Lung Cancer Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Most cases of lung cancer develop in people between the ages of 45 and 70. Lung cancer is becoming more common in women because more women are smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is the cause of approximately 90% of lung cancer cases in men and 80% of lung cancer cases in women. The greater the quantity and duration of smoking, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. Second-hand smoke has been shown to increase the risk of developing lung cancer as well. Exposure to high levels of pollution, radiation, and asbestos may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer that originates in the cells of the lung tissue is called primary lung cancer. Primary lung cancers almost always begin in the large airways (bronchi). However, lung cancer can also result from cancer metastasizing to the lungs from other cancers that originate from other parts of the body.

Lung cancers that originate in lung tissue are grouped into 2 types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer usually grows faster than non-small cell lung cancer but generally responds better to chemotherapy. Non-small cell lung cancers include large cell carinoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms of lung cancer vary but usually include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, swelling of the neck and face, and repeated episodes of pneumonia and bronchitis. Loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue may also suggest lung cancer.