Lung Cancer

Overview

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Over 20 years there has not been improvement in survival despite better treatment methods.

Incidence

General points:

• Incidence in Western nations > Incidence in Developing nations (attributable to increased cigarette smoking)

• Male to Female ration = 3:1 in most Western nations

• Incidence in females is increasing rapidly (so evening of rations may occur)

Aetiology

General points:

• Environmental carcinogens, most important = cig smoking.

  • Statistics for Bronchogenic carcinoma: average smokers have 10-fold greater risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers. >40cigs/day have 20-fold greater risk. Cessation of smoking for >10 years will bring the risks back to control levels.

  • Other carcinogens: environment hazards such as: radiation, asbestos (5 times increased risk = non-smokers, 50-90 times increased risk = smokers), nickel, chromate, coal, mustard gas, arsenic, beryllium & iron.

    • Asbestos: 1/5 deaths = bronchogenic carcinoma, 1/10 = pleural/peritoneal mesotheliomas, 1/10 – GI carcinoma

  • Air pollutants: Radon is of major concern

  • Scarring: Scar cancers arise in vicinity of scar tissue, which is a result of previous damage.

• Generally if you smoke + are exposed to environmental carcinogens = then the risk is compounded.

Category: Pathology Notes