LUNG
CANCER
Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell
growth in tissues of the lung. This growth may lead to metastasis, invasion
of adjacent tissue and infiltration beyond the lungs. The vast majority of
primary lung cancers are carcinomas of the lung, derived from epithelial cells.
Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the
second most common in women, is responsible for 1.3 million deaths worldwide
annually.The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing (including
coughing up blood), and weight loss.
Causes
The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma and non-small
cell lung carcinoma. This distinction is important because the treatment varies;
non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is sometimes treated with surgery, while
small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) usually responds better to chemotherapy and
radiation. The most common cause of lung cancer is long term exposure to tobacco
smoke. The occurrence of lung cancer in non-smokers, who account for fewer
than 10% of cases, appears to be due to a combination of genetic factors,radon
gas,[ asbestos,and air pollution,including second-hand smoke.
Treatments
Lung cancer may be seen on chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT scan).
The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. This is usually performed via bronchoscopy
or CT-guided biopsy. Treatment and prognosis depend upon the histological
type of cancer, the stage (degree of spread), and the patient's performance
status. Possible treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
With treatment, the five-year survival rate is 14%.(1)
source
: wikipedia