Lung cancer
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Greater than 95% of lung cancers can be categorized as either small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma being the most common NSCLC. Carcinoid tumors and mesothelioma may also arise in the lung but are less common. The lungs are also a common site of metastatic cancer.
Some tumors may be associated with multiple metastases to the lung, which can cause rapid onset of pulmonary hypertension. Sometimes, cancer may invade the esophagus and cause a bronchoesophageal fistula. Lung cancer is a common cause of obstruction of the superior vena cava and superior vena cava syndrome. Cushing syndrome is a common paraneoplastic association.
Environmental and lifestyle factors have been associated with the development of lung cancer. These include cigarette smoking, environmental toxins, and radiation therapy. Lung cancer screening may be advisable in select patients. See nicotine dependence for information on smoking cessation.
The prognosis and treatment of lung cancer is dependent on the type of cancer present, lymph node involvement, and the presence or absence of metastasis. Treatment options include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
Codes
ICD10CM:C34.90 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
SNOMEDCT:
363358000 – Malignant tumor of lung
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Lymphoma
- Mediastinal malignancy
- Pneumonia (eg, viral, bacterial)
- Hemothorax
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Atypical mycobacterial infection
- Fungal infection (eg, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Interstitial lung disease
- Goodpasture syndrome
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- Septic emboli
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:06/13/2018
Last Updated:01/25/2023
Last Updated:01/25/2023
Lung cancer