What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?

What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma? [the_ad id=”28610″]

Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small lung cancer that forms in the cells that normally secrete lubricating substances such as mucus. This type of lung cancer occurs mainly in current or former smokers. It may also be seen in nonsmokers. Moreover, lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of cancer in women and people younger than 45 years old.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and represents 40 percent of all lung cancers. Eventually, the tumor cells may spread to other parts of the body including

Who is at risk of lung adenocarcinoma?

As with any cancer, your risk of adenocarcinoma doubles if you have any of the following risk factors

Cigarette smoking
Second-hand smoke
Family history of lung cancer
Breathing tobacco smoke
Exposure to radon gas
Exposure to asbestos
Exposure to cancer-causing agents such as uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline and diesel exhaust
Particle pollution
Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
Previous radiation therapy to the chest

What are the symptoms of lung adenocarcinoma?

Most people with lung adenocarcinoma in the early stages do not exhibit any symptoms. Ideally, lung adenocarcinoma is detected on a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan performed for some other medical reason. All lung cancers, including adenocarcinoma, present with similar symptoms

How is lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed?

The physician diagnoses lung adenocarcinoma based on a patient’s medical history and symptoms. Other tests deployed for diagnosis include

Imaging tests including X-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves or radioactive substances
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Bone scan to check the spread into the bones
Sputum cytology
Thoracentesis (a procedure to remove fluid or air from around the lungs)
Needle biopsy
Bronchoscopy (a test to view the lung airways and diagnose lung disease)
Blood tests
Mediastinoscopy (a tube-like instrument is used to diagnose lung cancer)
Thoracotomy (a larger incision in the chest to remove tissue)

How is lung adenocarcinoma treated?

Treatment depends on the stage of lung adenocarcinoma and lung cancer treatment goals. Treatment options include

Surgery: This involves the removal of the cancerous tissue.
Radiation therapy: This involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer.
Chemotherapy: Special medications are used to kill or shrink cancer.
Targeted therapy: This involves using drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This involves using medication that boost immunity to fight cancer cells.
Complementary and alternative lung cancer therapies: These are treatments other than standard cancer treatments.