Lung Cancer

Debra Hulings

The leading cause of death in the United States among both sexes is lung cancer; it "is also among the most preventable cancers". (Mayo Clinic)

Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer, accounting for 85 to 90 percent of cases. "Other causes include exposure to radon, asbestos and secondhand smoke." (Mayo Clinic)

The type and stage of the tumor will determine the treatment for lung cancer. There are non-small cell cancers, from stage 0 to stage IV. With small cell cancers, there is a limited stage and an extensive stage.

Treatment for the former may include anything from a surgical removal, laser treatment, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Treatments for the latter usually involve a combination of chemo and radiation to the chest and sometimes to the brain "to prevent the spread of cancer there". (Mayo Clinic) In the extensive stage, radiation is also given to areas (other than chest) that cause pain.

Reference:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/lung-cancer/patientstories.html