LUNG CANCER

Disease in which there is progressive multiplication of cells (neoplasia) under conditions where this would not normally occur. When a malignant tumour forms, its cells are invasive, lose their differentiation and orientation, and disperse to parts of the body distant from the initial growth (metastasise). Cancer’s natural course is fatal. In most cancers, early detection and treatment increases the chance of survival. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, and by far the biggest cause is smoking, causing 8 out of 10 cases. The 2 main groups of primary lung cancer are Small cell lung cancer - so called because under the microscope the cells appear small and mostly taken up by the nucleus. Accounts for 12% of lung cancers and very rare in people who have never smoked. Non small cell lung cancer includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Secondary lung cancer – frequently associated with breast or bowel cancer that has metastasised. Treatment depends on the where the cancer originated.