What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Types

There are two main types of lung cancer and other much less frequent types. The two main types are distinguished by their appearance under a microscope and are: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Accounts for accounts for about 80% of lung cancers and is subdivided into three different types:

• Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma: This type of NSCLC forms in the lining of the bronchial tubes.
  
  
• Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is found in the glands of the lungs that produce mucus. Though rare, when it develops in the lung's alveoli (tiny lung sacs), it is referred to as bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma.
  
  
• Large-cell or undifferentiated carcinoma: Is a type of NSCLC that forms near the surface or outer edges of the lungs.
  
  
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Although the cells are small, they multiply quickly and form large tumors that can spread throughout the body. They typically begin in the lung's bronchi. Small cell lung cancer is sometimes referred to as oat cell cancer because of its oat grain-like shape when viewed under a microscope.
  
  
• Metastatic lung cancer: This is lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

There are also rarer types of lung cancer including bronchial carcinoids and cancers that start in other parts of the lung.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can have an impact on you risk of developing lung cancer. Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will get lung cancer. Also, you may not have any of these risk factors and still get lung cancer. The following is a list of factors that may increase your risk of developing lung cancer:
Smoking: The number one risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Tobacco smoke damages cells in the lungs, causing them to grow abnormally. However if you stop smoking it may decrease your risk for lung cancer.

• Tobacco Smoke: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
  
  
• Secondhand smoke: Regular exposure to smoke from someone else's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes may increase your risk of lung cancer, even if you do not smoke yourself.
  
  
• Age: The older you are the greater your risk of developing lung cancer. Most lung cancers are diagnosed after age 45.
  
  
• Asbestos: When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can irritate the lung. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking is particularly hazardous. Asbestos is found in many types of rock and are often used as fireproof insulation in buildings.
  
  
• Radon: Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas naturally released by some soil and rocks that may increase your risk of lung cancer. Most hardware stores have kits that test home radon levels.
  
  
• Personal or family history of lung cancer: People with a parent, sibling or other first-degree relative with lung cancer have an increased risk of the disease.
  
  
• Excessive alcohol use: Drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol may increase your risk of lung cancer.
  
  
• Certain lung diseases: People with certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may have an greater risk of developing lung cancer.
  

Symptoms

The symptoms maybe not be too apparent at the onset of the disease, however as the lung cancer progresses into the later stages, symptoms become much more noticeable. Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the presence of lung cancer. There are many other health conditions that can cause these symptoms. However, if some of these signs are present, please consult your doctor for further investigation:

• Shortness of breath
• Weight Loss
• Coughing up Blood
  
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of facial features
• Rasping voice