Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

What is adenocarcinoma of the lung?

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a common form of lung cancer, accounting for 40% of all lung cancers. It falls under non-small cell lung cancer and is typically slow growing.

Affected individuals have often not smoked before. Females are more likely to be affected than males, and younger individuals are more likely to be affected by this cancer than other lung cancers.

What are the symptoms of adenocarcinoma of the lung?

The characteristic symptoms of this cancer are persistent coughing, pain in the chest, raspy voice, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.

What causes adenocarcinoma of the lung?

Adenocarcinomas begin in the cells that secrete substances like mucus. Medical professionals are unsure as to why cancer happens, but they know that genetic mutations cause cells to grow and multiply rapidly into a tumor.

How is adenocarcinoma of the lung diagnosed?

Doctors will begin with a physical exam and ask about medical and patient history. A variety of different tests are used to diagnose this cancer, including imaging tests, biopsies, and laboratory tests. Further tests may be needed to stage the cancer.

What are the treatments for adenocarcinoma of the lung?

Doctors will make a treatment decision based on the stage and location of the cancer, patient preference, and patient health. Treatment options include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, and targeted therapies.