Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Smoking is the most common cause of non-small lung cancer (image credited to genengnews.com)

Understanding of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is classified as one of the type of carcinoma cells, in particular the adenocarcinoma. In non-small cell lung cancer, the cells within the lung tissues (epithelial tissues) are growing uncontrollably which lead to the formation of tumors.

There are two kinds of lung cancers, and they are primary and secondary. The primary lung cancer starts in the lung itself, and it is divided into small cell lung cancer and non-small lung cancer. This small cell of lung cancers resembles to an oat which is finally called as oat-cell cancers. These type of cell cancers are aggressive, spread rapidly, and a fifth of the total from the lung represents the lung cancers. Whilst, the non-small cell lung cancer represents the rest of a fifth, which is accounted for 80% of all primary lung cancers. On the other hand, the secondary lung cancer is defined the area that has been affected by the spread of cancer from another parts of body, for instance breast or colon.

Lung Cancer

Most lung cancers starts in the cells that line the bronchi, and can take years to develop. As they grow larger, they prevent the lungs from functioning normally. The tumor can reduce the capacity of the lungs, or block the movement of air through the bronchi in the lungs. As a result, less oxygen gets into the blood and the patients feel short of breath. On the other hand, the presence of tumors from the uncontrollable growth of carcinoma cells may also block the normal movement of mucus into the throat. Subsequently, mucus deposition is building in the lungs and infection may develop behind the tumor. Once lung cancer has developed, it frequently spreads to other parts of the body.

The speed at which non-small cell tumors grow depends on the type of cells that make up the tumor. The following three types account for the vast majority of non-small cell tumors are adenocarcinomas, squamos cell carcinomas, and undifferentiated large cell and giant cell carcinomas.

Causes and Symptoms

Common causes of non-small cell lung cancer

Tobacco smoking is the most common reasons of the growth of cancerous cells in the lungs. It nearly reaches 90% of the cases in the world has been caused by tobacco smoking. Quitting tobacco smoking can prevent most lung cancers, however, smoking in other types, for instance marijuana smoking is also considered to increase the risk factor of lung cancers. The second reason for developing lung cancer is the exposure of smoke from another smokers, or a second hand smoker.

Certain hazardous materials that people may be exposed to in their jobs have been shown to cause the development of lung cancer. These include asbestos, coal products, and radioactive substance. Another common cause of lung cancer is air pollution, as contaminated air which is composed of radon, carbon dioxide and monoxide that sometimes accumulates in the basement of houses may cause lung cancer.

Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancers tend to spread very early, and only around ten per cent are detected in their early stages. The chances of early detection, however, can be improved by seeking medical care at once if any of the following symptoms appear:

• a long-time of cough
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• recurrent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• bloody or brown-coloured spit or phlegm (sputum)
• persistent hoarseness
• significant weight loss that is not due to dieting or vigorous exercise; fatigue and loss of appetite (anorexia)
• unexplained fever

Although these symptoms may be caused by disease other than lung cancer, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of lung cancer. If lung cancer has spread to other organs, the patients may have other symptoms such as headaches, bone fractures, pain, bleeding, or blood clots.

Sources: Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer