Alternative Names
Cancer – lung – non-small cell; Non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC; Adenocarcinoma – lung; Squamous cell carcinoma – lung
Definition of Lung cancer – non-small cell
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads more slowly than .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Smoking causes most cases of lung cancer. The risk depends upon the number of cigarettes smoked every day and for how long someone has smoked. Being around the smoke from others (secondhand smoke) also raises your risk for lung cancer. However, some people who do not smoke and have never smoked have developed lung cancer.
Symptoms
Early lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms you should watch for include:
Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. You will be asked if you smoke, and if so, how long you have smoked.
Treatment
There are many different types of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook varies widely. Most often, NSCLC grows slowly and at first causes few or no symptoms. The cancer may spread to other parts of the body, including the bone, liver, small intestine, and brain.
Review
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. – 9/26/2010
