Facts

• Cross section of cancerous lung
  
  Longtime exposure to smoking, such as years of smoking or the amount of cigarettes smoked in a day (more than a pack), drastically contributes to the chances of developing lung cancer. It was once generally believed that exposure to secondhand smoke posed no risk to cancer development. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, even secondhand smoke contains more than 50 types of chemicals that are known to cause cancer. It is even believed that toxic chemicals are higher in secondhand smoke in comparison to smoke inhaled by smokers. Secondhand smoke can also cause respiratory issues of the lung such as wheezing, asthma, coughing and breathlessness.
  
  

Causes

• Asbestos within the lung
  
  Lung cancer develops within the lining of the lungs. In people who develop lung cancer without ever having smoked, the exact cause of cancer could be due to several factors, including family history. Radon gas and asbestos exposure can also be factors. If the cancer was caused by smoking, cells within the lining of the lungs can become severely damaged. As a result, changes will develop in lung tissues. Cells will eventually become abnormal, and with increased exposure these cells will begin to mutate and form cancerous cells.
  
  

Types

• Example of squamous cell carcinoma
  
  Lung cancer is prioritized into two main categories. Small-cell lung cancer is a type of cancer that commonly afflicts heavy smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 15 percent of lung cancers are small cell. Small-cell lung cancer can spread rapidly through the body even before symptoms begin to manifest. The other type of lung cancer is known as non-small-cell lung cancer, which accounts for the remaining lung cancer cases. Non-small-cell can include a broad range of lung cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma or large-cell carcinoma.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of lung cancer will begin to appear when the disease is fairly advanced. You may have a cough that is severe and won't go away. If you're a smoker, you may notice a change in your cough. You may cough up blood and have shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain and hoarseness.
  
  

Complications

• Lung cancer can lead to serious complications. A condition known as pleural effusion can occur. This is a condition where fluid builds up within the spaces of the chest cavity. Lung cancer can also metastasize to other areas of the body such as bones or brain. Cancer that metastasizes can cause symptoms such as pain, nausea and headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly three out of five people diagnosed with the disease will die within a year. If the disease is caught early, the chances of survival improve.
  
  

Treatments

• Most cases of lung cancer include either radiation therapy or chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells. Surgery may be performed to remove affected lung tissue and a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous tissue. Drug therapy can also be an option. Medications such as Avastin may be prescribed to target the cancer cells and prevent new cells from forming. Treatments will vary, depending on the severity of the cancer and the patient's overall health. If you have received a diagnosis of lung cancer or have a loved one who suffers from the disease, the Lung Cancer Alliance can help you with support and coping mechanisms.