Alternative Names
Cancer – lung
Definition of Lung cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.
Symptoms
Early lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Many times, lung cancer is found when an x-ray is done for another reason.
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
Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.
Expectations (prognosis)
How well a patient does depends on the following:
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
