There are two specific types known to spread and grow within the lung. These types will spread and grow in different ways and it is important for treatment to know the type or types present. All over the world and including the US, cancer of the lungs is the leading form of cancer related death in both women and men. Some individuals do experience lung cancer symptoms during the earlier stages, but others will not be aware of the disease until it has spread to other vital areas.
Small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) are two different types of cancer that can be found in the lungs; classified by viewing under a microscope. There is also the possibility that other forms of cancer may also be present especially if they have metastasized from other parts of the body. Bronchial Carcinoids are sometimes found here as well, but are not as common and usually only present in individuals under forty years of age.
Small cell lung carcinoma grows rapidly and is the more aggressive of the two types. These are usually discovered after they have spread through the body. They are often referred to as oat cell carcinomas and directly related to cigarette smoking as less than one percent of individuals that do not smoke are affected.
There are three types of non-small cell carcinomas and they make up more than eighty percent of all cancer found in the lung. Adenocarcinomas are seen in both smokers and non-smokers; in most cases these tumors are located in outside areas of the lungs. Squamous cell carcinomas are more often found in the chest area instead of bronchi and have become less common than adenocarcinomas. Large cell carcinomas are very uncommon. There is a possibility that a mixture of all three types can be present.
Symptoms are most likely related to either the original tumor, to malignant issues with hormones and blood or other systems that have been affected by metastastatic tumors. A new cough or a persistent one that will not clear up may be initial indicators that there is a problem. If there is blood associated with the cough it is certainly a serious issue.
Being short of breath, wheezing and chest pain may be important indicators that a problem exists. Pain can be associated with areas other than the lung. Wheezing and being short of breath may be related to fluid collecting around lungs; called pleural effusion. All of these may also indicate that there is some sort of blockage. Repeated respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis can also be indications.
A buildup of fluid between the heart and the sac surrounding it is also a possible of some lung cancer symptoms, but does not occur often and this is known as pericardial effusion. The collapse of a lung or pneumothorax is also responsible for some symptoms that resemble lung cancer symptoms. Other lung cancer symptoms may appear with relation to other areas in the body if the cancer metastasizes.
Treatment will be chosen after a series of test which will usually include X-rays, PET scans, CT scans and bone scans. The physician will need to assess the current stage of the cancer. Unfortunately the prognosis for this particular type of cancer is not good due to lung cancer symptoms not being present until the disease has spread. If one can detect the lung cancer early, then the prognosis is better and life expectancy longer.
Get the exclusive inside scoop on lung cancer symptoms including disease and treatment option details now in our symptoms of lung cancer overview.