Lung cancer is a condition in which uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells begins in lung tissue. This eMedTV article explains this disease in detail, providing information about causes, types, stages, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
As explained in this eMedTV resource, there are two basic types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Within these two groups are more specific forms of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common of the two general types of lung cancer. This section of the eMedTV library discusses the specific forms of the non-small cell type and provides information about tests used to diagnose the disease.
Small cell lung cancer is a general type of lung cancer that grows and spreads quickly. This eMedTV article defines the three different types, lists possible symptoms of the disease, and explains how it is diagnosed and treated.
Researchers continue to study what causes lung cancer and to search for ways to prevent it. This eMedTV article looks at what causes the disease and offers in-depth explanations of each potential cause, such as cigarette smoking and radon exposure.
As explained in this eMedTV article, early symptoms of lung cancer do not always develop. In fact, about a quarter of the people with the disease exhibit no early symptoms -- including some people with advanced cases of lung cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer may range from coughing up blood to weight loss. This eMedTV Web page looks at common symptoms of lung cancer, such as constant chest pain, a cough that doesn't go away, and fatigue.
To diagnose lung cancer, the doctor will ask questions, conduct a physical exam, and order certain tests. This eMedTV Web page describes tests and procedures, such as sputum cytology, that may be used to reach a diagnosis.
By determining the stage of lung cancer, a doctor can learn whether the cancer has spread, and if so, where. This eMedTV article explains tests used in this process, such as CT scan and MRI, and offers links to additional information.
The different stages of lung cancer are used to measure if a cancer has spread, and if so, how far. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at small and non-small lung cancer stages, and includes detailed definitions.
Examples of lung cancer treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. This eMedTV Web page describes these treatments in detail, including information about possible side effects and follow-up care.
A lung cancer prognosis is an informed medical opinion about the outcome of the disease in a patient. This eMedTV resource explains the factors (such as the stage and type of lung cancer) that affect a patient's prognosis.
As this eMedTV page explains, lung cancer screening is used to detect cancer before symptoms develop. This article explains the benefits and risks associated with screening, which is normally done with chest x-rays or a procedure known as sputum cytology.
Preventing lung cancer involves eliminating or reducing the risk factors for the disease, such as cigarette smoking. This eMedTV resource discusses lung cancer prevention strategies and offers information about quitting smoking.
As this eMedTV article explains, lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease are often linked. Data on lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease indicate that people with Hodgkin's who receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy are at high risk of developing lung cancer.
New research shows that a lung cancer gene is a potential cause of lung cancer. This eMedTV article further explores the lung cancer gene and provides an explanation of this inherited component for lung cancer.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, research on lung cancer is being conducted to study the effectiveness of using biological therapy to treat the disease. This article also discusses other research being done to improve how the disease is treated.
As this eMedTV article explains, in 2002, 90,121 men and 67,509 women died from lung cancer in the United States. This resource provides lung cancer statistics on death rates, race and ethnicity, and comparisons to other leading causes of death.
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