| There are actually two types of lung cancer; | | | | caused by smoking. Smokers are believed to be 10 |
| non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung | | | | times more likely to contract NSCLC than |
| cancer (SCLC). Lung cancer often refers to NSCLC | | | | non-smokers whilst heavy smokers (20 or more |
| which represents 80% of cases with SCLC | | | | cigarettes per day) are thought to be up to 40 times |
| representing the other 20%. In this article I will be | | | | more likely to develop this type of cancer. However, |
| discussing NSCLC in more detail. | | | | there are other risk factors including exposure to |
| As I already said NSCLC is the most common of the | | | | asbestos, radon and even inherited faulty genes. |
| two types of lung cancer. It can actually be further | | | | The symptoms of NSCLC are often related to the |
| broken down into three types; Squamous Cell | | | | lungs. A chronic cough, chest pain and having trouble |
| Carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma and Large Cell Carcinoma. | | | | breathing are all thought to be possible signs for this |
| I will be discussing each of these below. | | | | type of cancer. If you notice any of the above you |
| 1) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA:- This type of | | | | should go see your doctor and let them know. They |
| NSCLC develops when the cells that line the airways | | | | will then be able to perform the appropriate tests |
| start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. It | | | | and if necessary treat the cancer. |
| often spreads to other areas of the body quite easily | | | | Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form |
| because of the regular passage of fluids (blood and | | | | of lung cancer in the UK. It is a very dangerous |
| lymph) through the lungs. | | | | condition with approximately 38,000 people |
| 2) ADENOCARCINOMA:- This type of NSCLC occurs | | | | contracting it each year. I hope this article has helped |
| when the mucus producing cells of the lungs start to | | | | you understand the various types of NSCLC. If you |
| grow rapidly and uncontrollably eventually leading to | | | | are suspicious that you have have developed this |
| the formation of a tumour. It does not spread as | | | | type of cancer you should go and see your doctor |
| easily as other forms of NSCLC and often stays | | | | right away. They are trained to deal with this |
| localised. | | | | condition and will be able to give you the best |
| 3) LARGE CELL CARCINOMA:- This type of NSCLC | | | | guidance possible. |
| can develop in any area of the lung. It is different to | | | | Whilst every intention has been made to make this |
| the other types of NSCLC because the tumours that | | | | article accurate and informative, it is intended for |
| form lack the structure of typical cancerous cells. | | | | general information only. Lung cancer is a very |
| Large cell carcinoma generally grows more quickly and | | | | serious, life threatening condition and you should |
| spreads more easily than any other type of non-small | | | | discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes |
| cell lung cancer. | | | | fully with your doctor. |
| The majority of non-small cell lung cancers are | | | | |