Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Medical Author:
Irfan Maghfoor, MD
Coauthor:
Michael Perry, MD, FACP
Medical Editor:
Winston W Tan, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Koyamangalath Krishnan, MD, FRCP
NonSmall-Cell Lung Cancer OverviewCancers are diseases in which normal cells transform so that they grow and multiply without normal controls. In many types of cancer, this results in the growth of one or more large masses, or tumors, of these transformed cells. This can happen in almost any part of the body. When it happens in the lungs, the disease is called lung cancer.
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Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Medical Treatment
Medical therapy options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. These treatments help decrease tumor growth and size. When tumor growth and size are reduced, symptoms are more likely to be relieved and survival may be prolonged. Other drugs may also be given to prevent and treat adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as nausea or vomiting. Pain medications are also important to relieve pain due to cancer or surgery.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Depending on the type and stage of lung cancer, chemotherapy may slow tumor growth. For example, non-small cell lung cancer does not respond well to chemotherapy drugs, whereas early-stage small cell lung cancer (oat cell lung cancer) may be very responsive to chemotherapy. Although the precise methods may vary, all chemotherapy drugs work by decreasing the ability of cancer cells to reproduce. Platinum alkylators, podophyllin alkaloids, vinc...
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Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell »
Worldwide, bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and in women.
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