Lung Cancer

Cigarette smokingCigar and pipe smokingExposure to second-hand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (the smoke in the air when someone else smokes)Exposure to radonExposure to asbestos Lung diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB)Personal history of lung cancerExposure to certain air pollutants, such as by-products of the combustion of diesel and other fossil fuels, are linked to lung cancer, although the relationship is not yet clear.Coal dust Symptoms Symptoms include: A cough that doesn't go away and worsens over timeConstant chest painCoughing up bloodShortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitisSwelling of the neck and faceLoss of appetite or weight lossFatigueNote: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor. Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will also ask about the following: Smoking historyExposure to environmental and occupational substancesFamily history of cancer Tests may include: Chest x-raySputum cytologyexamination of a sample of mucus from the lungsSpiral CTa special type of x-ray of the lungsBiopsy removal of a sample of lung tissue to be tested for cancer cells. Methods of lung biopsy include: Bronchoscopy a thin, lighted tube inserted into the mouth or nose and through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages. Through this tube, the doctor can collect cells or small samples of tissue. Needle aspirationa needle inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissueThoracentesisuse of a needle to remove a sample of the fluid around the lungs to check for cancer cellsThoracotomy surgery to open the chest and examine lung tissue TreatmentOnce lung cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent.

Surgery Surgery will require removal of the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor in the lung. Surgeries include: Segmental or wedge resectionremoval of only a small part of the lungLobectomyremoval of an entire lobe of the lungPneumonectomyremoval of an entire lung Radiation Therapy or Radiotherapy This is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may also be used to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath. Radiation may be: External radiation therapydirected at the tumor from a source outside the body (more common for treating lung cancer)Internal radiation therapyradioactive materials placed into the body in or near the cancer cells ChemotherapyThis is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy is often used to kill lung cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Promising New Treatments The use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and cryosurgery is not widespread or well-established. The National Cancer Institute considers both treatments potential therapies.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)a type of laser therapy where a chemical is injected into the bloodstream and absorbed by the cells of the body. The chemical rapidly leaves normal cells but remains in cancer cells for a longer time. A laser aimed at the cancer activates the chemical, which then kills the cancer cells that have absorbed it. This treatment may also be used to reduce symptoms of lung cancer when the cancer cannot be removed through surgery.Cryosurgerya treatment that freezes and destroys cancer tissue Prevention To reduce your risk of getting lung cancer: Don't start smoking.If you smoke, quit.Avoid places where people are smoking.Test your home for radon gases and asbestos. Have these substances removed if they are in the home.Do not work or live in a place with asbestos. RESOURCES: American Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.org American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.ca The Canadian Lung Associationhttp://www.lung.ca References: American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org . National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .

Last reviewed October 2007 by Igor Puzanov, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.