Cell Lung Cancer - Their Types and How Does It Develop

Lung cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the lung tissue. Lungs are the breathing organs of the body and help clear the air we breathe by converting the Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen. Lung cancer can develop due to any number of reasons and can lead to lung failure and other complications. There are different types of lung cancer but the two main categories are small cell and non small cell lung cancers.

Types of cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancers – Non small cell lung cancer is more common. It usually spreads to different parts of the body slower than the small cell lung cancer does. One type of non small cell lung cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma which starts in the larger breathing tubes but grows slower. Adenecarcinomas is a form of non small cell lung cancer which starts near the gas exchanging surface of the lungs.
Large cell carcinoma is another fast growing form of lung cancer that grows near the surface of the lung.

Small cell lung cancer - Small cell carcinoma, also called oat cell carcinoma, is the less common form of lung cancer. It tends to start in the larger breathing tubes and grows rapidly becoming quite large. This type of lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking.

Origins of cell lung cancer

Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. Second hand smoking is also harmful as it can affect people who do not smoke themselves. Smoking cigars and pipes as well as tobacco sniffing can cause lung cancer.
Many chemicals that are used in cloth factories, if inhaled for many years, may cause lung cancer. One of the natural gases called Radon is considered to be another major cause of lung cancer. This gas can rise through the soil anywhere and enter through pipes and walls.

Asbestos is a well known substance that can cause lung cancer along with uranium, arsenic and petroleum products. Working with insulation, coke ovens and automotive brakes can lead to lung cancer.

Cell lung cancer symptoms

  • Chronic cough that lasts
  • Hoarseness
  • Blood with coughing
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath and labored breathing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
  • Bouts of infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
  • Chest pain

Diagnosis - cell lung cancer

Complete medical history is taken to find out whether anyone in the family ever had lung cancer. The doctor conducts a physical examination to determine any abnormal breathing patterns followed by a chest examination to ascertain the diagnosis.
Biopsy is carried out by examining a sample from the lungs under a microscope to check for abnormal cell growth or to determine the type of lung cancer.
Chest X-rays are performed to check the spread of the cancerous cells. CT scans are performed that provide a complete picture of the infected areas. Blood test and sputum culture are also performed to rule out other possibilities.

Treatment

Surgery
Surgery may be the best option in some cases and the outcome depends on the location of the tumor and the spread.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill the cancerous cells. This is often combined with chemotherapy and surgery.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer cells taken either orally or intravenously.

Lungs are very important organs of our body and any damage can lead to problems in breathing and exchange of gases. Any cancerous growth in the lungs should be treated as soon as possible.