Lung Cancer: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Ever have a nagging cough that won't go away? Are you tired all the time no matter how much you sleep? These are common early warning signs to check out. We describe the specific and general symptoms related to lung cancer, the different symptoms you may see when cancer spreads and some unusual symptoms specific to certain lung cancers.
Ever have a nagging cough that won't go away? Are you tired all the time no matter how much you sleep? These are common early warning signs to check out. We describe the specific and general symptoms related to lung cancer, the different symptoms you may see when cancer spreads and some unusual symptoms specific to certain lung cancers.
Staging Non-Small Cell
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.
Inoperable Lung Cancer
My doctor says my lung cancer is inoperable. Read on to learn what inoperable lunch cancer means and what can be done to treat inoperable lung cancer.
My doctor says my lung cancer is inoperable. Read on to learn what inoperable lunch cancer means and what can be done to treat inoperable lung cancer.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. 1.2 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year! In the United States in 2006, an estimated 163,000 people died from lung cancer and an estimated 175,000 new lung cancer diagnoses were made. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of lung cancer can make this frightening diagnosis easier to understand.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. 1.2 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year! In the United States in 2006, an estimated 163,000 people died from lung cancer and an estimated 175,000 new lung cancer diagnoses were made. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of lung cancer can make this frightening diagnosis easier to understand.
Chemotherapy
My doctor advised chemotherapy for my lung cancer. Why and how is chemotherapy given? Will I have side effects from chemotherapy? What are some of the medications used for lung cancer? Chemotherapy is used often during lung cancer treatment. It is often used as an adjunct, in addition to surgery, to prolong survival, and to improve the symptoms of lung cancer.
My doctor advised chemotherapy for my lung cancer. Why and how is chemotherapy given? Will I have side effects from chemotherapy? What are some of the medications used for lung cancer? Chemotherapy is used often during lung cancer treatment. It is often used as an adjunct, in addition to surgery, to prolong survival, and to improve the symptoms of lung cancer.
Radiation Side Effects
Radiation therapy is frequently used with or without chemotherapy and surgery for the treatment of lung cancer. Short-term side effects such as skin irritation, fatigue, and inflammation of the esophagus can occur. Long-term side effects including radiation pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and secondary cancers should be discussed with your radiation oncologist.
Radiation therapy is frequently used with or without chemotherapy and surgery for the treatment of lung cancer. Short-term side effects such as skin irritation, fatigue, and inflammation of the esophagus can occur. Long-term side effects including radiation pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and secondary cancers should be discussed with your radiation oncologist.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Imaging is a common way to diagnose lung cancer. In addition to the common chest x-ray procedure, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET scans are also used for identification. Do the terms sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, thoracotomy and mediastinoscopy sound foreign? Read on to learn what each test is and how it can help you in understanding if your suspected cancer is benign or malignant and if it has metasasized.
Imaging is a common way to diagnose lung cancer. In addition to the common chest x-ray procedure, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET scans are also used for identification. Do the terms sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, thoracotomy and mediastinoscopy sound foreign? Read on to learn what each test is and how it can help you in understanding if your suspected cancer is benign or malignant and if it has metasasized.
Radiation for Lung Cancer
When is radiation therapy recommended for lung cancer? How is it given? What side effects does radiation therapy have? Are there different types of radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is used alone or along with chemotherapy or surgery for many people with lung cancer. Having a basic understanding of radiation therapy can help you play an active role in your treatment choices.
When is radiation therapy recommended for lung cancer? How is it given? What side effects does radiation therapy have? Are there different types of radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is used alone or along with chemotherapy or surgery for many people with lung cancer. Having a basic understanding of radiation therapy can help you play an active role in your treatment choices.
Treatment of Lung Cancer
There are so many treatment options available if you have been diagnosed lung cancer that it can be overwhelming. Depending upon type and stage of your cancer, options may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer targeted therapies, clinical trials, and complimentary medicine offer additional approaches in treating lung cancer.
There are so many treatment options available if you have been diagnosed lung cancer that it can be overwhelming. Depending upon type and stage of your cancer, options may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer targeted therapies, clinical trials, and complimentary medicine offer additional approaches in treating lung cancer.
