Lung cancer is the second most common cancer type in the United States. It affects about 226,650 people annually and causes about 124,730 deaths. Though lung cancer occurrences are decreasing, it is still important for people to educate themselves on lung cancer risks and treatment. With the right information, individuals are empowered to make good decisions about their care.
Many individuals diagnosed with lung cancer turn to Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) for treatment. RCCA is a group of more than 90 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. Following is a discussion on what to know about the disease.
The lungs are a pair of sponge-like organs located in the chest. Each lung is divided into two or three lobes that are full of smaller structures. This design facilitates gas transfer to keep the body oxygenated and to discard carbon dioxide.
When a person inhales, air enters through the mouth or nose. It flows through the trachea (windpipe), which divides into two tubes called bronchi before entering the lungs. The bronchi divide again into smaller bronchi, then again into bronchioles that end in tiny air sacs, or alveoli. The alveoli absorb oxygen into the blood from the inhaled air. They also remove carbon dioxide from the blood, which exits the body when the person exhales.
The entire lung structure is surrounded by a thin lining called the pleura. It protects the lungs and helps them expand and contract smoothly. Underneath, a thin muscle separates the chest from the abdomen. This muscle, called the diaphragm, is what forces air in and out of the lungs to allow breathing.
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells form in the lungs. The abnormal cells divide and reproduce much more quickly than normal cells, creating a constantly growing mass of tissue called a tumor. Eventually, the tumor may turn malignant, meaning that it can invade other tissues.
All lung cancers start in a similar way, but they are not all identical. Different types of lung cancer have different characteristics depending on what type of cells they form from. There are three distinct categories of lung cancer, each with several subtypes:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. Subtypes include:
There are other subtypes of NSCLC, including adenosquamous carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, and more. These are much less common, representing a tiny percentage of all lung cancer types.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the second most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 10% to 15% of all lung cancer cases. It tends to grow quickly, meaning that it has often spread beyond the lungs by the time it is diagnosed. It responds well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy but has a high chance of recurring or coming back after treatment.
Lung carcinoid tumors are a rare type of lung cancer that accounts for less than 5% of all cases. They form in neuroendocrine cells, which produce hormones that manage air flow, blood flow, and cell growth in the lungs. Most lung carcinoid tumors grow slowly. A small percentage of lung carcinoid tumors, called atypical carcinoid tumors, grow quickly and are more likely to spread.
Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that started elsewhere in the body, such as the breast, pancreas, kidney, or skin, and has spread into the lung. Though they create tumors in the lungs, they are not considered lung cancers because they still exhibit the characteristics of their original cancer type. Treatment for metastatic cancer is based on where it started.
Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer. About 87% of all lung cancer cases are connected to a history of tobacco smoking, and quitting smoking is the best way to prevent lung cancer. However, anybody can develop lung cancer, even people who quit or have never smoked at all. Non-smokers should still be aware of the other lung cancer risk factors, which include:
Smoking marijuana and using E-cigarettes are also suspected to increase a person’s cancer risk, though this connection is still being researched.
Not all lung cancers display symptoms at first. Very early stages of lung cancer are often asymptomatic, with warning signs emerging only when the cancer grows large enough to interfere with the lungs. When symptoms finally develop, they may seem trivial. They may also be severe, leaving the person feeling very ill. Every case is different, but the most common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
After cancer spreads to new parts of the body, new symptoms often develop. These depend on what part of the body is affected by a new tumor, but they may include:
Some people are tempted to dismiss their symptoms or attribute them to other conditions. It is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period. Prompt evaluation will enable a doctor to address your concerns and to provide a treatment plan for whatever condition may be responsible for the symptoms.
Most lung cancer is detected when it starts causing problems. Symptoms of lung cancer can be caused by other conditions as well, so a thorough diagnosis is required to determine the cause. The physician will perform several test procedures to rule out possibilities and arrive at a conclusive diagnosis:
The physician performs a physical examination to learn more about the person’s symptoms. They also review the individual’s medical history for cancer risk factors such as smoking, a family history of lung cancer, or a history of tuberculosis, lung infections, or radiation treatment. The presence of one or more risk factors suggests a higher likelihood that the person’s condition is cancer.
Medical imaging tests are non-invasive procedures that create an image of the inside of the body. This image can be used to examine the lungs for suspicious tissue masses or calcifications. Types of imaging tests used for lung cancer include:
Imaging may also be used to guide other diagnostic tests, such as a lung biopsy.
During a lung biopsy, doctors use a hollow needle to remove a small amount of tissue from the suspicious area. The tissue is examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells. Lung biopsies are used to diagnose cancer and determine its type. They can also tell oncologists more about the cancer’s unique characteristics, which helps inform a treatment plan.
If a lung biopsy cannot be performed for any reason, then biopsy material may be collected using a sputum cytology. Samples of sputum, or mucus coughed up from the lungs, are collected from three separate mornings. The samples are then examined for cancer cells. This test is most likely to find cancers that start in the lung’s major airways.
A bronchoscopy uses a specialized camera mounted on a long, flexible tube. The camera is guided down the trachea to examine the airways in the lungs. This method is used to find tumors or blockages and to collect biopsy samples. It can also be used to determine whether cancer has spread outside the lung to other parts of the airway.
Lung cancer treatment is personalized and can look very different between patients. It depends on the type of cancer the individual has, what stage it has progressed to, the person’s overall health, and their values and preferences. Patients meet with their care team to discuss every option and design a care plan that is right for them. Common treatments for lung cancer include:
Patients may also be eligible to enroll in clinical trials. These research studies give early access to new therapies that are still in development. In the meantime, participants help oncologists improve cancer care for future patients.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming. Cancer treatments are aggressive and physically demanding, and patients may have fears about what the future will hold. RCCA offers comprehensive palliative care and integrative care to support patients at every stage of their treatment journey. These care models aim to enhance the individual’s comfort, peace of mind, and quality of life while receiving treatment for lung cancer.
Patients who may have lung cancer can receive cutting-edge treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates . RCCA educates patients to help them avoid life-threatening cancer. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.
What are the early symptoms of lung cancer?
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Is a cough always a symptom of lung cancer?
A cough does not always indicate lung cancer. While a persistent cough is a common symptom, some people experience no symptoms initially. Persistent coughs can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer.
Is lung cancer hereditary?
Family history can slightly increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Most cases, however, are linked to smoking and environmental factors.
Can non-smokers get lung cancer?
About 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers. These are often caused by environmental factors such as exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, or air pollution.
Is age a risk factor for lung cancer?
Age is a risk factor for lung cancer, with most cases occurring in people past the age of 65.
Does vaping increase the risk of lung cancer?
Vaping is relatively new, so the long-term risks are still unknown. Chemicals in vaping liquids could increase lung cancer risk.
Get the emotional, mental, physical and financial support you and your family need at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Our patient-centered approach helps our team tend to every patient’s unique needs. The oncology team, nurses and support staff bring decades of experience to help patients fight lung cancer.
Whether your journey is just beginning or you’re ready to explore new options, contact RCCA today. You can reach us at 844-346-7222, or schedule a consultation at the RCCA location nearest your town to get seen as soon as possible.
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