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Lung Cancer is the development of cells that become uncontrolled in the tissues of the Lungs and can also be called Bronchogenic Carcinoma.

It is one of the leading cancer-causing causes of death in both men and women. Over 200,000 new diagnoses per year and almost 200,000 deaths from lung cancer per year. Worldwide some 1.5 million deaths per year

From 1992 to 2004, according to National Cancer Institute, shows a decline in the death rate in the United States.

Cigarette smoking is the cause of lung cancer in at least 80% on individuals with lung cancer.

Most patients have symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Presentation depends on cancer location and severity of spread.

There is a certain number of patients that get lung cancer without a history of smoking.

Symptoms:

–  Cough
–  Sputum [Blood and/or mucus]
–  Shortness of Breath
–  Wheezing
–  Dyspnea
–  Weight-loss
–  Fatigue
–  Loss of appetite
–  Difficulty swallowing  [Dysphagia]
–  Asthenia – lack or loss of strength, weakness
–  Seizures
–  Change in voice
–  Nausea
–  Headache

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Other environmental risk factors include:

–  Asbestos
–  Radon gas
–  Metals  (arsenic, nickel, and others)
–  Industrial carcinogenic materials
–  Some amount of genetics can be shown to increase the possibility of getting lung cancer.
–  Other medical conditions such as COPD, sarcoidosis, and pulmonary fibrosis can also increase your risk

4 main types account for over 90% of Lung Cancers

Typically divided into Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (the other three types) and Secondary lung cancer.

1.)  Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma

2.)  Lung Adenocarcinoma

3.)  Large Cell Lung Carcinoma

4.)  Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Additional types of Lung cancer

1.) Mesothelioma

–  Related or caused by exposure to Asbestos.

2.)  Secondary Lung Cancer

–  This cancer is when there is an invasion from another source outside of the lungs.

–  Typically metastases spread to the lungs

–  Technically almost any type of cancer can move to the lungs.