Lung Cancer
Lung Adenocarcinoma – Overview
Lung adenocarcinomas usually begin in tissues that lie near the outer parts of the lungs, and may be present for a long time before they cause symptoms and are diagnosed. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer found in women, and is often found in non-smokers. It is also the most common type of lung cancer in people under the age of 45 and the most common type of lung cancer among all Asians. One subtype of lung adenocarcinoma, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), appears to be increasing in young, non-smoking women. * Lung Cancer in Women * Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Lung adenocarcinoma has been increasing in recent years, whereas another form of non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, has been decreasing. It is thought by some that the addition of filters to cigarettes allows smoke to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs where adenocarcinoma occurs.
Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
Because lung adenocarcinoma often begins in the outer parts of the lungs, well-known symptoms of lung cancer such as a chronic cough and coughing up blood may be less common until later in the disease. Early symptoms of adenocarcinoma that may be overlooked may include fatigue, mild shortness of breath, or achiness in your back, shoulder, or chest.
Diagnosis
Lung cancer is often first suspected when abnormalities are seen on an x-ray. Further evaluation may include: * Chest CT Scan * Sputum Cytology * Bronchoscopy * PET Scan - a test designed to look for actively growing tumors
Depending upon the results, your doctor will usually want to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm the diagnosis, and will order further tests to check to see if your cancer has spread.
Your doctor may also recommend that you have tests for lung markers – genetic changes that are present in some lung adenocarcinomas. These markers may help your oncologist decide which treatments are most likely to work for you.
Stages
Lung
Lung adenocarcinomas usually begin in tissues that lie near the outer parts of the lungs, and may be present for a long time before they cause symptoms and are diagnosed. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer found in women, and is often found in non-smokers. It is also the most common type of lung cancer in people under the age of 45 and the most common type of lung cancer among all Asians. One subtype of lung adenocarcinoma, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), appears to be increasing in young, non-smoking women. * Lung Cancer in Women * Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Lung adenocarcinoma has been increasing in recent years, whereas another form of non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, has been decreasing. It is thought by some that the addition of filters to cigarettes allows smoke to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs where adenocarcinoma occurs.
Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
Because lung adenocarcinoma often begins in the outer parts of the lungs, well-known symptoms of lung cancer such as a chronic cough and coughing up blood may be less common until later in the disease. Early symptoms of adenocarcinoma that may be overlooked may include fatigue, mild shortness of breath, or achiness in your back, shoulder, or chest.
Diagnosis
Lung cancer is often first suspected when abnormalities are seen on an x-ray. Further evaluation may include: * Chest CT Scan * Sputum Cytology * Bronchoscopy * PET Scan - a test designed to look for actively growing tumors
Depending upon the results, your doctor will usually want to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm the diagnosis, and will order further tests to check to see if your cancer has spread.
Your doctor may also recommend that you have tests for lung markers – genetic changes that are present in some lung adenocarcinomas. These markers may help your oncologist decide which treatments are most likely to work for you.
Stages
Lung