What is Lung Cancer?

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What is Lung Cancer?

Types of Cancer

Lung Cancer

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More than 170,000 individuals are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in the United States, accounting for approximately 13 percent of all new cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

The lungs are a pair of large, sponge-like organs located in the chest behind the rib cage. As the central component of the respiratory system, the primary function of the lungs is to transfer oxygen from inhaled air to the bloodstream, and to simultaneously eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood during exhalation. The lungs are divided into several sections, known as lobes. The delicate tissues of the lungs are especially vulnerable to particles in the air. In addition to airborne viruses and bacteria, toxic chemicals or pollutants in the air can easily enter the body and cause precancerous changes in the lungs. It is believed that exposure to smoke (or other toxic inhaled substances) damages the lining of the lungs, causing precancerous changes known as dysplasia. Over time these damaged cells form small, wart-like tumors that begin to grow inside the lung.

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Most lung cancers grow very slowly, and almost always begin in one lung, typically originating in the lining of the bronchi. As lung cancer advances, it moves into other tissue layers and adjacent lymph nodes. If untreated, lung cancer can metastasize - or spread - to the bones, brain, liver and other organs.

There are two main types of primary lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. These names do not reflect the size of the tumor, but refer instead to the specific cell type found in the cancer.

The more common variety, non-small cell lung cancer, comprises approximately 87 percent of all cases, and is usually associated with a history of smoking. It has three major sub-types:
- Adenocarcinoma - The most common sub-type, adenocarcinoma is usually found in the outer region of the lung, and tends to have a better prognosis than other types
- Squamous (or epidermoid) carcinoma - Usually located centrally, near a bronchus
- Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma - Can appear in any part of the lung, and tends to grow and spread very quickly.
The less common variety of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, is an aggressive cancer that grows and spreads quickly. For treatment purposes, small cell lung cancer is classified as either limited or extensive, based on the spread of the disease.

Lung cancer is strongly associated with a history of smoking. Prior to the advent of manufactured cigarettes in the early 20th century, lung cancer was extremely rare. Approximately 87 percent of lung cancer cases occur in individuals with a history of smoking, or long-term passive exposure to smoke (second-hand smoke). Although overall cancer rates are declining in the United States, lung cancer rates among women have skyrocketed in recent decades. This alarming trend is directly correlated with the dramatic increase in smoking by women. Because of its strong link to smoking, lung cancer is sometimes said to be a "preventable" cancer. However, it is important to note that not all lung cancer patients have a history of smoking. Smoking cessation and other lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce an individual's chance of developing lung cancer.


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What is Lung Cancer?

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