Causes
As with all cancers, the cause of lung adenocarcinoma remains largely unknown.
EGFR mutations are more commonly associated with less aggressive low- to intermediate-grade adenocarcinomas.
Other mutations associated with lung adenocarcinoma include those affecting theKirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene.
Verywell / JR Bee
However, people whose tumors have KRAS mutations typically have a poor prognosis.
Even if the cancer responds well to initialchemotherapy, the disease almost invariably returns.
Adenocarcinoma-associated mutations aresometimes passed from parent to child.
Other mutations may occur spontaneously; scientists are uncertain why.
Health Concerns and Lifestyle
Genetics only play a part in the risk of lung adenocarcinoma.
Other factors contribute significantly, not least of which istobacco smoking.
The risk is further doubled if you smoked for more than 40 years.
Secondhand smokeexposure also increases your risk.
While distressing, the finding at least offers the opportunity for early diagnosis.
By doing so, healthcare providers can select treatments able to target those specific genetic variations.
Current guidelines recommend that all persons with advanced lung adenocarcinoma have PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (PD-L1 IHC) conducted.
Beyond that, there are four stages that are defined as follows.
These terms will be used when discussing treatment options.
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment may include one therapy or a combination.
This area of treatment is still in its infancy and rapidly evolving.
The NCI recommends that people with lung cancer consider taking part in a clinical trial.
Many people with stage 4 lung cancer are only alive because of their participation in a clinical trial.
For those diagnosed in the early stages, the outlook is far more promising.
What this highlights is the need for greater awareness about the nonspecific or atypical symptoms of lung cancer.
On their own, the symptoms may be easy to miss.
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