Bronchogenic Carcinoma Definition
Bronchogenic Carcinoma, also known as Lung Cancer is the most commonly found type of cancer in men. Bronchogenic Carcinoma is the leading cause of Cancer related deaths worldwide and it is believed that more than 90% of total cases are a result of cigarette or Tobacco smoking. This type of cancer alone is responsible for more deaths than the cumulative number of deaths because of Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Colorectal Cancer. Lung Cancer or Bronchogenic Carcinoma is Medicine’s most feared diagnosis. In the last five years, the survival rate with this disease is only 14%. According to the American Cancer Society 157000 deaths are expected this year due to this disease.
Bronchogenic Carcinoma Types
In the light of Microscopic Tissue Study (Histology), Bronchogenic Carcinoma is further divided into two types;
- NSCLC or NSCBC = Non Small Cell Lung Cancer or Non Small Cell Bronchogenic Carcinoma
- SCLC or SCBC = Small Cell Lung Cancer or Small Cell Bronchogenic Carcinoma
NSCLC or Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Among all Bronchogenic Cacinomas, Non Small Cell Lung Cancer accounts for 81% of cases. NSCLC grows and spreads slowly as compare to the other type. But it is the most widely diagnosed type of Lung Cancer in the United States.
SCLC or Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small Cell Lung Cancer, also known as OAT Cell Carcinoma accounts for almost 15% of the total cases of Bronchogenic Carcinoma in the United States. SCLC is the most deadly and highly malignant type of lung cancer that spreads more rapidly than NSCLC. Usually it starts in the Bronchi (The Large Air Passage of Lungs) and spreads rapidly to the brain. Cigarette or Tobacco Smoking is the leading cause of Small Cell Lung Cancers. SCLC is divided into two stages;
- Limited Stage SCLC
- Extensive Stage SCLC
If diagnosed in the Limited Stage, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma responds well to Chemotherapy. But unfortunately, the rate of early diagnosis is only 30%. In almost 70% cases of SCLC, patients already have advanced disease i.e. Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Carcinoma at the time of diagnosis.
Bronchogenic Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms
The most commonly observed signs and symptoms of Bronchogenic Carcinoma include;
Frequent recurrence of bronchitis, pneumonia, persistent cough with or without blood, unusual swelling on face and neck and feeling of being tired.
Treatment of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
If you or anyone you care about have two or more of these symptoms, please do not wait. See your doctor before it’s too late. Your doctor knows better whether you need surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy etc. Remember! Lung Cancer is curable only if diagnosed earlier.
