Portal:Medicine/Selected article/26, 2007

Lung cancer is the malignant transformation and expansion of lung tissue, and is responsible for 1.3 million deaths worldwide annually. It is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men, and the second most common in women.

Current research indicates that the factor with the greatest impact on risk of lung cancer is long-term exposure to inhaled carcinogens, especially tobacco smoke. While some people who have never smoked do still get lung cancer, this appears to be due to a combination of genetic factors and exposure to secondhand smoke. Radon gas and air pollution may also contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Treatment and prognosis depend upon the histological type of cancer, the stage (degree of spread), and the patient's performance status. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. (More...)