Mesothelioma
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the U.S. The disease affects the lining of several organs in the body, but the most common is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. The disease can grow quickly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid, which leads to the discomfort associated with first detection of the disease. The most common risk factor is exposure to asbestos, with over 50% of patients having a history of asbestos exposure.
Traditional mesothelioma treatments are the same as those used to treat most other cancers, and include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Read about General Information, Staging and Treatment Options for Mesothelioma from the National Cancer Institute
Carcinoid Tumors
Carcinoid tumors of the lung account for fewer than 5% of lung tumors. Most are slow-growing tumors that are generally cured by surgery. Although some typical carcinoid tumors can spread, they usually have a better prognosis than small cell or non-small cell lung cancer. Less common are atypical carcinoid tumors, which grow a little faster and are somewhat more likely to spread to other organs.
Surgery is the main treatment, with many carcinoid tumors cured by surgery. Your treatment may also include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Very Rare Lung Tumors
There are other rare lung tumors, including adenoid cystic carcinomas, hamartomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. These tumors are treated differently from the more common lung cancers. If you are diagnosed with one of these rare cancers, your doctor will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.