Article Sections

Introduction

Primary lung cancer (bronchogenic carcinoma) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.  Most cases are related to cigarette smoking.  Lung cancer is classified into different histologic subtypes (small cell vs non–small cell) that have implications in terms of presentation and management.

Pathogenesis and pathophysiology

Risk factors

Risk factors for primary lung cancer include:

  • Cigarette smoking:  Firsthand smoking is linked to 85% of cases (~30-fold risk increase compared to never-smokers).  Cigarette smoke contains hundreds of carcinogens (aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines) that cause DNA damage through covalent adducts or oxidative radical formation.
  • Radon exposure:  Radon (222Rn) gas is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States.  It is a radioactive element found within the Earth (

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