What is Lung Cancer?

The lungs are two sponges like organs in the chest cavity. The right lung is divided into 3 sections, called lobes. Left lung has two lobes. It is smaller to accommodate the heart. Air with the breath goes into the lungs through trachea (wind pipe). The trachea divides into tubes called the bronchi, which divides further into smaller branches called the bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacks known as alveoli. Many tiny blood vessels run through the alveoli absorbing oxygen from the inhaled air into the blood stream and releasing carbon dioxide. Taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide are the two main functions of the lung. A lining called pleura surrounds the lungs. This slippery lining protects the lungs and help them slide back and forth as they expand and contract, during breathing. Most lung cancers start in the lining of the bronchi, frequently in the periphery of the lungs. Lung cancers are thought to develop over a period of many years. First, there may be areas of precancerous changes in the lungs. These changes do not form a mass or tumor, or cannot be seen or x-ray, and do not cause any symptoms. Lung cancer is most frequently seen in industrialized nations. This cancer is found in both sexes. This cancer was not as widely spread as it is today 100 years ago, now it is one of the major cancers affecting people. It is found mostly in people above 40 years of age.

Types of lung cancers:-

There are two major types of lung cancers.

1. Small cell lung cancer – About 15 to 20% of all lungcancers are small cell lung cancers, named for the small round cells that make up these cancers. Small cell lung cancer tends to spread widely through the body. This is important because it means that treatment must include drugs to destroy the wide spread disease. The cancer cells can multiply quickly, form large tumors, and spread to lymph nodes and other organs such as the bones, brain, adrenal glands, and liver. This type ofcancer also starts in the bronchi near the centre of the chest. Small cell lung cancer is almost always caused by smoking.
2. Non-small cell lung cancer – The majority of lung cancers are non-small cell type. There are three sub types of this cancer. The cells in these types differ in size, shape and chemical make-up.

(a) Squamous cell carcinoma – About 25-30% of all lung cancers are of this type. They are associated with a history of smoking.

(b) Adeno carcinoma – This type of cancer accounts for about 40-45% of all lung cancers. It is usually found in the outer region of the lung.

(c) Large cell carcinoma – This type of lung cancer accounts for about 10 to 15% of all lung cancers. It may appear in any part of the lung, and it tends to grow and spread very quickly.

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Get multiple opinion & quotes for Treatment in India, Multiple Opinion will help you take the right and informed decision. We will help you plan your medical tour Local Transportation, Internet Enabled SIM Card, Tickets, Accommodation, Forex services