Large cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer. The term large cell refers to the appearance of the cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. The tumors associated with this type of cancer are also typically large. It’s a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. Large cell carcinoma is responsible for about ten percent of the non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis. It grows more rapidly and spreads quicker than other cancers in this group. Unfortunately, most cases of this type of lung cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages because of minor symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lung cancer present differently in every person. Some patients have no noticeable symptoms at all, and the cancer is found during routine exams or visits for other illnesses. Symptoms associated with the presence of lung cancer are a persistent cough that may produce blood, wheezing, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite or weight loss that is unexplained.

Risk Factors

There are specific risk factors involved in increasing the odds of getting lung cancer. The number one high-risk activity is smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Avoid secondhand smoke should as this too can cause the development of lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, air pollution, and arsenic in drinking water. Workplace exposure to cancer-causing gases and fumes may also contribute.

Cancer Diagnosis

The most common diagnostic tool for lung cancer is a chest x-ray. The cancerous tumor will show up in white or grey shades on the x-ray. CT scans and MRI’s are also used to determine the size and other pertinent information about the tumor. Biopsies are usually performed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the tissues. Staging will be determined and treatment options made available in accordance.

Cancer Stages

Non-small cell lung cancer is classified into four stages of its life cycle. In stage one, the cancer is isolated to the lung itself and has not spread to any other parts of the body. Stage two means that cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the lung. Stage three means it is advanced and has spread to multiple lymph nodes and areas. The last stage is stage four, the end stage of the disease. In this advanced and aggressive stage, cancer has spread to other organs and lung fluids.

Treatments

The treatment of lung cancer depends on the stage the cancer is in. Some patients in stage 1 and 2 have a surgery option given. The section of the lung that contains the tumor is removed essentially ridding the body of cancer. Chemotherapy usually helps to ensure that cancer cells don’t return. If a patient is in an advanced stage or the tumor can’t be removed, the prognosis is terminal. Radiation and Chemotherapy are used for patients in stages 3 and 4 to slow cancer growth. Thanks to medical advances there are also new targeted treatments that have proven to be quite effective.

Radiation

Radiation therapy helps to treat cancer by eliminating the cells with a large number of tiny x-rays. Typically radiation therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy to attack and shrink the tumors. Radiation is also helpful to treat a single area where cancer may have spread, like the brain. It helps to relieve symptoms that can accompany lung cancer. Pain, bleeding, coughing, and relieving airway blockages are all things that radiation treatments can help with. The side effects of radiation are commonly hair loss, nausea, and severe fatigue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the process of injecting anti-cancer medications into the patient’s veins. It is useful because it can reach the entire body via the bloodstream. Doctor’s may use one or more medications in combination to attack the cancer cells. If one treatment isn’t working, adjustments can be made as there are usually others to try. The side effects of these medications are quite unpleasant and include hair loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and an increased chance of infections.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment that works well with some types of cancer. These medications stimulate the patient’s immune system to work harder as a defense against the cancer cells.

Prognosis

Non-small cell lung cancer survival rates are based on a five-year survival scale conducted from studies of people with this type of cancer. Most patients diagnosed with stage 1 will live beyond five years. The prognosis decreases with each stage, but every patient is different; the data is a guideline. A stage 4 diagnosis has a less than 1% chance of making the five-year mark. Early detection is key to this cancer. It is easy to overlook symptoms until they are already in advanced stages.

Prevention

If you are at a higher risk of lung cancer, take precautions to lower your risk. Avoid tobacco use, secondhand smoke, and other air pollutants. Eating a healthy diet and avoid too much alcohol or other illicit drugs. Use masks and other protective equipment in work environments that pose a threat. If you have a family history of lung cancer, regular medical check-ups should be a priority.