Lung cancer

Lung cancer

• Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs
• Two main types of lung cancer:
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer.
  • Small cell lung cancer makes up about 20% of all lung cancer cases.
• If the cancer started somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs, it is called metastatic cancer to the lung.

• Cigarette smoking
• The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer.
• Secondhand smoke (breathing the smoke of others) increases your risk of lung cancer.
  • High levels of air pollution
  • High levels of arsenic in drinking water
  • Radon gas
  • Asbestos
  • Family history of lung cancer
  • Radiation therapy to the lungs
  • Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust

• Cough that doesnt go away
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Swallowing difficulty
• Nail problems
• Joint pain
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Swelling of the face
• Facial paralysis
• Eyelid drooping
• Bone pain or tenderness

• Cholesterol stones
• Pigment stones
• Mixed stones - the most common type. They are comprised of cholesterol and salts.

• Tests that may be performed include:
  • Chest x-ray
  • Sputum cytology test
  • Blood work
  • CT scan of the chest
  • MRI of the chest
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • Bronchoscopy combined with biopsy
  • Pleural biopsy
  • CT scan directed needle biopsy
  • Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
  • Open lung biopsy

Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.

• If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid second hand smoke.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent some cases of lung cancer.