The Wellness Community

Frankly speaking about lung cancer

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(Third edition)

Table Of Contents
Main Page Being Patient Active with Lung Cancer   10 Actions People with Lung Cancer Can Take   Communicating with Your Health Care Team Understanding Lung Cancer   Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)   Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)   Symptoms   Risk Factors   Screening   Diagnosis and Staging Getting a Proper Diagnosis   Seeking a Second Opinion Making Treatment Decisions   Learning the Language   Preparing for Treatment   Scheduling Treatment   Evaluating the Effects of Treatment   Considerations After Initial Treatment   Treatment Decision-Making Tool Understanding Treatment for Lung Cancer   Standard Therapies   Newer Therapies   Clinical Trials Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer   Staging of NSCLC   Treatment of NSCLC by Stage   Treatment of Recurrent NSCLC Treating Small Cell Lung Cancer   Staging of SCLC   Treatment of SCLC by Stage   Treatment of Recurrent SCLC Managing Symptoms and Side Effects   Coping with Side Effects That Affect Energy   Coping with Side Effects That Cause Infection   Coping with Side Effects That Affect Nutrition   Appearance: Hair and Skin   Pain and Discomfort   Neuropathy, Hypertension and Toxicities   Sexual Functioning and Fertility   The Importance of Physical Activity   Chemobrain   Complementary and Alternative Medicine Managing Your Emotions and Stress   Stress and its Impact on the Immune System   Living with a Long-term Illness   The Stigma of Lung Cancer   Family and Friends   The Value of Emotional Support   Spiritual Issues   Integrating Mind-Body Practices into Treatment   Mind-Body Therapies Managing Practical Matters   Disability Insurance   Life Insurance   Employment and Legal Issues   Wills and Advanced Directives Resources Organizations That Can Help go

Understanding Lung Cancer

Though lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer diagnosed, it is the number one cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. Fortunately, the number of new lung cancer cases and deaths reported in recent years is declining due to a decline in smoking, better diagnostic tools, and new treatment options. Approximately 350,000 people are living with lung cancer at any given time.

Cancer is a condition in which cells multiply uncontrollably to form growths (called tumors) that invade and destroy normal tissue. (Tumors also can be benign—non-cancerous.) Cancer cells can spread from their original site to other parts of the body in a process known as metastasis.

Cancers are named for the place in the body where they begin, not where they may spread. Lung cancer begins in the lungs—two bullet-shaped organs that are part of the respiratory system. Each lung is contained in a sac called the pleura. The right lung has three sections (lobes), and the left lung has two lobes. Lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic cancer because most cases begin in the cells of one of the lungs' breathing tubes, called bronchi.

There are two main categories of lung cancer—non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)—and several subtypes of NSCLC. In the United States, 80% to 85% of people diagnosed with lung cancer have NSCLC. The difference between NSCLC and SCLC has to do with the cell of origin that becomes cancerous. It also involves the appearance of the cells, how quickly each type spreads to other parts of the body, and how each tumor type responds to treatment.

The more you know about your particular type of lung cancer, the better you will be able to make treatment decisions.

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