Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview
Understanding NSCLC: The Most Common Type of Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant form of lung cancer, constituting around 80-85% of all lung cancer cases. It is typically characterized by its slower growth rate compared to small cell lung cancer.
Factors Impacting Survival
The likelihood of surviving NSCLC depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. The earlier the stage, the higher the survival rate.
Smoking and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
According to the Nurses Health Study, individuals with a smoking history of 1 to 20 years have a relative risk of 5.5 times higher for developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a subtype of NSCLC.
Diagnosis and Staging
Tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies are used to diagnose and determine the stage of NSCLC. If lung cancer is suspected, a biopsy procedure is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis.
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