Lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi in the lungs and develops over many years. The lungs are two sponge-like organs that bring oxygen in and get rid of carbon dioxide. The trachea (windpipe) brings air into the lungs and is then divided into tubes called bronchi. The bronchi then divide into smaller branches called bronchioles. Tiny air sacs, alveoli, are at the end of the bronchioles. Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease because it usually spreads to other parts of the body before X-rays detect it.

Two major types of lung cancer

1. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) - The cells are small and can multiply quickly to form large tumors.These cells can also spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Small cell lung cancer is almost always linked to smoking.
2. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - Squamous cell carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma and Large-Cell undifferentiated carcinoma make up the NSCLS.

Signs and symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Sputum streaked with blood
• Chest pain
• Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis

Treatment options for lung cancer include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

For most cancers that have not spread, surgery is the treatment of choice. However, because most lung cancers have spread by the time they are discovered, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often used in combination with surgery. For small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy combined with radiation is the treatment of choice.

Information

For more information about the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment, please call (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

Shands at UF Cancer Services were ranked 46th in the country by U.S.News&World Report. Learn more.

Shands at UF Cancer Services Navigation

History

University of Florida Shands Cancer Center 2007 Annual Report (PDF file)

Types of Cancer

Brain Cancer

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancers

Genitourinary Cancers

Gynecological Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Larynx Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Cancer Treatment

Bone Marrow Transplant

Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Surgery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about cancer services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.