Out of the two types of Lung Cancer, Non-small-cell Lung cancer is more common, accounting for 80% of all Lung Cancer cases.

There has been an improvement in the survival rate over the past two decades. Even though the rate of improvement is going at a snails pace, it is there.

Types:

There are at least four distinct types of non-small-cell lung cancers. They are differentiated by their look under the microscope but their treatment in general is the same.

Adenocarcinoma:

Adenocarcinoma of the lung accounts for over 50 percent of all lung cancer cases in the United States. It is more common in women and is still the most frequent type seen in non-smokers.

Squamous cell:

Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma of the lung is the microscopic type most frequently related to smoking.

Large cell:

Large cell carcinoma, especially those with neuroendocrine features, is commonly associated with spread of the tumor to the brain.

Bronchoalveolar carcinoma:

No info found.

How It Spreads:

Non-small cell cancer can spread through the lymphatic system and through the blood. It can also spread to involve the center of the chest (mediastinum), the lining of the chest, the ribs or, if it is in the top part of the lung, the nerves and blood vessels leading into the arm. When non-small cell lung cancer enters the bloodstream, it can spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, bones, brain and other places in the lung.

Following table shows the stages of cancer,and other related inforamtion.

Stages	Symptoms	Diagnostics	Treatments
I The tumor can be surgically removed and has not spread to involve lymph nodes.	-New or changing cough -Pink/bloody sputum -Hoarseness -Shortness of breath -Increased sputum -Recurrent lung infections -Weight loss -Fatigue	Blood and other tests	Surgery: This involves removing a lobe of the lung or resection of a tumor in the center of the lung. Techniques have improved, significantly will low risks Radiation therapy: For patients who cannot tolerate surgery, limited radiation may be used with smaller survival benefit
II The tumor has spread to the lymph nodes or the dust wall, mediastinum or diaphragm	The same as above -Swelling of arm or face	Physical examination: Lymph node enlargement in neck or above collarbone PET scan to stage the mediastinum Mediastinoscopy with biopsy	Surgery: This is the standard treatment Chemotherapy: Combined with surgery, this improves the outcome for locally advanced disease. Radiation therapy: Patients unable to withstand surgery may benefit
III Divided into stages IIIA (able to be removed) and IIIB (unable to be removed). Both show involvement of lymph nodes in the center of the chest	The same as above.	Physical examination: Same as above plus decreased breath sounds or dullness when chest is tapped indicating fluid in the lung	These tumors are treated mainly with radiation and chemotherapy, surgery or both, depending on clinical circumstances
IV The cancer has spread to distant sites.	Same as above -Severe headaches -Double vision -Pain in bones, chest, abdomen, neck or arms	Physical examination: same as above plus enlarged liver or other abdominal mass Bone scan or bone biopsy CT scan of liver or adrenal glands liver biopsy PET, CT or MRI scans of the brain	Chemotherapy: Platinum drug combined with Taxol, Taxotere, Gemzar or Navelbine appear to be more effective than simple palliative care. Additionally, they may relieve symptoms and reduce tumor size

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