About Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is not a single disease but rather a group of cancers that develop in the lung. Cancer occurs when cells mutate (change abnormally) and begin growing out of control. These cells form tumors that can often be seen on a chest X-ray.

Some tumors that form in the lung are benign (noncancerous), meaning they do not grow into surrounding areas or spread in the  body. Malignant (cancerous) tumors grow into nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

A biopsy is required to determine the diagnosis of a tumor that appears suspicious on imaging.

How does lung cancer develop?

Many patients wonder why they developed lung cancer or if they are at a high risk for the disease.

In general, cancer develops after the genetic material in cells changes abnormally and the cells begin growing out of control. When there are enough of these abnormal cells, they can form a tumor.

Lung cancer often is a result of chronic exposure to tobacco smoke, either from smoking or from being around secondhand smoke. It also is linked to exposure to certain substances like radon gas or asbestos, or from prior radiation treatment to or over the lungs.

People who have had lung cancer before are at higher risk of recurrence. People who have a close relative who has had lung cancer are are slightly higher risk of developing the disease.