En Español (Spanish Version)

by Wood D

Conditions InDepth: Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the lungs.
Lung Cancer
IMAGE
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
Lung cancers that start in the lungs are divided into two types:
  • Non-small cell lung cancer—This type generally grows and spreads more slowly. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for the majority of the lung cancer cases that are diagnosed each year in the United States. The most common types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma.
  • Small cell lung cancer—This type generally grows more quickly. It is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
Most cases of lung cancer are associated with tobacco use , such as:
  • First- or second-hand cigarette smoke
  • Pipe or cigar smoking, chewing tobacco
While most cases of lung cancer are due to smoking, a percentage of people with lung cancer have never smoked, nor have they been exposed to secondhand smoke.
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?What are the symptoms of lung cancer?How is lung cancer diagnosed?What are the treatments for lung cancer?Are there screening tests for lung cancer?How can I reduce my risk of lung cancer?What questions should I ask my doctor?What is it like to live with lung cancer?Where can I get more information about lung cancer?

References

General information about non-small cell lung cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/Patient/page1 . Accessed September 28, 2012.

Lung cancer (non-small cell) overview. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LungCancer-Non-SmallCell/OverviewGuide/lung-cancer-non-small-cell-overview-treating-general-info . Updated February 23, 2012. Accessed September 28, 2012.

Revision Information

Health Library Search

Only show results from the selected categories.
1 Lung Cancer condition

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The...

2 Chemotherapy and Other Drugs for Lung Cancer condition indepth
3 Diagnosis of Lung Cancer condition indepth
5 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Lung Cancer condition indepth
6 Medications for Lung Cancer condition indepth
7 Other Treatments for Lung Cancer condition indepth
8 Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer condition indepth
9 Reducing Your Risk of Lung Cancer condition indepth
10 Resource Guide for Lung Cancer condition indepth
11 Risk Factors for Lung Cancer condition indepth
12 Screening for Lung Cancer condition indepth
13 Surgical Procedures for Lung Cancer condition indepth
14 Symptoms of Lung Cancer condition indepth
15 Talking to Your Doctor About Lung Cancer condition indepth
16 Treatments for Lung Cancer condition indepth
17 Low-Dose CT Scan May Be Effective Screening Tool for Lung Cancer in People at High Risk journal notes