Non-small lung cancer is a type of cancer that accounts for 85 percent of the total cases of all the lung cancers. There are three kinds of Non-small-cell lung cancer tumors:
Adenocarcinoma
This type of non-small lung cancer starts in cells in the alveoli (air sacs) that makes mucus and other substance. These air sacs are present in the outer part of the lungs. It is one of the most common kind of lung cancer which affects both smokers and non-smokers. Adenocarcinoma grows more slowly than other lung cancers.
Squamous cell carcinoma
It starts in the inner airways of the lungs. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts a quarter of the total of lung cancer cases across the country.
Large cell carcinoma
This type of non-small lung cancer grows and spreads more quickly as compared to squamous and adenocarcinoma. Its progressive growth makes it difficult to treat. Large cell carcinoma is about 10 percent of the total cases of the lung cancers.
Unfortunately, non-small lung cancer does not cause symptoms until they have spread or reached metastasis. Some common symptoms of non-small lung cancer include:
- persistent cough
- bloodied cough or rust-colored sputum
- pain in the chest that gets worse with breathing and coughing
- unusual weight loss
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- when lung cancer spreads to distant organs of the body, it may cause symptoms such as:
- Bone pain
Changes in the nervous system such as a headache, weakness or numbness in arms and legs. Severe symptoms might result in balancing problems, and seizures. If cancer spreads to the liver, it might cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Formation of lumps near the neck and the collarbone might be observed in case the cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes.
Some lung cancers can cause syndrome with very specific symptoms, some of them are listed below.
Horner syndrome
Sometimes also referred to as Pancoast tumors, the cancer of the top parts of the lungs. It affects certain nerves of the eyes and part of the face which causes Horner syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as drooping or weakness in one eyelid, a smaller pupil in the same eye.
Superior vena cava syndrome
SVC or superior vena cava syndrome is a large vein that carries the blood from head and arms back to the heart. If there is a cancerous tumor formed near SVC, it can cause blood to flow back into the vein. This leads to swelling of the face, arms, neck, arms and upper chest. SVC syndrome also causes headaches and dizziness. This condition develops gradually and can become life-threatening if not treated right away.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Some lung cancers result in the formation of hormone-like substances that enter the bloodstream. This causes problems with distant organs and tissues even if cancer cells have not spread to those tissues and organs. Symptoms such as blood clots, excess chest growth in men, thickening of bones, and high calcium level can be observed in patients suffering from this type of syndrome.
The above-mentioned symptoms are also likely to be caused by some other diseases other than non-small lung cancer. Hence, it is important to consult a doctor if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms so that they can be treated accordingly.
