- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Lung cancer
What is lung cancer?
Chapter 01
What is lung cancer?
The lungs are the main organs for breathing and are part of the respiratory system that includes the nose, mouth, windpipe and airways (large airways, bronchi; smaller airways, bronchioles) to each lung. Lung cancer is a cancerous tumour in the tissue of one or both of the lungs.
Primary lung cancer starts in the lungs.
Secondary or metastatic lung cancer can start somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs.
Less common types of lung cancers
Less common lung cancers can form in the chest area. These are called ‘thoracic cancers’.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the covering of the lung, called the pleura. It’s almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
Primary lung cancer is split into two groups:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – the most common type
Types of non-small cell lung cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma – starts in the mucus and affects the smaller airways
- Squamous cell carcinoma – mainly affects the cells that line the tubes into the lungs. It tends to grow in the centre of the lung. It’s usually caused by smoking
- Large cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma – cancer affecting large round cells
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) – This is less common (about 1 in 10 lung cancers). It mainly affects smokers and is very rare in people who’ve never smoked.
SCLC tends to start in the middle of the lungs and usually spreads more quickly than NSCLC.
Symptoms
Chapter 02
Symptoms
Common lung cancer symptoms may include:
- coughing up blood
- a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
- chest pain and/or shoulder pain or discomfort – the pain may be worse with coughing or deep breathing
- trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- trouble swallowing
- hoarse voice
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- chest infection that doesn’t go away
- tiredness or weakness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are persistent, it is recommended to make an appointment with your GP.
Treatments options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for lung cancer
Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread. There are many radiation therapy techniques which may be suitable for different cancers at different stages.
Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
Helpful resources
Chapter 04
Other helpful resources
We understand that you may still have some unanswered questions, and we’re here to help you in any way we can. But if you are still seeking answers visit Targeting Cancer for further information about this condition or contact a staff member from a centre near you.
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Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread.

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Our doctors
GenesisCare attracts and retains some of the most experienced doctors in the country.
Disclaimer
Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.