Overview

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour in the tissue of one or both lungs. A tumour may be found in the bronchi or in the spongy lung tissue. A tumour that starts in the lung is known as a primary lung cancer. Tumours in the lung may also be due to cancer which has spread through the blood from another part of the body such as the breast, bowel, or prostate – these cancers are called lung “secondary” or “metastases”. The following information refers to primary lung cancer.

Like other cancers, lung cancer is the result of the uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells in the lung(s). Over time, this abnormal cell growth develops into a progressively larger mass which starts to invade functional parts of the lung, affecting breathing, causing pain and symptoms related to the loss of normal lung function. Doctors call this abnormal cluster of cells a “tumour”. These abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably and, if left untreated, eventually spread throughout the body.

Each person living with lung cancer has individual needs depending on their symptoms, condition and the severity of their disease. Therefore, it may be important that you see a range of health professionals who are experts in their fields to ensure that you receive the best possible care. This team of health professionals is known as the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Understanding the individual roles of the different health professionals is important so you can identify who needs to be a part of your health care team. It is also important to engage with a team you trust and with whom you feel confident talking about your treatments, needs and wishes. Members of your healthcare team may be located across different healthcare settings, including; hospitals, general practitioners, clinics and community health networks. Members of your health care team can include a respiratory physician, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon, palliative care physician, lung cancer nurse, social worker, pharmacist, psychologist, physiotherapist, and your General Practitioner (GP).