There are two general types of lung cancer, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer is sometimes treatable with surgery as opposed to small cell lung cancer. However, small cell lung cancer usually responds much better to chemotherapy treatment.

Non-small lung cancers are categorized as a whole because their treatment and prognosis are very similar. They can be broken down into three main sub-types: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung carcinoma, and large cell lung carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma accounts for thirty-two percent of lung cancers. It commonly originates in the peripheral lung tissue and is caused, most often, from smoking.

Twenty-nine percent of lung cancer is represented by squamous cell lung carcinoma. It usually develops near a central bronchus. The center of the cancer is often associated with cavitations. Large cell lung carcinoma is evident with nine percent of cancer sufferers. It develops near the lung surface and progresses at a quick pace.

Small cell lung cancer is the less common of the two. It rapidly grows within the larger breathing tubes. This particular cancer type is significantly associated with smoking and though it is more highly sensitive to chemotherapy, it carries a poor prognosis.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include: difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, chest or abdomen pain, wheezing, chronic cough, coughing up blood, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms may at some times develop into pneumonia and continual lung infections are a significant warning sign. Pain is not limited to the chest and abdomen regions; it is also commonly found in the upper back and shoulders. Symptoms of lung cancer are most likely to be unspecific.

Smoking cigarettes is the main contributor to lung cancer. Smoking is related to an estimated eighty-seven percent of lung cancer cases. Radon exposure is the second common contributor followed by asbestos and viruses. Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation are likely treatments for lung cancer. Prognosis varies.

Most adult smokers acknowledge that smoking is hazardous to their health. Some simply don’t want to quit. Others may have made an attempt and failed. Still others are afraid to try. Currently there are numerous alternatives to quitting smoking. If you’re serious about quitting your doctor will likely help to find the one appropriate for you.