Lung Cancer
Lung cancer forms in the tissues of the lungs, usually in the cells that line air passages. Lung cancer often takes many years to develop. It is a life-threatening disease because it often spreads before it is found.
About Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Each requires different types of treatment.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer. The three types of non-small cell lung cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Found in the middle of the lungs. This type of lung cancer is linked to smoking.
- Adenocarcinoma: Found in the outer part of the lung.
- Large-cell carcinoma: Found in any part of the lung.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer is almost always caused by smoking. The disease starts in the bronchi near the center of the chest and can rapidly grow and spread to other parts of the body. It is very rare for someone who has never smoked to have small cell lung cancer.
Who’s at Risk?
People who smoke tobacco or those who have high exposure to secondhand smoke are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. It is also more common in people over 65.
Risk Factors
Researchers have discovered several causes of lung cancer:
- Tobacco smoke: Smoking cigarettes causes lung cancer. People who smoke cigars and pipes are also at a higher risk. Harmful carcinogens in tobacco cause damage to the cells that may lead to cancer.
- Secondhand smoke: People who are exposed to secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), take in many of the same dangerous chemicals that smokers do. Frequent and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke at home, in the car or in the workplace greatly increases the risk for lung cancer.
- Radon: An invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses.
- Asbestos and other substances: Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, soot, tar, and other substances.
- Air pollution: Researchers have found a link to lung cancer and certain air pollutants.
- Family history: A father, mother, brother or sister who had lung cancer.
- Personal history: A previous diagnosis of lung cancer. Personal history of tuberculosis or other lung diseases.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type of lung cancer, size, location and stage of the tumor, and your general health. Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are treated differently.
Generally, lung cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy to kill the cancer with anti-cancer drugs, or radiation therapy to destroy the cancer with high-energy rays. Sometimes the cancer requires a combination of these methods.
Some information on this page is provided by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.