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Known as "the silent disease" for not presenting serious symptoms until well into its advanced stages, lung cancer begins as abnormal cells that grow in one or both of the lungs.

These abnormal cells form a lump, or tumor, which interferes with the proper functioning of the lungs.

Research points to smoking as one of the major causes of lung cancer, although not all smokers develop the disease. Current studies also show the role of environmental pollutants resulting in increased risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer symptoms usually begin with chronic wheezing or a persistent cough that lasts for more than two weeks. This may be accompanied by persistent chest, back or shoulder pain. Sputum may increase in volume or change color, or blood may appear mixed with it.

In some cases, patients may suffer from chronic pneumonia or bronchitis before the full-blown onset of the disease. Today, a simple blood test for lung cancer is being tested to diagnose the disease years earlier than in the past, which will hopefully lead to much earlier treatment and better chances for remission.

Lung cancer is usually diagnosed as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) — the most common form — and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), both of which are further classified by lung cancer stages, or the progression of the disease at the time it is first detected.

Lung cancer treatment options depend on a number of factors including the stage or progression of the disease, along with the general health of the patient upon diagnosis. The major forms of therapy for lung cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

On the Web, learn more about managing the disease with basic facts and information on risk factors, detection and diagnosis, current studies and research, clinical trials, treatment and staging, and after treatment care for those diagnosed with lung cancer...

also see -> How to quit smoking | mesothelioma

More about lung cancer around the Web:

eMedicine Health - Lung Cancer - Up-to-date statistics on the disease with details on staging and diagnosis, causes, pictures and x-rays, advice on when to seek treatment, complete overview of related exams and tests, treatment and after care.

Lung Cancer.org - Extensive information on lung cancer for the media, professionals, patients and caregivers, including expert advice on lung cancer prevention and detection, where to find clinical trials, facts on women and lung cancer, support resources and related links.

Lung Cancer - Non-Small Cell - Comprehensive, multi-part presentation covering basic information, risk factors and prevention, detection, treatment and staging, after treatment care, current research and related resources from the American Cancer Society.

National Cancer Institute - Tobacco and Cancer - Q&A and FAQs, information on quitting and prevention, tobacco use statistics and research, where to find smoking cessation programs, related clinical trials.

Lung Cancer Online - One-stop browsing for links to facts on tests, diagnosis, treatments, side effects, emotional concerns, support groups, and follow-up care.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.