How to Define Lung Cancer

You can define lung cancer as abnormal cellular growth which begins in or around the lungs. The vast majority of lung cancers fall into two different categories: small cell or non-small cell lung cancers. These two types of cancer are very different from one another, and their treatment options can differ radically.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Define Small Cell Lung Cancer

1. Know that small cell cancers comprise approximately 20 percent of all lung cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.

2. Be aware that small cell lung cancer is considered the most aggressive and fastest growing type of lung cancer.

3. Small cell lung cancer has been closely linked to cigarette smoking. In fact, it is fairly rare for a nonsmoker to be diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.

4. This type of lung cancer tends to metastasize rapidly, making early detection extremely important.

5. Be familiar with the term "oat cell carcinoma." This is another way of describing small cell lung cancer.

Define Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

6. The National Cancer Institute states 80 percent of all lung cancers are classified as some type of non-small cell lung cancer.

7. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

8. Adenocarcinoma, which is the most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer, is primarily found in the outer areas of the lungs.

9. Squamous cell carcinoma used to be more prevalent, but cases of squamous cell carcinoma have been surpassed by cases of andenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas are also called epidermoid carcinomas and are usually found in the chest cavity and in the bronchi.

10. Large cell carcinoma is the least common type of non-small cell lung cancer and is considered to be largely undifferentiated.

Tips & Warnings

• As a lung cancer patient, you have the right to health care without discrimination under the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
• Ask your doctor to define and explain any terms you are not familiar with.
• If you are a smoker, the most important step you can take to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking now.
• Being diagnosed with lung cancer can make you feel as if you've lost control of your life. A local lung cancer support group may help you learn to deal with your feelings.

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