The lungs are part of the respiratory system. The right lung has three sections, called lobes; it is a little larger than the left lung, which has two lobes. The lungs function by taking in oxygen when a person inhales and releasing carbon dioxide when a person exhales.
Lung cancer begins when normal cells undergo changes leading to abnormal growth. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently.
Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer, and it generally grows and spreads more slowly. Small cell lung cancer, sometimes called oat cell cancer, is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. This type of lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.
In New Mexico, lung cancer is the number-one cause of cancer death in both men and women. While research is ongoing to find an effective screening test for lung cancer, at present the single most important step to reduce risks of developing lung cancer is to avoid tobacco products. Don’t smoke! If you do smoke – Stop!
Last updated on 04/1/2009 02:12 pm.
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