lung cancer

Lung cancer is the result of the formation of malignant cells in lung tissue, usually in the cells lining the airways. Our bodies cells are constantly dividing and reproducing. Usually there is a model for replication ordered that the cells grow and specialize to meet special needs. Sometimes, however, a cell is damaged. There is a mutation in their DNA, and instead of mature and die as normal, still divide without control. Essentially, what cancer – reproduction and the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Most lung cancers are expected begins in the lining of the lungs – the lining of the airways, both large and small to perform the task of extracting oxygen from the air. By This is why lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma – cancer arising from the bronchi. A higher percentage of lung cancer begins the low of the pleura – the thin cloth bag around the lungs. These types of cancer called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to exposure to asbestos.

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Although it may take a period of years to develop cancer often not detected until the end of the process. Furthermore, it tends to metastasize (migrate to other parts of the body) early, leaving fewer opportunities to combat infected cells with surgery or radiotherapy. Once lung cancer metastasizes, it quickly spread to the organs most vulnerable and important the body, especially the adrenal glands, liver, brain and bones.

There are two major forms of lung cancer – lung cancer small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small cell lung cancer is less common, although much more lethal. It is directly related to smoking – less than 1% of SCLC is diagnosed in nonsmokers. It is also extremely aggressive and fast moving, spreads quickly to other organs, and often unknown until it is widespread.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in contrast, is much more common, representing almost 80% of lung cancers diagnosed. There are three main types of cancer in non-cell lung small, usually characterized by the size, shape and chemical composition of cancer cells in the form:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also squamous cell carcinoma): approximately 25% – 30% of all lung cancers and is associated with a history of smoking. This cancer is mostly in the central region of the chest, near the bronchus.

Adenocarcinoma (also called bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) represents around 40% of all lung cancers, and is in the outer region of the lung. This form of treatment for lung cancer often leads to a more success than other types of lung cancer.

In large cell undifferentiated carcinoma: they represent only 10% – 15% of lung cancer This way they can appear on any area of the lung. It tends to spread quickly and often leads to poor prognosis.

It is also possible for cancer lung by a combination of non-small cell lung cancer.

There are other less common types of lung cancer. For example, Bronchial carcinoid tumors are often small tumors in people younger than 40 years. They tend to grow slowly and are amenable to treatment. Carcinoid tumors represent approximately 5% of lung tumors. Some are cancerous. The others are usually slow growing and can be treated successfully by surgery.

Finally, some cancers discovered in the lungs are not all lung cancers. Since the lungs are prone to metastatic cancers elsewhere, it is not uncommon tumors of other primary cancers find their way into the lungs. When this occurs, the tumors are often discovered in the tissues the peripheral lung rather than in the central tissues.

Note that the information provided in this article are provided for information only. Should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Such situations should always involve a doctor's experience or health care provider.

About the Author:

David Silva is the webmaster for
Lung Cancer Insights
, a site dedicated to the dissemination of information about
lung cancer
, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and their treatments.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Understanding The Viciousness of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer