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About The Disease

When your doctor tells you that you have lung cancer, you may have a lot of questions about the disease and how it can be treated. It is understandable for people with lung cancer and their families to have fears and concerns. In spite of this, many people learn that their distress eases as they gain an understanding of the disease.

Know that you are not alone in your fight against lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 213,300 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States in 2007. At the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Program we have a team of dedicated specialists that treat people with lung cancer.

What are the lungs and how do they function?

The lungs are part of the respiratory system. The main function of the lungs is to deliver oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. There are two lungs located in the chest. Each lung is divided into lobes or sections. The right lung has three lobes called the upper, middle and lower lobes. The left lung has two lobes called the upper and lower lobes. The lungs are separated from each other by a space called the mediastinum, which is in the middle of the chest.

What is a pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a physician who possesses specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases. These doctors are experts in evaluating lung nodules and will order appropriate tests to determine if cancer is present.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor made of abnormal cells that grow in one or both lungs. Lung cancer usually forms from cells that line the airways and nearby glands. It reproduces rapidly and does not grow into normal lung tissue. Clumps of cancer cells form and disrupt the lung, making it difficult for it to function properly.

What causes lung cancer?

There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of lung cancer. A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease, such as lung cancer. The leading risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Estimates are that 90 percent of lung cancer is caused by tobacco smoke.

This risk factor for an individual is related to the age at which smoking began, how long a person has been smoking and how many packs per day he or she has smoked. Smoking cessation at any age reduces the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Another risk factor is exposure to radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas found in the earth’s crust which can accumulate in homes. As radon decays it emits particles that can damage the lungs.

Asbestos is an additional risk factor known to cause lung cancer. People who work with asbestos have a higher risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer. Smoking significantly increases the cancer-causing effects of radon and asbestos. However, some people who have never smoked or worked with asbestos still get lung cancer.

Secondhand smoke is another contributing factor to lung disease. People can be exposed to secondhand smoke by living with a smoker or working in an environment where smoking is allowed. It is estimated that 3,000 people each year die of lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.

What are the different types of lung cancer?

There are two main types of lung cancer - non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Very rarely, lung cancers have features of both types.

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Practice Guidelines in Oncology, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80-85 percent of lung cancers. There are four subtypes of NSCLC: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell undifferentiated carcinoma and bronchioalveolar carcinoma. The subtypes are based on the appearance of the tumor cells under a microscope.

Small cell lung cancer (also called oat cell carcinoma) accounts for approximately 15 percent of lung cancers. The cells are small but multiply quickly and spread to other organs.

Another type of cancer in the chest is malignant mesothelioma. This is a cancer that involves the pleura or lining of the lung. Although mesothelioma occurs in the chest, it is not considered a form of lung cancer. Approximately 1,000-1,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

The most common symptom (associated feeling) of lung cancer is a cough. Over 50% of people with lung cancer develop a cough. The tumor tends to irritate the lungs, causing the cough. Other symptoms of lung cancer include chest pain, shortness of breath, and some people will cough up blood. You should call your doctor immediately if this happens. You may also experience weight loss, fatigue or loss of appetite.

Some of the symptoms may be caused by the tumor spreading to other areas of the body. The symptoms will depend on where the cancer has spread. For example, if the cancer has spread to the brain you may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting confusion, or weakness.

Virginia Piper Cancer Institute
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Piper Lung Cancer Program
800 East 28th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-5310
Medical Director: Michael Bowen, MD
Nurse Coordinator: Jody Eifert, RN

First published: 10/17/2005
Last updated: 02/23/2007

Reviewed by: Michael Bowen, MD; Paula Colwell