There are two different types of cancer that can affect the lungs:
one. Primary lung cancer is classified as small cell or non-small cell and usually begins in the lungs before spreading to other parts of the body. Small cells are commonly associated with heavy smokers, while non-small cells can include other types of cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms may include a persistent cough, coughing up small amounts of blood, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, a dull ache in the shoulder that may move down the outside of the arm, noticeable weight loss, and infections recurrent chest or pneumonia.
The diagnosis of lung cancer is usually not found until after a doctor orders a chest x-ray which is usually associated with another disease. If the chest x-ray detects lung cancer, a CT scan (computer-assisted tomography) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be ordered to further confirm the diagnosis and staging of the disease.
Staging includes Limited Stage, in which only one lung is affected along with surrounding tissues, and Extensive Stage, in which the cancer has spread to tissues in the chest outside the lung of origin or to another part of the body. Staging begins with Stage 0, where cancer cells are found in the lining of the lung; Stage 1A, where the tumor growth does not exceed 3 mm in diameter and continues through Stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, until Stage 4 is reached. This is where the lungs or other parts of the body have multiple malignant growths.
two. Metastatic lung cancer is classified as Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s and begins in another part of the body before spreading to the lungs. Metastatic lung cancer is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, itching, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats while sleeping. Lymph nodes can be found in groups in the pelvis, neck, under the arms, and in the abdomen. When there is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the reason is often unknown.
Diagnosis includes blood tests and a biopsy of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope.
Staging is based on the extent of the tumor.
Level 1. When only one lymph node or area is affected.
Internship 2. Where two or more lymph nodes are affected on one side of the diaphragm, or a single lymph node where the tumor has affected a nearby organ.
Stage 3. Where the lymphoma is in the areas above and below the diaphragm, and is considered advanced.
Stage 4. When the lymphoma has metastasized to other parts of the body, such as the liver, brain, or bone marrow. At this stage, the disease is considered generalized.