Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer?

Most lung cancer starts in the cells that line the inside of the lungs. The 2 basic types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

What increases your risk for lung cancer?

Cigarette smoking increases your risk for lung cancer. The longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you smoke, the more likely you are to get this disease. Cigars, pipes, and breathing someone else's cigarette smoke (secondhand smoke) also increase your risk. The following are other factors that may increase your risk:

• Air pollution, such as diesel exhaust fumes
  
  
• Exposure to radon gas
  
  
• A close family member has lung cancer
  
  
• Past lung diseases that caused scarring in the lungs, such as tuberculosis (TB)
  
  
• Working with chemicals, such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, chromium, nickel, iron, or radioactive material

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

• Chest pain that is not just in one area of your chest
  
  
• Cough that will not go away, and gets worse over time
  
  
• Coughing up lots of sputum, which may be bloody
  
  
• Frequent colds or other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
  
  
• Trouble breathing
  
  
• Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing
  
  
• Feeling more tired and weak than usual
  
  
• Loss of appetite or weight loss without trying
  
  
• Face or neck swelling

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Your caregiver will examine you, and listen to your lungs. He will ask about other medical conditions you have. You may need any of the following:

• Blood tests: These tests may be used to check for infection.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart may show the location of the cancer or signs of infection.
  
  
• Bronchoscopy: This test is done to look inside your airway and lungs. Caregivers insert a bronchoscope (a tube with a light and magnifying glass on the end) into your mouth and down into your lungs. You may get medicine for pain or to help you relax during the test.
  
  
• Biopsy: A sample of lung tissue may be collected during a bronchoscopy. The sample will be sent to a lab and checked for abnormal cells.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your chest. The pictures may show where the cancer is located, and how big it is. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. Tell the caregiver if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
  
  
• MRI: This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your chest. An MRI may show changes to organs or blood vessels. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell the caregiver if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the caregiver if you have any metal in or on your body.

How is lung cancer treated?

Lung cancer is treated depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor. You may need more than one of the following:

• Surgery: This is done on tumors that are small and have not spread to other parts of the body. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, surgery may be used to treat complications or to decrease your symptoms.
  
  
• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading.
  
  
• Chemotherapy: This medicine is used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them.

What are the risks of lung cancer?

Surgery may cause bleeding or an infection. You may get a blood clot in your arm or leg. The clot may travel to your heart or brain and cause life-threatening problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. Even with treatment, the cancer may spread or return.

How can I care for myself before and during treatment?

• Rest as needed: Return to activities slowly, and do more as you feel stronger. You may have trouble breathing when you are lying down. Use foam wedges or elevate the head of your bed. This may help you breathe easier while you are resting or sleeping. Use a device that will tilt your whole body, or bend your body at the waist. The device should not bend your body at the upper back or neck.
  
  
• Drink liquids as directed: Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Drink extra liquids to prevent dehydration. You will also need to replace fluid if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments.
  
  
• Eat healthy foods: Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Several small meals a day may be easier to eat than a few large meals.
  
  
• Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask for information if you need help quitting. Avoid being around others who smoke.

Where can I find support and more information?

• American Cancer Society
  250 Williams Street
  Atlanta , GA 30303
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have blood in your mucus or spit.
  
  
• You are vomiting and cannot keep food or liquids down.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You cannot think clearly.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded or are short of breath.
  
  
• Your lips or nails look blue or pale.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You cough up blood.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Learn more about Lung Cancer