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Lung cancer is a common and devastating disease with multiple types, including small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Progression is monitored through regular testing and symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Lung cancer is a devastating disease that is one of the most common forms of cancer. Estimates from 2010 for lung cancer in the United States alone suggest that 222,520 new cases and 157,300 deaths will be attributed to the disease annually. Understanding lung cancer progression is an important part of learning about the disease.
It’s important to understand that there are multiple types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is often linked to smoking and involves tiny cells that multiply rapidly to form large tumors. Non-small cell lung cancer, which makes up the majority of cases, comes in four main types: squamous cell carcinoma, which creates tumors in the bronchial tubes; adenocarcinoma, affecting the mucous glands; bronchioalveolar, which causes air sac tumors; and undifferentiated large cell carcinoma, which tends to attack the outer surface of the lungs.
In the progression of small cell lung cancer, there are two main stages. If the cancer exists only in one lung and in a localized area, it is said to be limited stage. Tumors or cancerous cells in both lungs or other organs are indicative of extensive stage. Treatment options and prognosis vary depending on the stage and amount of spread.
Most medical experts divide the progression of non-small cell lung cancer into four distinct stages with several additional substages. In the first stage, the tumor is less than 3 centimeters in diameter and has not invaded lymph nodes or other organs. Stage two occurs when cells have reached the lymph nodes, or have invaded the bronchial tubes, or are growing through the lining of the lung. In the third stage, the tumor may be larger or have grown into several tumors in one lobe of the lung. Stage four occurs when the cancer has metastasized and invaded other organs in the body, including the brain or liver.
Lung cancer progression analysis is usually monitored through regular testing. Some of the tests a doctor may use to check for lung cancer progression include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, or bone scans. These can show the level of invasiveness as well as early signs of metastatic growth. Signs of lung cancer progression can show that treatment isn’t working and may require a different approach.
Symptoms associated with lung cancer progression include increased breathing problems. Chest pain, a bloody cough, and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Additionally, patients may be prone to lung infections and pneumonia and need to take special precautions to avoid illness.
There are lung cancer treatments that can be successful in stopping the disease. Some common methods of attacking the disease include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. In general, the earlier the cancer is caught, the more effective the treatment. Doctors may also be able to prescribe medications to relieve symptoms associated with lung cancer progression.
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