Locally advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer

Locally Advanced Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80% – 85% of all lung cancer cases. It develops in the epithelial cells of the lung, which line the airways and form the alveoli. About 30% of non-small cell lung cancer cases are locally advanced, meaning the cancer has spread from the lungs to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

Locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is an aggressive form of non-small cell lung cancer that requires specialized treatment. Common types of LA-NSCLC include adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer include:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain

Any of these symptoms may be a sign of LA-NSCLC. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

Diagnosis

If LA-NSCLC is suspected, the doctor will order diagnostic tests such as imaging, blood tests, and biopsies. Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be used to diagnose LA-NSCLC and determine the extent of the cancer spread. Blood tests can help check for cancer markers, which can indicate the presence of cancer. Biopsies are used to collect samples of cancerous tissue that can then be analyzed in a laboratory.

Treatment

Treatment options for LA-NSCLC may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is often the primary treatment for LA-NSCLC and is usually used to remove the cancerous tissue in the lungs. Chemotherapy is an intravenous (IV) drug treatment used to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, or stop them from growing.