Non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (pronounced: non-small-cell lung can-cer) is a type of lung cancer that is characterized by the type of cells in which the cancer starts. It is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer cases.

Etymology

The term "Non-small-cell lung cancer" is derived from the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells. The term "non-small cell" is used to differentiate this type of cancer from another type of lung cancer known as small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Definition

Non-small-cell lung cancer is a broad term that includes several types of lung cancers that behave in a similar way, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These cancers are grouped together because their treatment and prognosis are often similar.

Symptoms

Symptoms of non-small-cell lung cancer can vary, but may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer typically involves imaging tests, biopsy, and laboratory tests.

Treatment

Treatment options for non-small-cell lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's personal preferences.

Prognosis

The prognosis for non-small-cell lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the patient's response to treatment.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Non-small-cell lung cancer
Wikipedia's article - Non-small-cell lung cancer

This MedicineGPT article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski

Non-small-cell lung cancer