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Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Adenocarcinoma Of The Lung

What Is It?

Lung cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer that affects adults in the United States, can be classified broadly into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The latter variety can be further classified into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell and large cell varieties. Conceptually, the difference between SCLC and NSCLC is the approach that is taken in both performing the diagnostic workup and the treatment planning. SCLC tends to be widely disseminated at its first presentation, thus favoring the use of chemotherapy as the mainstay of treatment. NSCLC, on the other hand, may be localized to the lung at the time of first presentation, favoring the use of surgical resection with or without radiation therapy as the initial mainstay of treatment. Each particular type of lung cancer has its own special characteristics, and more recently, its own genetic make up, allowing hope that new treatment modalities may be developed to improve the outcomes of patients affected with these diseases. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a type of lung cancer.

Like other cancers, adenocarcinoma is the growth of abnormal cells. These cancerous cells multiply out of control and form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it destroys parts of the lung. Eventually, the tumor's abnormal cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the local lymph nodes in the chest and the central portion of the chest, called the mediastinum; the liver; the bones; the adrenal glands; and other organs, including the brain.

Adenocarcinoma is more likely than other types of lung cancer to be contained in one area of the body. If it is truly localized, it may also respond better than other lung cancers to treatment, especially surgical removal of the tumor and draining lymph nodes.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. Most of this type of cancer is found in smokers. However, it also is the most frequent type of lung cancer seen in nonsmokers. It is the most common form of lung cancer seen in women and people younger than 45.

As with other forms of lung cancer, you are more likely to get adenocarcinoma if you:

• Smoke cigarettes — Smokers have 13 times more risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke is associated with most cases of adenocarcinoma. Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer, substantially more significant than all the following risk factors combined.

• Breathe cigarette smoke — Nonsmokers who inhale the cigarette fumes of smokers have an increased risk of lung cancer.

• Are exposed to radon gas — Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is formed in the ground. It seeps into the lower floors of homes and public buildings and can contaminate drinking water. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It's not clear whether elevated radon levels contribute to lung cancer in nonsmokers. However, research has shown that radon exposure contributes to increased rates of lung cancer in smokers and in people exposed to higher levels of radon, such as miners. You can test the levels of radon in your home and surrounding area by using commercially available radon testing kits.

• Are exposed to asbestos — Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used in home insulation, fireproofing, tiles for floors and ceilings, automobile brake linings, and other products. It is believed that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer. People at risk of lung cancer include workers who are exposed to asbestos on the job (miners, construction workers, shipyard workers and auto mechanics who work with brakes), and people who live or work in buildings in which building products that contain asbestos are deteriorating. In addition to the adenocarcinoma type of lung cancer, individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, and particular types of asbestos, are also at a significant greater risk of developing a specialized type of lung cancer called mesothelioma.

• Are exposed to other carcinogens in the workplace — These include uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, diesel exhaust and high levels of talc dust.

From Health A-Z, Harvard Health Publications. Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.

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