Metastatic Lung Cancer
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. Breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer are the most common metastatic cancers to the lungs, though almost all cancers can spread to the lungs. Treatment of metastatic lung cancer is usually focused on the primary cancer, or origin of the cancer.
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. Breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer are the most common metastatic cancers to the lungs, though almost all cancers can spread to the lungs. Treatment of metastatic lung cancer is usually focused on the primary cancer, or origin of the cancer.
Radon and Lung Cancer
Exposure to radon in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause in non-smokers. Deaths of non-smokers from lung cancer, such as Dana Reeve, has brought some awareness, but far too few people have had their homes tested. Knowing what radon is, how to test for it, what levels are normal, and how to fix the problem, can go a long way in reducing the risk of this entirely preventable cause of lung cancer.
Exposure to radon in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause in non-smokers. Deaths of non-smokers from lung cancer, such as Dana Reeve, has brought some awareness, but far too few people have had their homes tested. Knowing what radon is, how to test for it, what levels are normal, and how to fix the problem, can go a long way in reducing the risk of this entirely preventable cause of lung cancer.
Family History and Lung Cancer
A family history of lung cancer increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Hereditary lung cancer is more common in women, nonsmokers and relatives of those that develop lung cancer early in life. Find out if your family history indicates you have a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.
A family history of lung cancer increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Hereditary lung cancer is more common in women, nonsmokers and relatives of those that develop lung cancer early in life. Find out if your family history indicates you have a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Diagnosing and treating lung cancer is a deeply emotional time. Having a list of questions to ask your doctor can help you get the answers you need.
Diagnosing and treating lung cancer is a deeply emotional time. Having a list of questions to ask your doctor can help you get the answers you need.
Types and Phases of Trials
When choosing a clinical trial it is important to be aware of types of trials. Is the trial designed to treat cancer, or to improve quality of life but without extending life? Trials are placed into phases that look at the safety and effectiveness of a drug or treatment from its first use in people to its approval by the FDA.
When choosing a clinical trial it is important to be aware of types of trials. Is the trial designed to treat cancer, or to improve quality of life but without extending life? Trials are placed into phases that look at the safety and effectiveness of a drug or treatment from its first use in people to its approval by the FDA.
Screening for Lung Cancer
CT screening for lung cancer has the potential to save lives. Yet, screening for lung cancer with CT scans has risks as well. Issues include errors that result in unnecessary workup and surgeries, radiation exposure from CT scans, and cost.
CT screening for lung cancer has the potential to save lives. Yet, screening for lung cancer with CT scans has risks as well. Issues include errors that result in unnecessary workup and surgeries, radiation exposure from CT scans, and cost.
Dan's Story
What treatment options are available after being diagnosed with lung cancer? How can you decide upon a lung cancer treatment? Dan's story illustrates that many options sometimes exist for the same cancer.
What treatment options are available after being diagnosed with lung cancer? How can you decide upon a lung cancer treatment? Dan's story illustrates that many options sometimes exist for the same cancer.
Preventing Lung Cancer
Ninety percent of lung cancers could be prevented! Many of these are related to tobacco, but environmental exposures that are avoidable cause lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. Something as simple as testing homes for radon could prevent 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the US alone.
Ninety percent of lung cancers could be prevented! Many of these are related to tobacco, but environmental exposures that are avoidable cause lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. Something as simple as testing homes for radon could prevent 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the US alone.
Women and Lung Cancer
Women are different than men with lung cancer. Differences between women and men with lung cancer include the incidence, response to treatment and survival rate. Women have a higher survival rate from lung cancer at all stages of the disease.
Women are different than men with lung cancer. Differences between women and men with lung cancer include the incidence, response to treatment and survival rate. Women have a higher survival rate from lung cancer at all stages of the disease.
Lung Cancer Quit Smoking
Does it help to quit smoking with lung cancer? Can smoking interfere with surgery or other treatments for lung cancer? Quitting smoking improves the success of lung cancer surgery and treatment and lowers the risk of death from other causes.
Does it help to quit smoking with lung cancer? Can smoking interfere with surgery or other treatments for lung cancer? Quitting smoking improves the success of lung cancer surgery and treatment and lowers the risk of death from other causes.
