Lung cancer has many symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody sputum, and weight loss. It can start in the lung, the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest, the fluid surrounding the lung, or even the bones. Although there are many different types of lung cancer, certain symptoms are more common with specific types of the disease. This article will look at some of the most common symptoms and how they are treated.

A chest x-ray is often performed to rule out other conditions. It may show a solitary or multifocal mass, a pulmonary nodule, enlarged hilum, tracheobronchial narrowing, or pleural thickening. If the diagnosis is confirmed by a chest x-ray, further testing is usually recommended. If an abnormality is detected, a biopsy will be performed.

The tumors of lung cancer can help determine its subtype. In Stage 1A, a tumor is found inside the lung, but it has not yet spread to lymph nodes. If it grows bigger, it has spread to the main bronchus (the tube connecting the trachea to the lung), or the innermost tissue wrapping the lung. Depending on the size and location, treatment may involve surgery or chemotherapy. Sometimes, a cancer will not spread to lymph nodes, but it may have reached the airways.

Although lung cancer is common, effective treatments are available for this condition. Early diagnosis is vital because lung cancer tumors can spread to other parts of the body. Ultimately, the treatment can help patients breathe easier and live a longer life. There are currently several treatments available for patients with lung cancer, and effective chemotherapy and radiation treatment are available for patients. The most common cancer treatments are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal. Once diagnosed, lung cancer patients may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

In the United States, about 228,820 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2020. The rate of lung cancer among men has been steadily decreasing since the World War I era, and it has even started to decrease among women. Age, smoking intensity, and duration of exposure are the factors that determine a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. The best treatment options are dependent on the type of mutation and the general health of the patient.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It starts in glandular cells on the outer surface of the lung. Non-small cell lung cancer also begins in flat, thin cells called squamous cells that line large airways. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer: large cell, non-small cell, and mixed small cell/large cell. Lung cancer that has spread outside of the lung is called metastatic cancer.