Lung cancer
Lung Cancer (including mesothelioma)
Cancer originating in the lungs, including the trachea, pleura, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. This category also includes mesothelioma, a malignant tumour of the pleura. (Source - MyHospitals glossary)
There are different types of lung cancer, named by the type of cell affected. There are two main types: small cell carcinomas and non-small cell carcinomas. Lung cancers usually start in the cells lining the airways. There are different types of lung cancer, depending on which cells are affected. It is more common in people over 55 years. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in Australia. We do not know the cause in all cases; however, up to nine out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.
Lung cancer is categorised into stages according to its spread. This helps the doctors to decide on appropriate treatments.