Diet and Prevention
A healthy diet can help with lung cancer prevention. Preventing lung cancer takes more than just avoiding tobacco. Certain foods and eating practices appear to lower the risk.
A healthy diet can help with lung cancer prevention. Preventing lung cancer takes more than just avoiding tobacco. Certain foods and eating practices appear to lower the risk.
Lung Cancer Surgery
Surgery for lung cancer can often cure lung cancer in the early stages. Knowing the types of lung cancer surgery, risks involved in surgery, and what to expect before and after lung cancer surgery can help you discuss with your health care team if this is the best option for you.
Surgery for lung cancer can often cure lung cancer in the early stages. Knowing the types of lung cancer surgery, risks involved in surgery, and what to expect before and after lung cancer surgery can help you discuss with your health care team if this is the best option for you.
Lung Cancer and Exercise
Physical activity is good for overall health, but it can make a difference in the fight against lung cancer as well. Studies show that even moderate exercise reduces the risk of developing lung cancer, lowers mortality in those already diagnosed, and improves quality of life for cancer survivors.
Physical activity is good for overall health, but it can make a difference in the fight against lung cancer as well. Studies show that even moderate exercise reduces the risk of developing lung cancer, lowers mortality in those already diagnosed, and improves quality of life for cancer survivors.
Symptom Management
A diagnosis of lung cancer is frightening. Will I have pain? Will I have difficulty breathing? Will I lose weight? Will I feel exhausted. Excellent relief from common cancer symptoms is available. Knowing how to describe your pain and options available can help you work with your health care team.
A diagnosis of lung cancer is frightening. Will I have pain? Will I have difficulty breathing? Will I lose weight? Will I feel exhausted. Excellent relief from common cancer symptoms is available. Knowing how to describe your pain and options available can help you work with your health care team.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
We have all heard about the side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, low blood counts and mouth sores. Having an awareness of the common side effects experienced with chemotherapy, when to call your doctor and what to expect can help you work most effectively with your cancer care team. Tremendous strides with the management of chemotherapy side effects over the last several years has made chemotherapy more comfortable than in the past.
We have all heard about the side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, low blood counts and mouth sores. Having an awareness of the common side effects experienced with chemotherapy, when to call your doctor and what to expect can help you work most effectively with your cancer care team. Tremendous strides with the management of chemotherapy side effects over the last several years has made chemotherapy more comfortable than in the past.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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.
Lung Cancer - Articles
An index of Articles for the Lung Cancer guide site.
An index of Articles for the Lung Cancer guide site.
Targeted Therapies
Currently used primarily for stage 3 and 4 lung cancers, targeted therapies offer new treatment options for advanced lung cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies target cancer cells specifically and spare healthy tissue.
Currently used primarily for stage 3 and 4 lung cancers, targeted therapies offer new treatment options for advanced lung cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies target cancer cells specifically and spare healthy tissue.
Advanced Lung Cancer
Definition of advanced lung cancer, cancer that has spread.
Definition of advanced lung cancer, cancer that has spread.
Overview of Clinical Trials
What are clinical trials for lung cancer? What are the benefits? What are the risks? Are there different types or phases of clinical trials? How can I find a clinical trial near my home? Having an understanding of what clinical trials entail can help you decide whether an experimental new treatment may be something you wish to consider.
What are clinical trials for lung cancer? What are the benefits? What are the risks? Are there different types or phases of clinical trials? How can I find a clinical trial near my home? Having an understanding of what clinical trials entail can help you decide whether an experimental new treatment may be something you wish to consider.
Managing Radiation Effects
Side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer are common. Managing these side effects can ease some of the symptoms of radiation therapy. Tips for managing skin irritation, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and cough can lessen the the impact of these side effects of radiation therapy during your treatment.
Side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer are common. Managing these side effects can ease some of the symptoms of radiation therapy. Tips for managing skin irritation, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and cough can lessen the the impact of these side effects of radiation therapy during your treatment.
Tips For Caregivers
Caring for someone with cancer can be at once the most rewarding and most difficult time in our lives. Following a few tips such as pampering yourself, maintaining a sense of humor, and finding a support group, can help you minimize the stress and leave you feeling fulfilled in your efforts rather than resentful.
