Lung cancer is the result of malignant cells forming in the tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. The cells in our bodies are constantly dividing and reproducing. Usually, there’s an orderly pattern to this reproduction as cells develop and specialize to meet particular needs. Occasionally, however, a cell becomes damaged. There’s a mutation in its DNA, and rather than maturing and dying as is normal, it continues to reproduce unchecked. In essence, this is cancer – uncontrolled reproduction and growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Most lung cancers are believed to start in the epithelial lining of the lungs – the linings of the large and small airways that perform the task of extracting oxygen from the air. Because of this, lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma – cancer arising from the bronchia. A smaller percentage of lung cancers begin in the pleura – the thin tissue sac that surrounds the lungs. These cancers are called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While it may take a period of years to develop, the cancer often goes undetected until late in the process. In addition, it tends to metastasize (migrate to other parts of the body) early, which leaves fewer opportunities to fight the mutated cells with surgery or radiation. Once the lung cancer does metastasize, it quickly spreads to the most vulnerable and important organs of the body, particularly the adrenal glands, the liver, the brain and the bones.

There are two primary forms of lung cancer – Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Small Cell Lung Cancer is less common, though far more deadly. It’s directly linked to cigarette smoking – less than 1% of SCLC is diagnosed in non-smokers. It’s also extremely aggressive and fast-moving, metastasizing rapidly to other organs, and often undiscovered until it’s already widespread.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, on the other hand, is far more common, accounting for nearly 80% of all diagnosed lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, generally characterized by the size, shape, and chemical composition of the cells that form the cancer:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also referred to as Epidermoid Carcinoma): accounts for around 25% – 30% of all lung cancers, and is associated with a history of smoking. This cancer is nearly always found in the central chest area, near the bronchus.

Adenocarcinoma (also referred to as Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma): accounts for around 40% of all lung cancers, and is found in the external region of the lung. Treatment for this form of lung cancer often leads to a more successful outcome than that of other lung cancers.

Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma: accounting for only 10% – 15% of lung cancers, this form may show up in any area of the lung. It tends to spread quickly, and often results in a poor prognosis.

It’s also possible for lung cancer to be a combination of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer types.

There are other, less common types of lung cancer. For instance, bronchial carcinoids are small tumors often found in people under 40 years of age. They tend to grow slowly, and be amenable to treatment. Carcinoid tumors account for approximately 5% of lung tumors. Some are non-cancerous. The others are generally slow-growing and can be successfully treated with surgery.

Finally, some cancers discovered in the lungs aren’t lung cancers at all. Since the lungs are prone to metastatic cancers from other sites, it’s not uncommon for tumors from other primary cancers to find their way to the lungs. When this occurs, the tumors are often discovered in the peripheral tissues of the lungs rather than in the central tissues.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.

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Video in which Dr. Steven Levin describes the ways in which lung cancer can be diagnosed and treated, from LegalView: Information on class action lawsuits, class action attorneys, and more from www.legalview.com.

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I quit smoking 3 years ago and I didn't smoke real often to begin with. I don't live with smoker and am not in close contact with any. I have never been exposed to asbestos. I just don't get it!

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For answers to your questions and facts about lung cancer, read on for details about causes of the disease, how it’s treated and how it can be prevented.

Is there more than one type of lung cancer?

There are two types of lung cancer – non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. The two types are distinguishable because of how the cancer cells expand, grow and spread throughout the body.

There are three types of non-small cell lung cancer (the most common form of lung cancer). They are adenocarcinoma, squamus cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma. Though rarer, small cell lung cancer occurs in approximately a quarter of all people diagnosed with lung cancer.

Can I prevent lung cancer?

There are three ways to prevent lung cancer – quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke and stay away from air-borne carcinogens at work. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing lung cancer, avoiding tobacco smoke is typically your best defense.

What are the major causes of lung cancer?

The primary cause of lung cancer in most cases is smoking tobacco products. Of all the facts about lung cancer, this is the most critical and apparent. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke will damage cells. Other causes include exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or radon. Genetics may also play a role in the prevalence of the disease.

How do doctors detect lung cancer?

The early stages of lung cancer typically don’t exhibit any symptoms. The only sure-fire way to detect the disease is with a chest X-ray.

