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What Causes Lung Cancer?Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. For men who began smoking in the 1900’s a significant increase in mortality rates from lung cancer was noted in the 1930’s. Similarly, women who began smoking in the 1940’s showed mortality rates from lung cancer which have increased progressively from the 1960’s.The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time spent smoking. The risk decreases each year after smoking has ceased. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon, asbestos, uranium and arsenic. What are the Different Types of Lung Cancer?There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 25 percent of all lung cancers and exhibits rapid cell growth and spread. It is treated primarily with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Non-small cell cancer is much more common, accounting for 75 percent of all lung cancers and is treated primarily with surgery and radiotherapy. Non-small cell lung cancers consist of three major types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Of these three, squamous cell lung cancer is more responsive to radiation therapy. |
How is Lung Cancer Treated?Surgery remains the treatment of choice for individuals who can undergo resection of the cancer. Prompt evaluation and diagnosis is encouraged for individuals with abnormal symptoms. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy which involves receiving medication into the blood stream that attacks the cancer cells in all parts of the body. Another treatment uses radiation therapy to kill the tumor cells. Nowadays, tumors can be precisely targeted with radiation.How Does Lung Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?Cancer cells are abnormal and divide without control or order. These cells can invade and destroy the tissue around them, break away from a malignant tumor and can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This process is called metastasizing and is how cancer spreads from the original tumor to form new tumors in other parts of the body.How Fast Does It Spread?The rate of lung cancer spread varies greatly with each individual and with cell type. However, tumor growth is typically seen over months rather than days or years.How Can I Find Out More? To find out more information, please contact the Pulmonary Medicine department at Deborah Heart and Lung Center at (609) 893-1200 ext. 5708 or 5364.If you would like to be evaluated by one of our pulmonary specialists for an abnormal pulmonary symptom, all you need is a telephone referral by your physician. The referral line is 1(800) 214-3452. All types of pulmonary conditions are treated. |
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