Though we do not have the ability to measure when lung cancer started in a patient, experts say it takes approximately three to six months for most lung cancers to double in size. Lung cancer is especially deadly due to the fact that it typically exhibits no immediately discernible symptoms. Lung cancer can progress so silently that it can take years for it to grow to half an inch in size, or large enough to be seen by an x-ray.
The Two Types of Lung Cancer and How Quickly They Progress
As presented by the American Cancer Society, there are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. While both cancers affect the lung, doctors treat each very differently.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Up to 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer. It is the most common form of lung cancer.
There are three common types of non-small cell lung cancer:
- Adenocarcinomas: found in the outer area of the lung
- Squamous cell carcinomas: found in the center of the lung next to an air tube (bronchus)
- Large cell carcinomas: found in any part of the lung
Non-small cell lung cancer grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
This type of lung cancer represents approximately 10% to 15% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer grows and spreads quickly. Nearly 70% of patients diagnosed with SCLC have cancer that has already spread. While it often responds favorably to chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer is known for returning at some point.
The Four Stages of Lung Cancer
There are four stages of lung cancer. The cancer stage diagnosis depends upon how far your cancer has progressed when doctors discover it. The following four stages are of non-small cell lung cancer as well as the typical types of treatment for each:
- Stage One: surgery to remove a part of the lung, may recommend chemotherapy
- Stage Two: surgery to remove part or all of the lung, may require chemotherapy
- Stage Three: may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
- Stage Four: hard to cure, may attempt chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies
Small cell lung cancer options for treatment often include radiation and/or chemotherapy, depending upon the patient.
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Common Causes of Lung Cancer
Certain factors place others at more of a risk of developing cancer than others, according to the American Cancer Society. These factors include:
- Heavy smokers account for approximately 80% of lung cancers.
- Exposure to radon, a natural radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
- Workers exposed to dangerous carcinogens, such as asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma forms in the tissue surrounding the lungs.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our legal team has experience taking on tough cases against large tobacco companies and companies that exposed workers to asbestos.
Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis and seeing how quickly lung cancer can progress is frightening. Anxiety regarding your future medical and financial needs only hinders your health. Let our law firm help you by evaluating your case for free.
Let Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Help You Pursue Justice
Lung cancer is often difficult to detect until it has progressed. Once you receive the devastating news, you may experience anger over how you developed the disease. Knowing that your cancer may have resulted from the negligent actions of another party is especially disheartening.
We have legal teams throughout the United States that can represent you. It is important that you not speak with insurance companies during this difficult time. Should you accept a settlement offer, you may forfeit your right to pursue a civil claim later if your condition worsens.
Don’t fall to the pressure insurance company representatives use on innocent victims. The amount they offer you may seem like a large sum. However, chances are it isn’t enough to protect your financial future.
Each case is different and depends upon important evidence regarding what the liable party knew and when they knew it. Your medical records can also serve as valuable evidence for your case.
The sooner we can review your case information, the sooner we can decide upon the best course of action for you. Securing legal representation without delay is one of the most important steps you can take following your diagnosis.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. To learn more, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm as soon as possible: (800) 217-6099.
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