What Are the Stages of Lung Cancer Progression?
Lung cancer is a devastating illness that is one of the most common forms of cancer. 2010 estimates for lung cancer in the United States alone suggest that 222,520 new cases will occur and 157,300 deaths will be attributed to the disease per year. Understanding lung cancer progression is an important part of learning about the disease. It is important to understand that there are multiple types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is often linked to smoking and involves tiny cells that quickly multiply to form large tumors. Non-small cell lung cancer, which makes up most cases, comes in four main types: squamous cell carcinoma, which creates tumors in the bronchial tubes; adenocarcinoma, which affects the mucous glands; bronchioalveolar, which causes air sac tumors; and large cell non-differentiated carcinoma, which tends to attack the exterior surface of the lungs.
