Condition
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in England and Wales.* The most frequent cause of lung cancer is smoking.
What are the types lung cancer?
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common form of lung cancer. This category includes three types–squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large-cell carcinoma
- Small-cell lung cancer: It is a less frequent but a fast-growing cancer
- Pleural mesothelioma: When abnormal cell growth occurs in the lining that covers the lungs which is called pleura.
- Secondary lung cancer: When cancer spreads to the lung from a different part of the body
In the early stages of lung cancer there are often no symptoms. As the disease progresses symptoms can include:
- Persistent coughing
- Persistent chest infections
- A long standing cough that gets worse
- Breathlessness
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss and tiredness
- Chest or shoulder pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarse voice
You should seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms. In the first instance your GP may order blood and urine tests. You may also be referred for a chest x-ray.
Find out more about:
First steps for giving up smoking
5 distractions from your cravings
7 steps to reduce your cancer risk
To learn more about lung cancer including diagnosis and treatment visit the MacMillan Cancer Support website.
*Source: NHS Choices