Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) affects tens of thousands of people each year.
With three primary types of NSCLC, this disease accounts for about 80% of all lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer in the U.S. among both men and women. Adenocarcioma, the most common form of NSCLC, typically develops in the outer portion of our lungs. Our lungs remove carbon dioxide from our body and supplies oxygen to it.
Although smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, other risk factors include exposure to radon gas and asbestos. Previous radiation therapy and a family or personal history of lung cancer also increases your risk.
Lung cancer may not show symptoms in the beginning; however, visit your doctor if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, see blood after you cough or have chest pain.
Recently Answered
- Q Can non-small cell cancer be prevented?
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Although you cannot completely prevent non-small cell cancer, there are things you can do to lower your risk. The one thing that you can do to decrease your lung cancer risk is to quit smoking - approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases are due to... Full Answer
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- Q How can supportive care treat non-small cell lung cancer?
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Supportive care does not treat non-small cell lung cancer. Instead, it relieves the discomforting symptoms of cancer in those whose disease has become terminal. If treatment has been ineffective, supportive care can help you enjoy the best possible... Full Answer
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- Q How does radiation therapy treat non-small cell lung cancer?
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Radiation therapy kills non-small cell lung cancer cells with beams of concentrated energy. X-rays are often used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered from outside your body, as external beam therapy. It can... Full Answer
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- Q How does chemotherapy help to treat non-small cell lung cancer?
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Chemotherapy uses orally-administered or intravenous drugs to kill non-small cell lung cancer cells. Therapy is administered over several weeks or months. Different combinations of drugs may be used, and the therapy may be administered in combination... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for non-small cell cancer?
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The one thing that will seriously increase your risk for non-small cell cancer is smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke - approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases are due to smoking. Although it is not known exactly what else increases your risk for... Full Answer
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- Q How does non-small cell cancer affect the body?
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The symptoms of non-small cell cancer, including a cough, shortness of breath, headaches, loss of appetite, and chest or bone pain, are all caused by a growing tumor that is interfering with how your lungs function. Additionally, lung cancer can cause... Full Answer
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- Q Is non-small cell cancer serious?
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Non-small cell cancer is very serious. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death amongst cancer deaths, and non-small cell cancer accounts for 85 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. If you have had a smoking habit and you are experiencing any... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer?
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The risks of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer include infection and excessive bleeding. After the surgery you may experience shortness of breath. Respiratory therapy can help your lung tissue to gradually expand, allowing you to get more oxygen. Full Answer
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- Q How does photodynamic therapy treat non-small cell lung cancer?
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Photodynamic therapy uses the energy from a laser source to kill tumor cells that are growing on the inside of the trachea or main bronchus. Its best application is for small early superficial tumors of the airway, which can be obliterated with... Full Answer
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- Q How does targeted drug therapy treat non-small cell lung cancer?
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Targeted drug therapy treats non-small cell lung cancer by capitalizing on weaknesses inherent in cancer cells. These weaknesses appear as a result of the cellular abnormalities that allowed the cells to become cancerous in the first place. Targeted drug... Full Answer
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