Caring for someone with cancer can be at once the most rewarding and most difficult time in our lives. Following a few tips such as pampering yourself, maintaining a sense of humor, and finding a support group, can help you minimize the stress and leave you feeling fulfilled in your efforts rather than resentful.
Non-Smokers and Lung Cancer
The death of Dana Reeve, wife of “superman” from lung cancer at age 44, raised awareness that even lifelong non-smokers can be at risk for lung cancer. In fact, between 10 and 15% of those diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. What can non-smokers and smokers do alike to lower their risk?
The death of Dana Reeve, wife of “superman” from lung cancer at age 44, raised awareness that even lifelong non-smokers can be at risk for lung cancer. In fact, between 10 and 15% of those diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. What can non-smokers and smokers do alike to lower their risk?
Clinical Trial Questions
Is a clinical trial right for you? Do you know the risks and benefits of clinical trials? What questions should you ask about clinical trials? Weighing the risks and benefits and having a list of questions to ask can help you decide if a clinical trial is right for you.
Is a clinical trial right for you? Do you know the risks and benefits of clinical trials? What questions should you ask about clinical trials? Weighing the risks and benefits and having a list of questions to ask can help you decide if a clinical trial is right for you.
Supporting Cancer
The support of family and friends is critical to someone diagnosed with lung cancer. What things can we do to offer the best support to our loved one with cancer?
The support of family and friends is critical to someone diagnosed with lung cancer. What things can we do to offer the best support to our loved one with cancer?
Palliative Therapy
Medical definition of palliative therapy, a form of cancer management.
Medical definition of palliative therapy, a form of cancer management.
How to Find Clinical Trials
Finding clinical trials for lung cancer can offer options not otherwise available for treatment. Clinical trials -- also known as experimental treatments for lung cancer -- can be found in several databases as well as matching services.
Finding clinical trials for lung cancer can offer options not otherwise available for treatment. Clinical trials -- also known as experimental treatments for lung cancer -- can be found in several databases as well as matching services.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer grows fast and spreads quickly. Small cell lung cancer is caused 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. Small cell lung cancer is caused primarily by smoking, and therefore largely preventable. Despite responding well to chemotherapy, the 5 year survival rate overall is less than 20%.
Complementary Medicine
You may hear about alternative lung cancer treatments if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage -- all have been talked about as being able to help with lung cancer symptoms. While many of these have not been extensively studied, some are considered solid, alternative lung cancer treatments.
You may hear about alternative lung cancer treatments if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage -- all have been talked about as being able to help with lung cancer symptoms. While many of these have not been extensively studied, some are considered solid, alternative lung cancer treatments.
Causes of Lung Cancer
There are many causes of lung cancer. Causes of lung cancer include lifestyle, environment and occupational. New studies also suggest genetics and infections as causes of lung cancer.
There are many causes of lung cancer. Causes of lung cancer include lifestyle, environment and occupational. New studies also suggest genetics and infections as causes of lung cancer.
Alcohol and Lung Cancer
Does alcohol increase the risk of lung cancer? Can drinking wine, beer, or hard liquor cause or prevent lung cancer? Studies show that the affect of alcohol on lung cancer may vary with the type of alcohol consumed and on whether you are male or female.
Does alcohol increase the risk of lung cancer? Can drinking wine, beer, or hard liquor cause or prevent lung cancer? Studies show that the affect of alcohol on lung cancer may vary with the type of alcohol consumed and on whether you are male or female.
Metastasis
Medical definition of metastasis, a term referring to the spread of cancer.
Medical definition of metastasis, a term referring to the spread of cancer.
Lifestyle and Lung Cancer
Smoking causes lung cancer, but there are many other causes of lung cancer as well. Radon, chemicals, and asbestos can cause lung cancer. Exercise and diet may help prevent lung cancer.
Smoking causes lung cancer, but there are many other causes of lung cancer as well. Radon, chemicals, and asbestos can cause lung cancer. Exercise and diet may help prevent lung cancer.
Adjuvant Therapy
Medical definition of a form of cancer treatment
Medical definition of a form of cancer treatment
Anti-emetic
Medical definition of anti emetic, medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting (emesis).
Medical definition of anti emetic, medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting (emesis).
Carcinoma In Situ
Definition of carcinoma in situ, cancer confined to the tissue it began in.
