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3232 N. North Hills Blvd.
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703 Front Desk: (479) 587-1700
TOLL FREE: 1-800-381-6939
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The Center for Chest Care
3232 N. North Hills Blvd. Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703 Front Desk: (479) 587-1700 TOLL FREE: 1-800-381-6939 |
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| Lung Cancer Information | |
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The Lungs: The Lungs are a pair of sponge-like organs filled with many breathing passages, called bronchial tubes. The right lung has three lobes and the left has two lobes. Each lung consists of millions of tiny specialized cells. 
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Lung Cancer Usually cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed when the body requires it. Sometimes, however, cells continue to divide even when new cells are not needed. The mass of extra cells develops into a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. When the cells are malignant they are called cancer cells. Cancer cells grow at a faster rate than normal cells. Also, the size and shape of cancer cells are not normal. Cancer cells can spread to other areas within the body. When cancer spreads it is called metastasis. Cancer cells may enter the lymph system or the bloodstream and travel to other areas in the body. Lung cancer may metastasize to the other lung, lymph nodes on the middle of the chest, the brain, the liver, the adrenal glands, or the bones. |
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Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are small structures located throughout the body and are connected by a network of vessels which make up the lymphatic system. Their job is to filter out viruses and destroy bacteria in order to fight infection and other diseases. Cancer can travel through the lymphatic system and spread to to other parts of the body. When lung cnacer is found in the lymph nodes it may indicate that the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. |
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Lung Cancer Types: T O P There are two general categories of lung cancer - non-small lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Most cases of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer usually grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. There are four main types of non-small cell lung cancer. They are:
Small cell lung cancer is sometimes called oat cell. (The cells are shaped like grains of oats when viewed under a microscope.) This type of lung cancer grows quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs than non-small cell lung cancer. |
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Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
Small cell lung cancer is sometimes called oat cell. (The cells are shaped like grains of oats when viewed under a microscope.) This type of lung cancer grows quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs than non-small cell lung cancer. |
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Diagnostic Tests for Lung Cancer: T O P The information below describes some of the most common tests. Keep in mind that not everyone will have every test. Each test offers specific information in diagnosing the disease and planning treatment. Pulmonary Function Test Often called PTF's. This test can measure how well your lungs are working by measuring the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. The results may explain your shortness of breath, the type of lung problem, how smoking may have affected your lungs, and whether your breathing problems are a risk during procedures or surgery. Bronchoscopy A flexible lighted tube, called a bronchoscope, is passed through the nose then into the airways of your lungs. The doctor can view the airways inside the lungs. Often a biopsy or tissue samples are taken. The pathologist will look at the tissue sample under a microscope to confirm a lung cancer. Mediastinoscopy A lighted tube is inserted through a small incision at the base of the neck, just above the breastbone, to look at lymph nodes in the middle of the chest (mediastinum). The purpose of this test is to take tissue samples of these lymph nodes in order to confirm a disgnosis. This procedure can also help in staging lung cancer. Mediastinotomy An incision is made in the left side of the chest wall in order to examine and biopsy the lymph nodes located there. These nodes cannot be reached by mediastinoscopy. Fine Needle Aspiration Also called FNA. A thin needle is inserted through the chest wall and cells are removed from the tumor. Many times this is done in a CT scanner to help the doctor position the needle exactly where it needs to be. Chest X-ray Chest x-rays are useful for indentifying the size, shape and location of lung masses and other abnormalities. CT Scan An x-ray machine uses a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. These pictures give the precise location of the tumor and its position in relationship to other organs. Bone Scan A small amount of radioactive dye is given in a vein and special scans are taken of all of the bones in your body. This test reveals if cancer has spread to the bones. MRI Uses a strong magnet and a computer to take detailed images, most useful in providing more detail about the brain and spine. PET Scan A small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into the vein and a scan is taken of the body. PET scans provide additional information regarding the location and spread of cancer in the body. |
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Staging of Lung Cancer: T O P TNM staging is a process to measure how advanced the cancer is. The following three factors are considered:
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| Stage 1 | lung cancer in one lobe of one lung without lymph node involvement | |
| Stage 2 | lung cancer in one lobe of one lung with involvement of lymph nodes inside the lung | |
| Stage 3 | lung cancer with involvement of the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest (mediastinal lymph nodes) or other lymph nodes outside of the chest or with a pleural effusion | |
| Stage 4 | lung cancer has spread outside of the chest or to the other lung | |
| Once the lung cancer has been staged, the doctor(s) can then recommend the appropriate treatment options. | ||
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Treatment Options: T O P Treatment for lung cancer may consist of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy, or a combination of these. Surgery is usually performed when lung cancer is detected in only one lung and in lymph nodes nearby (usually stage 1 or 2). Surgery removes all or a portion of a lung to eliminate cancer. Types of surgery include:
During lung surgery, the chest wall must be entered in order to get to the lung. There are two ways to do this: Thoracoscopy - several small incisions are made in the chest wall. The surgeon can place a tube containing a camera through one of the incisions and view the lungs. Thoracotomy - an incision is made in the chest wall. The surgeon is able to see the lungs directly. Chemotherapy and/or radiation are sometimes used before surgery to shrink the tumor. They may also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. How a person does following surgery depends upon the type of surgery and their overall health prior to surgery. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by usign high-energy x-ray beams aimed at a specific site. Radiation can also be used to relieve shortness of breath by helping to open a blocked airway or to help relieve pain. Radiation is an outpatient procedure. Usually treatment is 5 days a week for 4 to 7 weeks. Radiation may be given alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can make the cancer cells more susceptible to the radiation. Common side effects include skin irritation and fatigue. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by interfering with the cellular chemistry. One or more types of chemotherapy may be used. It can be given by mouth or by injection into a vein (IV). These medications travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. The length of treatment depends upon the combination of medications used, the type of lung cancer, as well as how a person tolerates and responds to the anticancer medications. Chemotherapy is usually given IV as an outpatient in one of the three Highland Oncology Group clinics. The side effects from chemotherapy are caused by the medication's effect on normal cells and vary with each medication used. Common side effects include hair loss, low blood celll counts, fatigue, and possible nausea. Biotherapy uses the body's own natural agents, such as proteins, to stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells. The terms biotherapy or immunotherapy are often used interchangeably. Biotherapy agents are broken down into four categories: interferons, interleukins, hematopoietic growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies. Some of these agents are also known as cytokines. |
Clinical Trials: T O P Clinical trials are carefully planned regimens, developed to provide valuable information that improves the treatment of cancer. Most advances in lung cancer treatment are the result of clinical trials. Clinical trials are in collaboration with cancer centers with support from the National Cancer Institute. Clinical trials may be referred to as a protocol or study. You may be asked to participate in a clinical trial if it is considered to be a good treatment for you. The final decision is yours. If you decide not to participate in a clinical trial, you will still receive the best care available. |
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Miscellaneous: Smoking Non-smokers, previous smokers, and current smokers can get lung cancer. If you are a current smoker; it will still benefit you in lots of ways to quit smoking now. If you decide to stop smoking, discuss with your doctor the use of nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement satisfies the craving for nicotine and decreases the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement should be used in combination with smoking cessation programs to help deal with the psychological aspects. Internet Resources for Lung Cancer American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institutue http://www.nci.nih.gov LungCancer.org http://www.lungcancer.org |
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| For more information call (479) 751-8765 or e-mail jnordyke@hogonc.com | ||
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