Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer, which makes up about 20% of all lung cancers

The following may increase your risk for lung cancer:

• Secondhand smoke
• Exposure to asbestos
• Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust
• Exposure to radon gas
• Family history of lung cancer
• High levels of air pollution
• High levels of arsenic in drinking water
• Radiation therapy to the lungs

Signs & Symptoms

In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of cancer, but can include:

• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

These symptoms are more likely to occur when lung cancer is in later stages:

• Bone pain or tenderness
• Eyelid drooping
• Facial paralysis
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Joint pain
• Nail problems
• Shoulder pain
• Swallowing difficulty
• Swelling of the face or arms
• Weakness

Diagnosis

If lung cancer is suspected, a Deborah physician will perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s medical history. When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the physician may hear fluid around the lungs that suggests cancer may be present.

The doctor may order these tests to diagnose lung cancer or see if it has spread:

• Bone scan
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT scan of the chest
• MRI of the chest
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Sputum test to look for cancer cells
• Thoracentesis