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Lung Cancer Overview
Lung cancer begins in the spongy tissue of the lungs and can be deadly if not treated early. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Each year, this cancer kills more patients than colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers combined.
There are two types of lung cancer: non-small cell and small cell. According to the American Cancer Society, the majority — 85 percent — of lung cancers are non-small cell. There are subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer that are classified based on the type of lung cells where the cancer forms. The remaining 15 percent of lung cancer cases are small cell lung cancer, also called oat cell cancer.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
In its early stages, according to the Mayo Clinic, lung cancer may not have obvious symptoms. After the disease progresses to an advanced stage, symptoms may include:
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain
- Headaches
Causes of Lung Cancer
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. Smoke, whether intentionally inhaled or inhaled from second hand smoke, damages the cells of the lungs and exposes the delicate tissues to carcinogenic ingredients.
There are other causes of lung cancer, including exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which has been proven to be a carcinogen. In the past, asbestos was used frequently as an additive to construction and industrial materials. As a result, countless occupations were exposed to the cancer-causing material.
Although asbestos use has since been strictly limited since its risks were revealed, people may still be exposed. Countless first responders were exposed to asbestos in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and workers may be exposed to the chemical still if they are miners, work on old houses, or work in places where asbestos has not been sufficiently abated.
When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, they can release small, microscopic fibers which can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers irritate the lining of the lungs, leading to cellular damage and the risk of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. Treatment protocols include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and more.
Surgery usually aims to remove cancerous tissue while preserving the healthy tissue. A wedge resection removes only the portion of the lung tissue with the tumor. A segmental resection removes a larger portion of the lung but does not remove a full lobe. A lobectomy removes an entire lobe from a diseased lung. A pneumonectomy removes the entire diseased lung.
Radiation therapy uses focused, high-power beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses strong chemicals to kill cancer cells in the body. These types of lung cancer treatments may be combined with surgery to treat tumors.
Other treatment options include radiosurgery, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care.
Potential Lung Cancer Complications
Complications may include worsening symptoms that interfere with quality of life and metastasis of the cancer, meaning that the cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits
If individuals develop lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, they may be able to file a lawsuit. Workers who were exposed to the carcinogen on the job have taken legal action against their employers, claiming that the employers had a duty to keep employees safe. Manufacturers of products containing asbestos have also been named in these lawsuits with claims that the products should have come with warnings about the risk for lung cancer.
For more information, check out The Complete Guide to Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuits & Settlements or go to our Mesothelioma Lawsuit Investigation.
One thought on What is Lung Cancer?
My mother recently passed away after smoking 60+ years from small cell lung cancer. The only factory work she ever did was a pill factory and a fuse factory. I’m looking for recourse for my father and family.