Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure that doctors use to diagnose problems. A small amount of the lung is removed using a needle, and the tissue is then analyzed by pathologists to determine whether there is a problem.
Chemotherapy: chemotherapy is a technique that uses drugs administered through a vein (intravenously). The drugs travel through the bloodstream to cancer cells, where they are able to kill them. However, a disadvantage from chemotherapy is that not only cancer cells are targeted. Skin cells, blood cells, and nerve cells are also damaged, producing adverse side effects such as nausea, vomitting, hair loss, and decreased red and white blood cell counts.
CT scan: (Computed tomography.Also may be referred to as a CAT scan) This is a medical imaging technique that produces a 3-D image made up of "slices" of 2-D images taken from many different angles. Dye is injected prior to the CT scan to highlight any abnormalities. This lets your doctor know where in the lung cancer is located
- Understanding the CT scan: The scan is read as though you are on your back, facing away from the computer. White areas represent higher density areas, such as bones, while black areas represent air. The tumor is identified by the discovery of a high-density(white) mass where there should not be one. The red arrow is pointing to a cancer area in the right lung.
Lobectomy:: The removal of 1 lobe of a lung. Recall that there are 3 lobes in the right lung, and 2 in the left. This procedure is very common in patients with small tumors restricted to one lobe of the lung, and is associated with the highest survival rate. (find reference)
Lung Cancer Staging: used to determine the disease prognosis (the prediction of the disease's progression). This is determined by degree to which, if at all, the cancer has spread from its initial site to other parts of the body
- Stage I: Best prognosis. Cancer is small and local, no lymph nodes are involved
- Surgery is the best option
- Overall 5-year survival: 60-70% (Can be as high as 80% in very early lung cancers)
- Stage II: More invasive localized tumor; or cancer in nearby nodes
- Survival affected by lymph node involvement
- 5-year survival: 40-55%
- Chemotherapy and/or Radiation on a patient-to-patient basis
- Stage III
- Cancer has spread outside of the lung
- Distant nodes involved or tumor invades other structures
- Chemotherapy and Radiation are initial treatments
- Surgery may follow
- Stage IV: Metastasis (spreading) of the cancer to other body regions via the nearby lymph nodes
- Cancer has spread to distant sites (brain, bone, liver, etc)
- Treatment is individualized to minimize discomfort and maximize quality of life
Pneumonectomy: This procedure removes 1 whole lung, leaving the patient with only 1. This surgery is performed when the cancer is restricted to 1 lung, but is not contained within a lobe. While this is a large amount of lung tissue removed, it is a viable surgical treatment assuming that the patient had good baseline lung function.
Radiation: Commonly used in cases of localized cancer, radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays (X-rays) to kill cells at the cancer site. General side effects include fatigue, loss of appetite, and general malaise. Skin irritation at the radiation site is also common.
Wedge Resection/Segmentectomy: This procedure involves removing a small wedge or section of the lung to remove the cancer. This procedure is the surgical procedure that removes the smallest piece of lung.
Types Of Lung Cancer:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a lung cancer that originates in glands in the lungs. More never-smokers are diagnosed with adenocarcinoma than with any other type of lung cancer.
- Bronchoalveolar Carcinoma: A subcategory that is defined as an adenocarcinoma that occurs in the air sacs of the lung.
- Large Cell Carcinoma: Large cell carcinomas are named for the large appearance of cells under the microscope. They typically originate in the bronchi and divide rapidly.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is strongly associated with smoking. It is the cancer of the superficial cells that facilitate gas exchange in the lungs.
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a lung cancer that originates in glands in the lungs. More never-smokers are diagnosed with adenocarcinoma than with any other type of lung cancer.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer: Small cell lung cancer is also strongly linked to smoking. However, it is less common than non-small cell lung cancer, and typically has a worse prognosis. It affects larger airways and typically grows rapidly.