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Adenocarcinoma of the lungs occurs in approximately 40% of the cases of Lung Cancer.

It is also an aspect of Bronchioloalveolar Cell Carcinoma.

This Lung Cancer arises from the mucus glands or within the tissue of the terminal bronchioles.

Can be seen as a mass or as an infiltrate.

It is one of the 4 main types of Lung Cancers.

This cancer is the most common lung cancer in those who have never smoked or non-smokers.

Most common lung cancer in those below the age of 45.

Most common lung cancers in Asians

Most common lung cancers in Women.

Exposure to Radon and other Chemical may be a risk factor in developing.

4 main types account for over 90% of Lung Cancers

1.  Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
2.  Lung Adenocarcinoma
3.  Large Cell Lung Carcinoma
4.  Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

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

Diagnosis

• Chest X-ry
• CT
• Sputum testing
• Bronchoscopy
• PET Scan

Staging of Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer

Stage 1 – Localized with the lung and has not spread to any local lymph nodes

Stage 2 – Cancer found (spread) to local lymph nodes and/or the lining of the lungs.

Stage 3 – Spread to tissue near the lungs

Stage 4 – Spread (Metastasized) to other parts of the body

Treatment:

Successful treatment is less likely without a lung resection – but not all individuals can handle surgery

Stage I and II – surgery is a possibility

Stage IIIA has very limited success with surgery alone

Stage IIIB requires combo of chemotherapy and radiation

Stage IV is palliative or symptom therapy with little shown success with regards to curative

Chemotherapy:

• Cisplatin  (Platinol)
• Camptosar
  
• Camptothecin
• Carboplatin   (Paraplatin)
• Epirubicin
• Etoposide
  
• Taxol  (Paclitaxal)
• Topotecan  (Hycamtin)