For a confident diagnosis, a biopsy is required. When a doctor performs a biopsy, he or she removes a small amount of tissue from the lung to test it for cancerous cells.

Does lung cancer have any symptoms?

Most lung cancer symptoms don’t appear until after the disease has reached the later stages. That said, the symptoms include constant coughing or wheezing, loss of appetite, chest pains, upper abdomen pains, bronchitis or pneumonia, blood being coughed up, general fatigue, a persistent hoarse voice and a dry, sore throat.

Can lung cancer be treated and how?

Lung cancer can be treated, but the treatments will depend on how far advanced the disease has progressed, the patient’s strength and the type of lung cancer. Lung cancer is typically treated with one of – or a combination of – chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Is mesothelioma a type of lung cancer?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that is typically caused by asbestos exposure. The disease attacks the delicate skin lining of the lungs, and tumors form.

Are men or women more at risk?

Female smokers are twice as likely to develop lung cancer than male smokers.

I’m older and a smoker, will quitting really help me?

Yes, quitting at any age can help prevent lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer is reduced dramatically each year a person smokes – whether that person is 20 or 70. Of all the facts about lung cancer, probably the most saddening is that the majority of cases are preventable.

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You could have no symptoms, and still be at risk for an Asbestos-related disease. Mesothelioma of the lung symptoms may not show themselves for decades, and can often be misunderstood for a less serious condition. Mesothelioma in the lung may cause symptoms including difficulty breathing or swallowing, weight loss, pain and fever. Find out more at our website or call us today to discuss your case.

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My question is are these signs of the beginning of the end? I know this form of cancer will eventually suffocate him, and he does have a living will, so oxygen is the only form of assistance he will receive. How long will oxygen help? I am very saddened by all of this and would hate to see him suffer for long like this. He is a good man and doesn't deserve to die like this. Do your organs shut down due to lack of oxygen? Anyone with experience with Mesothelioma or that knows about this and can give me some insight, I'd appreciate any details no matter how graphic. I just want to know what to expect.
Don't go into all of the herbs and stuff you can take to beat cancer. We know he is dying and cannot beat this. I really appreciate the thought though.
I know they cannot tell us when he will die, but I feel so helpless. Thanks for the link, but I have read everything out there about this and really was hoping to find someone who knows about this type of cancer first hand.

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Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or the chest. Malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that acts as protective cover for many of the internal organs in the body. A mesothelium is made of two cell layers – one that directly covers the organ and another that surrounds it.

If it covers the organs located in the abdominal cavity, it is called the peritoneum. The mesothelium that provides protection for the heart is called the pericardium. If it covers the lungs and wall lining of the chest, it is called pleura.

It is not the same as lung cancer. This disease can affect both men and women and can appear at any age.

The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased due to exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of mesothelioma cases showed individuals with a history of exposure to the material. It can also affect people who are living with a person who has been exposed to asbestos. It is also known to appear in other patients even if they have not had prior exposure.

Some of the symptoms that merit a visit to the doctor include: difficulty in breathing, chest pain (usually located beneath the rib cage), lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

As of today, no cure for mesothelioma has been discovered. Some of these treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Surgery

The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, where a part of the affected part is removed, along with some of the surrounding tissue. This is the treatment that is often used during the early stages of the disease. In cases where the diseased has progressed extensively, other treatment options are considered.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy removes cancer cells by using high energy radiation beams. To ensure that radiation beams hit the target cells, x-rays and computer imaging are also used during the process. This makes sure that only cancer cells are destroyed and reduces the number of healthy cells that are affected.

Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously or through the use of catheters, allowing anti-cancer drugs to enter the blood stream quickly.

The kind of symptoms that appear in a patient depends on the chemotherapy treatment, dosage and on that particular patient’s reaction.

They are also meant to help prolong the life of the patient.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

Further research and clinical trials are being performed to help find the best treatments that are the most effective against mesothelioma. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be halted if it is detected earlier.

Read more detailed reviews at cancer mesothelioma , mesothelioma pleural, and peritoneal cancer

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Are you aware that Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer can both be caused by Asbestos exposure? Different types of treatment are available for these cancers, including traditional ones such as Chemotherapy and surgery, as well as experimental treatments and clinical trials. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer because of exposure to Asbestos in the Los Angeles area, we can help.

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