Types and Staging of Lung Cancer
Knowing the type of lung cancer is important in determining both treatment and prognosis. Non small cell lung cancer is the most common accounting for almost 80% of cancers. Small cell cancer, at 20% is a rapidly growing, rapidly spreading tumor caused primarily by smoking. Other rare forms of cancer, as well as cancer that spreads from other regions of the body are found in the lungs.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer accounting for 80% of all lung cancers. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but non-small cell adenocarcinoma is the most common lung cancer found in non-smokers and women.
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer accounting for 80% of all lung cancers. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but non-small cell adenocarcinoma is the most common lung cancer found in non-smokers and women.
Staging Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Treatment and survival with non small-cell lung cancer are strongly determined by the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Though the classification system can be confusing, there are essentially four stages.
Treatment and survival with non small-cell lung cancer are strongly determined by the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Though the classification system can be confusing, there are essentially four stages.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer grows fast and spreads quickly. It is causes primarily by smoking, and therefore largely preventable. Despite responding well to chemotherapy, the 5 year survival rate overall is less than 20%.
Small cell lung cancer grows fast and spreads quickly. It is causes primarily by smoking, and therefore largely preventable. Despite responding well to chemotherapy, the 5 year survival rate overall is less than 20%.
Metastatic Cancer to the Lungs
Cancer in the lungs can be related to a primary lung cancer, or due to the spread of cancer from other regions of the body, such as the breast, colon, prostate or bladder.
Cancer in the lungs can be related to a primary lung cancer, or due to the spread of cancer from other regions of the body, such as the breast, colon, prostate or bladder.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer involving the lung lining. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. About.com's Cancer Guide, Lisa Fayed provides an overview of mesothelioma causes and symptoms.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer involving the lung lining. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. About.com's Cancer Guide, Lisa Fayed provides an overview of mesothelioma causes and symptoms.
Carcinoid Syndrome
Certain types of tumors can contribute to this pattern of symptoms. Here, an overview from the A.D.A.M Illustrated Health Encyclopedia.
Certain types of tumors can contribute to this pattern of symptoms. Here, an overview from the A.D.A.M Illustrated Health Encyclopedia.