- What is Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- Statistics on Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- Risk Factors for Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- Progression of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- Symptoms of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- Clinical Examination of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- How is Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung) Diagnosed?
- Prognosis of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
- How is Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung) Treated?
- Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung) References
What is Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
Lung cancers are tumours arising from cells lining the airways of the respiratory system.
One type of lung cancer is known as Large Cell Carcinoma. The cells of this tumour appear large and abnormal under the microscope.
Statistics on Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
Lung cancer is common. One in every 28 Australians will develop lung cancer during their lifetime. Lung cancer is also deadly: it is the commonest cause of cancer death in Australia, accounting for around 23% of male and 15% of female cancer deaths.
Lung cancer is more than twice as common in men as in women.
Geographically, the tumour is found worldwide, but it is especially common in countries with a high tobacco consumption.
Large cell lung cancer is a rare type of lung cancer, accounting for just 9% of all cases of lung cancer.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
Cigarette smoking is the main predisposing factor. In recent years, it has been recognised that passive smoking (e.g. from a first degree relative in a house of smokers) can also put people at risk. Generally, the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing this tumour. The combination of asbestos exposure plus cigarette smoking is particularly harmful. Other occupational exposures such as exposure to metals including arsenic, chromium and nickel can also increase risk.
Some studies have suggested that diet can play a role in lung cancer risk. Though it is not known how it works, diets high in fruits and vegetables seem to decrease risk.
Radiation exposure damages the DNA material within the cells and can also cause lung cancer.
Radon (a radioactive gas) exposure from our normal surrounding environment, if higher than normal, can predispose to lung cancer. This evidence is mainly based upon population studies which show that people living in areas with a high radon content are prone to increased incidences of a variety of cancers.
Progression of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
Spread of the tumour can occur by the lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes located within the lung, mediastinum and thorax. If spread by the blood stream, it can lead to deposits of tumour in the liver, opposite lung, bone and brain.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung)
Patients with large cell carcinoma of the lung may notice:
- Coughing (8-75%)
- Weight loss (0-68%)
- Shortness of breath (3-60%)
- Chest pain (20-49%): often ill-defined and aching
- Haemoptysis (coughing up blood): sputum may be streaked with blood
- Non-specific symptoms: fever, weakness, lethargy.Rarely, patients may present with difficulty swallowing or wheezing.
How is Lung Cancer (Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung) Diagnosed?
- Full blood picture: this may reveal anaemia (low haemoglobin).
- Liver function tests: abnormal liver function tests may suggest that the tumour has spread to the liver.
- Urea and electrolytes: low levels of sodium in the blood may indicate inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH), a complication of some types of lung cancer.Imaging tests:
- Chest x-ray: lung cancer may be seen on chest x-ray as a solitary pulmonary nodule or mass. As many as 80% of solitary pulmonary nodules (
- CT: this is more accurate than chest x-ray, and may be particularly useful in identification of lymph node involvement. See the example 