Lung Cancer
Cancer can develop in the lung in one of two ways. Lung cancer can either be primary - where it starts in the lung or secondary / metastatic where it starts in another part of the body and moves to the lung.
Types of lung cancer
There are three main types of lung cancer:
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer - Squamous cell carcinoma is the commonest type of lung cancer. It develops in the cells which line the airways. Adenocarcinoma develops from the cells which produce mucus in the lining of the airways. Large cell carcinoma
- Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane which covers the surface of the lungs and lines the inside of the chest. It is almost unique to people who have been exposed to asbestos.
What causes lung cancer?
- Cigarette smoking is known to be the cause of most lung cancers.
- Breathing in other people's cigarette smoke, known as passive smoking, slightly increases the risk of lung disease and cancer, although the risk is still much less than if you smoke yourself.
- People who have been exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they smoke aswell. Many people have been in contact with asbestos during their working lives. Asbestos exposure also increases the risk of mesothelioma.
- In some parts of the UK, such as the West Country and the Peak District, a naturally occurring gas called radon can pass from the soil into the foundations of buildings. It is now thought that this gas, in high concentrations, may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Contact with certain chemicals and substances, such as uranium, chromium and nickel, can cause lung cancer, but these are very rare.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of lung cancer may include any of the following:
- a continuing cough that doesn't clear up or change in a long-standing cough
- a chest infection that does not get better
- breathlessness
- coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)
- pain or discomfort in the chest such as a dull ache or a sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath
- loss of appetite and loss of weight
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to have them checked by your doctor, but any of these symptoms may be caused by illnesses and chest infections other than cancer.
