Lung Cancer - An Overview

In this article series, we take a look at some of the basic facts and information about lung cancer ...

Lung cancer

Most lung cancer starts in the cells lining the main air passages, or bronchi. In their cancerous state, these cells lack cilia which are tiny hair like substances which normally catch and remove foreign particles inhaled into the lungs.

Mucous in the lungs which is usually cleared by bronchial cilia then becomes trapped, blocking air passages and causing respiratory problems.

There are several different types of cancer affecting the lungs; the principal cancers are described below.

The first three types of cancer start in the lining membrane of the airway in the areas more exposed to inhaled pollutants.

• Squamous cell cancer represents the leading number of lung cancers (approximately 40%-45%).
• Small cell cancers account for 15%-20% of all lung cancer. This is because it spreads rapidly from its characteristically central location.
• Large cell undifferentiated cancer is discovered in about 5%-10% of lung cancer cases.
• Adenocarcinoma usually flares up in outlying areas of the lung and accounts for 25%-30% of all lung cancers. This type of cancer can occur in non-smokers.

Bronchioloalvealar cancer arises in even more remote areas of the lung and accounts for fewer than 5% of the total number of cases of lung cancer. Bronchioloalvealar cancer can also occur in non-smokers.

• There are other rare cancers, but they represent a very small percentage (less than 5%) of the total number of cases of lung cancer diagnosed.

Lung cancer accounts for the largest percentage of cancer deaths in the western world and it has been proved many times over that cigarette smoking is directly responsible for most of those cases!

The article series "Lung Cancer - An Overview" continues on the next page ...

For more information and articles about lung cancer, go here: lung cancer.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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