Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) usually takes years to develop. Patients at an early stage usually do not have any symptoms and abnormalities cannot easily be detected through X-Ray. Usually NSCLC starts in the lining of the bronchi tubes leading into the lungs but as the cancer develops, tumors can metastasize elsewhere.
NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers with three sub-types: adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cell type followed by squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma.
Additional Information:
American Thoracic Society (ATS) Posts New Guidelines for Diagnosing Asbestosis (9/22/04)
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) updated the 1986 criteria for diagnosing and treating patients with nonmalignant disease related to asbestos, according to a report in the Sept. 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. These conditions include asbestosis, pleural thickening or asbestos-related pleural fibrosis (plaques or diffuse fibrosis), "benign" (nonmalignant) pleural effusion, and airflow obstruction. More...
Predictors of Lung Cancer Among Asbestos-exposed men in the -Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (2/15/05)
Despite numerous published studies, debate continues regarding theirs of deveooping lung cancer among men exposed occupationally to asbestos, particularly those without radiographic or functional evidence of asbestos. More...
Conclusion: ..... "intense occupational exposure, even in the absence of asbestosis, confers significant lung cancer risk"