do not have symptoms until the cancer is advanced. Lung cancer symptoms may include:

• Coughing that gets worse or does not go away.
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Weight loss with no known cause

Other changes that can sometimes occur with lung cancer may include repeated bouts of pneumonia and swollen or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) inside the chest in the area between the lungs. These symptoms can happen with other illnesses, too.  

To diagnosis lung cancer a complete history and physical will be performed to look for signs of lung cancer or other health problems.

If the results of your history and physical exam suggests lung cancer, more tests will be done. These could include imaging tests, laboratory test,  and/or biopsies of the lung.

Ultimately, the actual diagnosis of lung cancer is made by looking at a sample of lung cells in the lab.  

Lung cancer is treated in several ways, depending on the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread. Non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Small cell lung cancer is usually treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Several specialists work together to treat lung cancer. Pulmonologists, surgeons, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists work together to evaluate and develop the best treatment plan.