Types of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer is a devastating and fatal disease that takes the lives of more men and women then any other cancer. Cancer forms when the process of cell division goes awry. Normally, cells divide and recreate exact replicas of the cells chromosomes. This is the process of life known as Mitosis. Cancer occurs when the normal process of Mitosis is altered. This typically occurs when the cells are damaged and then reproduce more damaged cells. When the excess of new cells join together they form a mass known as a tumor.

There are two main types of Lung Cancer and these are determined by their appearance under a microscope. They are known as Small Cell Lung Cancers and Non- Small Cell Lung Cancers. Small Cell Lung Cancers are fast growing and spreading. They account for 20% of all Lung Cancers. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers are more prevalent, totaling 80% of all Lung Cancer diagnoses. There are three distinct types of Non- Small Cell Lung Cancers. These are: Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Large Cell Carcinomas, and Adenocarcinomas.

Another type of Lung Cancer is known as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the result of direct exposure to Asbestos. Bronchial Carcinoids are another type of Lung Cancer that totals nearly 5% of all Lung Cancer cases.

Of all the various types of Lung Cancers, Adenocarcinomas are the most frequently seen. They total 50% of all Lung Cancer diagnoses and are often associated with Lung Cancer in non- smokers. Adenocarcinoma is very prevalent in women, and appears in the outer lining of the lungs. Associated with Adenocarcinoma is Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (sometimes referred to as Epidermold Carcinoma) is the most commonly seen Lung Cancer in men. It appears in the bronchial area.

Large Cell Carcinoma grows rapidly and spreads quickly. It is named, Large due to the fact that under a microscope, the cells appear large and have a round shape.

The types of Lung Cancers mentioned above are referred to as Primary Lung Cancer, due to the fact that the cancer originated in the lungs. Primary Lung Cancer is a result of cell division gone wrong, in cells that reside in the lungs or bronchial region. Secondary Lung Cancer is Lung Cancer that has originated in other parts of the body, and then subsequently spread to the Lung region. It is very important to determine the exact origin of the cancer because that will determine the type of treatment used.

For example, Breast Cancer may spread to the Lungs, however the cancer itself is composed of Breast Cancer cells. Therefore, when treating the cancer (even though it is in the lungs) you will need to use treatments approved for Breast Cancer. Otherwise the cancer will not respond to treatment. Like other cancers, early diagnosis is critical to ensuring the best treatments are given as early as possible. Treatment for Lung Cancer is dependent upon the level or stage that the cancer is in. For some cancers, chemotherapy and radiation are the necessary choice of treatment. Other cancers, in early stages may respond to surgery alone.

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