Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Lungs are one of the most vital components of the respiratory system that facilitate the respiratory process, which is vital for our survival. No wonder, a serious lung disease can have a serious repercussion on one's health. Cancer could also affect lungs. This is a serious disease that is caused due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. Adenocarcinoma, which is a form of non small cell cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, is one of the common forms of cancer that affects the lungs. While small cell lung cancer commonly affects those who indulge in heavy smoking, adenocarcinoma may affect non-smokers as well. In this article, we will look into the causes, symptoms and treatment of this medical condition.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

This type of cancer develops in the periphery or the outer portion of the lungs, which is why the symptoms start appearing after the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage. In the initial stages, this condition may remain asymptomatic. This is the reason why it is often diagnosed at a later stage. Though the cancerous growth often takes place in the lining or the outer surface, the uncontrolled cell division may even take place in the tiny alveolar sacs, wherein the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Under these circumstances, one is diagnosed with bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma.

While smokers are definitely at an increased risk of developing any form of lung cancer, even non-smokers can be affected by this condition. At times, one may even be genetically predisposed to adenocarcinoma of the lung. Exposure to asbestos, radon and other environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust, copper, nickel, cadmium or aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons may also make one susceptible to this form of cancer. A person diagnosed with this form of cancer may exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, wheezing, voice changes, shortness of breath or body aches. One may also become susceptible to respiratory infections and exhibit symptoms such as chest pain or a worsening cough. One may even cough up blood.

Prognosis and Survival Rate

As mentioned earlier, this form of cancer may be asymptomatic in the early stages. Most of the time, it may be diagnosed incidentally during a routine medical checkup involving a chest X-ray examination. Besides the X-ray examination, blood tests, sputum analysis, bronchoscopy or lung biopsy may also help in providing information that may help in diagnosing this condition. CT scan and PET scan may also be performed. These diagnostic procedures may help in ascertaining the extent of the disease or stage of the cancer. The treatment options would then be recommended as per the severity of the symptoms or the stage of the cancer of the lung. The decision regarding the suitability of the treatment options for non small cell cancer is taken after considering the overall health of the patient. Doctors may suggest a combination of treatment options.

If detected at an early stage, surgery may be performed to remove the cancerous growth. Wedge resection, lobectomy and pneumonectomy are some of the surgical procedures that may be considered for those diagnosed with this serious lung disease. If surgery cannot be performed, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapies may be used for destroying the malignant cells. The prognosis or the chance of recovery would certainly depend on the stage of the cancer along with the patient's overall health. The prognosis is dismal if the cancer has spread beyond the chest wall or spread to the lymph nodes of the mediastinum. The overall five-year survival rate is about 15% for people diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. The survival rates may also be affected by the stage one is diagnosed with. Less than 10% of the people, who have been diagnosed with the advanced stage, may survive for five years after the diagnosis.

The prognosis of this serious lung disease is quite poor, but if diagnosed at an early stage, the life expectancy may improve. While the aforementioned treatment options may help in controlling this disease, the patient would also need palliative care. Family members must also be supportive and lend their emotional support. This will help the patient deal with this disease and may also help in improving his/her quality of life.