Small cell, non-small cell and mesothelioma
In the Netherlands, approximately 10,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. It is the deadliest form of cancer and treatment is often difficult. The type of lung cancer plays an important role in the choice of treatment.
Bee lung cancer different types are distinguished. The most important are small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The majority of patients have the non-small cell type (80 percent). We also know mesothelioma: lung cancer of the lung or pleura.
non-small cell
The non-small cell form of lung cancer is characterized by free large cells. This form of cancer spreads relatively slowly. As a result, between the onset of the tumor and the time when the tumor is discovered are many years away.
Surgery is often chosen in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation is often palliative (relieving) in lung cancer, but can also be part of a curative (healing) treatment. Chemotherapy is often used before or at the same time as radiation or surgery.
small cell
Unlike non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer spreads rapidly throughout the body. The cells are small and fragile and divide very quickly. Small cell lung cancer often has spread before symptoms develop.
The treatment of small cell lung cancer is different from that of non-small cell. In most cases, there is no surgical intervention, but treatment is given by means of chemotherapy and/or radiation. This is often only to slow down the course of the disease.
Mesothelioma
Lung cancer or pleural cancer is also known as mesothelioma or asbestos cancer. It is a specific cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos consists of very fine fibres. These can remain in the lungs when inhaled and pass from the lung tissue into the pleura. This can cause cancer.
Various therapies are used in patients with mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, gene therapy and immunotherapy. Still, the outlook for a patient is poor. There is actually no cure or long-term survival.
