Lung cancer happens when the cells start growing out of control within or on the outer tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer exists in many types, among them are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The American Cancer Society claims that lung cancer (both NSCLC and SCLC) accounts for the second most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S.

NSCLC causes an unusual growth that starts inside the lining of the airways of the lung. While more cancer cells are growing, it may develop into a tumor. As the condition worsens, it could start to spread into other areas of the lung or spread throughout the body into other areas. When this occurs it is called metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Symptoms of NSCLC may include:

• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Lumps in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Wheezing

While experiencing these symptoms does not mean you have lung cancer, you should consult with a physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with NSCLC, the various treatment options can be discussed with your oncologist. The following treatment options for NSCLC are decided upon with consideration for the cancer stage, the health and the function of the lung, the health of patients, and the progression of the cancer:

1. Radiation
Radiation is used if the tumor in the lungs cannot be removed because of the size and/or where it is located. It may also be used if a patient is not healthy enough for surgery, or if they refuse surgery. Sometimes radiotherapy is used along with chemotherapy before of after surgery to attempt to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Another reason to use this kind of treatment is for shrinking the tumor to make the surgery less complicated and for treating a localized area of cancer.

2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (or chemo) is an anti-cancer drug that is injected intravenously, taken by mouth, or applied to the skin in the form of a patch. As chemo enters the bloodstream and travels through the body, it targets cancer cells. Chemo is often used to shrink lung tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove. This treatment is also administered for cancer cells that cannot be excreted with surgery because cancer has metastasized into nearby vital parts of the body.

3. Lung surgery
If a person is healthy enough for lung surgery, they may undergo the removal of part of the lobe of the lung. Lung cancers in certain locations may be treated with a sleeve resection, but in some instances, they could be difficult to remove completely without removing a lobe, or an entire lung. In some cases, laser treatment may be an alternative to surgery for lung cancer patients that are in stage 0 cancer. If a patient is in early stage 1 cancer, then lung surgery may be the only treatment needed.