Alternative Names
Cancer of the lung
Symptoms & Characteristics
Lung cancer typically begins in the lung cells lining air passages. There are many different types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways.
Some common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- cough that worsens with time and may contain blood
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- recurrent infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis
Treatment
Lung cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery and depends on the type and stage of lung cancer.
How Common Is It?
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
- Over 200,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the United States.
Genetics & Inheritance
Most cases of lung cancer are not inherited and occur sporadically. Cancer is a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
- Cigarette smoking is the cause of most lung cancers.
- Other environmental factors have been proposed to possibly influence lung cancer risk as well. Some of these factors include high levels of pollution, some lung diseases, as well as radiation and asbestos exposures.
The genetic factors that contribute to lung cancer are largely unknown. Researchers believe that there are probably a number of genes that affect the development and symptoms of lung cancer as well as nicotine dependence in smokers.
No one gene has been strongly associated with lung cancer susceptibility at this time.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are small variations in a single "letter" of DNA that can be found throughout our entire genetic make-up. Some researchers have proposed that a specific SNPs located on chromosome 15 within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster may cause susceptibility to lung cancer in some people.
- In smokers, this same SNP may also increase the risk for nicotine dependence and peripheral arterial disease.
- However, very little is known about this SNP and how it influences cancer risk at this time. Research is currently often limited to specific ethnic groups. Further research is needed to replicate study findings across different ethnic groups.
Other yet to be identified or adequately classified genes may also contribute to lung cancer.
A cancer genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional is important for a complete evaluation, accurate diagnosis, as well as discussion of the benefits and limitations of testing and recurrence risk.
Genetic Testing
Clinical genetic testing for lung cancer susceptibility is unavailable.
Informational genetic testing for lung cancer susceptibility is available online (over the internet). Go to the Tests tab to link to the best online providers, compare providers and read provider reviews.
- Some providers offer whole genome scanning, which may include testing for one of the SNPs that have been proposed to influence susceptibility to lung cancer. Whole genome scanning involves analyzing thousands of SNPs at once related to a number of different health conditions.
- At this point, many genetic professionals do not consider this testing clinically useful or medically relevant, but for informational purposes only.
The decision to have genetic testing is personal and should always be discussed with trained medical professional. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.
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