Cancer - lung

Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.

See the individual articles on the different types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer

How well a patient does depends on the following:

• Type of lung cancer
• Whether or not the cancer has spread
• Your age
• Your overall health
• How well you respond to treatment

The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances of survival. Lung cancer is a deadly disease. Nearly 60% of people with lung cancer die within a year. However, some people are cured and go on to live many years.

The cancer may spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Cancer treatment can cause significant side effects.

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of lung cancer (particularly if you smoke).

Review Date: 09/26/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)