Definition of carcinoma in situ, cancer confined to the tissue it began in.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Definition of peripheral neuropathy, a nerve-related health condition.
Definition of peripheral neuropathy, a nerve-related health condition.
Prophylactic Radiation
Medical definition of a cancer therapy
Medical definition of a cancer therapy
Clubbing
Medical definition of clubbing, a deformity of the fingers.
Medical definition of clubbing, a deformity of the fingers.
Step By Step Visualization
Visualization therapy is a common complementary therapy for those being treated for lung cancer. Visualization can instill a sense of calm and help with relaxation. Many cancer centers are adding complementary therapies such as visualization to their options for cancer patients.
Visualization therapy is a common complementary therapy for those being treated for lung cancer. Visualization can instill a sense of calm and help with relaxation. Many cancer centers are adding complementary therapies such as visualization to their options for cancer patients.
Pleural Effusion
Medical definition of pleural effusion, fluid build-up in the lining of the lungs.
Medical definition of pleural effusion, fluid build-up in the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos
Definition of asbestos, a material that can cause lung cancer.
Definition of asbestos, a material that can cause lung cancer.
Progression-Free Survival
Definition of progression-free survival (PFS), a period of time during cancer treatment.
Definition of progression-free survival (PFS), a period of time during cancer treatment.
Prognosis
Medical definition of prognosis, the likely outcome of a disease.
Medical definition of prognosis, the likely outcome of a disease.
Sputum Cytology
Definition of sputum cytology, a method of sampling sputum (mucous) for cancerous cells.
Definition of sputum cytology, a method of sampling sputum (mucous) for cancerous cells.
Smoking/Lung Cancer Paradox
Japanese men have less lung cancer even though they smoke more. Reasons may include lifestyle factors, such as alcohol and diet, or the type of filters and carcinogens present in Japanese cigarettes.
Japanese men have less lung cancer even though they smoke more. Reasons may include lifestyle factors, such as alcohol and diet, or the type of filters and carcinogens present in Japanese cigarettes.
Hemoptysis
Medical definition of hemoptysis, coughing up blood.
Medical definition of hemoptysis, coughing up blood.
Pneumonectomy
Medical definition for removal of one of the lungs
Medical definition for removal of one of the lungs
Environmental Causes
There are many environmental causes of lung cancer. These environmental causes are often preventable. Causes of lung cancer, such as exposure to radon, asbestos, certain chemicals, secondhand smoke and wood smoke, can often be avoided if we are aware of their presence.
There are many environmental causes of lung cancer. These environmental causes are often preventable. Causes of lung cancer, such as exposure to radon, asbestos, certain chemicals, secondhand smoke and wood smoke, can often be avoided if we are aware of their presence.
Pulmonologist
Definition of pulmonologist, a physician who specialized in lung diseases.
Definition of pulmonologist, a physician who specialized in lung diseases.
Radiation Oncologist
Definition of Radiation Oncologist, a physician that specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Definition of Radiation Oncologist, a physician that specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Spirometry
Medical definition of spirometry, a test of lung function.
Medical definition of spirometry, a test of lung function.
What to Bring to Visits
What medical information should be brought to physician visits? Missing medical records, lab tests, and radiology studies result far too often in a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer. Bringing these items with to each and every visit can minimize delays and medical error. A list of all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal and nutritional supplements is essential to avoid medication errors and interactions.
What medical information should be brought to physician visits? Missing medical records, lab tests, and radiology studies result far too often in a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer. Bringing these items with to each and every visit can minimize delays and medical error. A list of all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal and nutritional supplements is essential to avoid medication errors and interactions.
Bronchus
Medical definition of bronchus, part of the respiratory system.
Medical definition of bronchus, part of the respiratory system.
Flavonoids
Definition of flavonoids, a group of substances found in plant-based foods.
Definition of flavonoids, a group of substances found in plant-based foods.
Paraneoplastic Syndrome
Definition of paraneoplastic syndrome, a variety of symptoms due to the presence of a tumor in the body.
Definition of paraneoplastic syndrome, a variety of symptoms due to the presence of a tumor in the body.
Wedge Resection
Definition of wedge resection, a type of lung cancer surgery.
Definition of wedge resection, a type of lung cancer surgery.