Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
is the most common type of lung cancer.
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Subtypes of NSCLC:
- Squamous cell carcinoma is found in cells that line the airways of the lungs. It is usually found in the middle of the lung.
- Adenocarcinoma is found in cells that produce mucus. It is usually found in the outer parts of the lung.
- Large cell carcinoma can be found in any part of the lung.
- Other subtypes such as adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma, are less common.
Common signs and symptoms include the following:
- A cough or hoarseness that does not go away or gets worse
- Chest pain that is worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or laugh
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus
- Shortness of breath or new or worsened wheezing
- Feeling tired or weak
- Lung infections that do not go away or keep coming back
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You suddenly have more trouble breathing than usual.
Seek care immediately if:
- You cannot think clearly.
- Your lips or nails look blue or pale.
- You have a headache or dizziness.
- You have more swelling in your face, arms, neck, or chest.
Call your doctor or oncologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have severe pain.
- Your symptoms such as wheezing, or cough, get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for NSCLC
depends on the type and what stage it is. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together or alone to kill cancer cells. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy medicines may also be given to help the body kill cancer cells. Surgery may be done alone or with other treatments to remove the cancer, part of the lung, or the entire lung.
Manage your symptoms:
- Use pursed-lip breathing any time you feel short of breath. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Slowly breathe out through your mouth with your lips pursed for twice as long as you inhaled. You can also practice this breathing pattern while you bend, lift, climb stairs, or exercise. It slows down your breathing and helps move more air in and out of your lungs.
- Eat small meals often. Your shortness of breath may make it hard to eat a lot of food at one time. Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- 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 need to drink extra liquids if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments.
- Balance exercise with rest. Ask about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise may improve your energy levels and appetite. It can also help you heal faster after treatment or surgery. Rest when you feel tired.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Lower your risk for NSCLC:
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Smokefree.gov
Phone: 1- 800 - 784-8669
Web Address: www.smokefree.gov
- Smokefree.gov
- Have lung cancer screening, if recommended. Lung cancer screening is a test done every year to find lung cancer early. Screening is different from diagnosis because screening is used before you have any signs or symptoms. Screening is offered to adults aged 50 to 80 who have at least a 20-pack year history of smoking. Pack-years are the number of cigarette packs you smoked multiplied by the number of years you smoked. Examples are 1 pack of cigarettes each day for 20 years, or 2 packs each day for 10 years. Lung cancer screening has benefits and risks. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks to help you decide if lung cancer screening is right for you.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can make breathing problems worse. Ask your healthcare provider if alcohol is safe for you to drink.
- Have your home tested for radon and asbestos. You can decrease your exposure to radon and asbestos by having your home tested and treated. Ask your healthcare provider how to get your home tested. If asbestos is found in your home, do not try to remove it yourself. Have a professional remove it.
- Limit your exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace. Asbestos and other harmful chemicals can be found in mines, mills, textile plants, and shipyards. Follow procedures and policies to protect yourself at work. Use protective equipment such as masks to decrease your risk of inhaling harmful chemicals.
Use oxygen as directed:
You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you stop using the oxygen. Do not smoke and stay away from others that smoke when you use oxygen.
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
You may need to return for pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to see how well your lungs are working. You will need to see your oncologist frequently for ongoing treatments. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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