Truth and Frequently Sought Inquiries About Lung Cancer

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.

What are the two types 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.

Non-small lung cancer is the most common and covers three different types of lung cancer - squamus cell carcinoma cancer, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Small lung cancer happens in about 25% of all lung cancer cases and generally grows and spreads to other organs very quickly.

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 causes lung cancer?

The short answer - smoking. Tobacco smoke is full of carcinogens, making it the major cause in almost all cases of lung cancer. While exposure to air-borne carcinogens like radon or asbestos can also lead to lung cancer, tobacco smoke is, by far, the primary cause.

How is lung cancer detected?

Most cases of lung cancer caught during the early stages of the disease are found accidentally in chest X-rays. Unfortunately, symptoms of the disease typically aren't exhibited until the later stages.

Before a final diagnosis is made, most doctors must perform a biopsy. A biopsy is where a small tissue sample is taken from the lung and tested for the presence of cancer 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.

How does a doctor treat or cure lung cancer?

Treatments will vary depending on the patient, their age, the type of lung cancer and the stage of the disease. Most cases of lung cancer are treated with radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of the three.

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?

Women who smoke are twice as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than men who are 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.