Your lungs are the sponge-like organs in your chest. They can be further divided into three sections: lobes, the trachea (or windpipe), the bronchi, the bronchioles, and the alveoli.
Lung cancers, also known as bronchogenic carcinoma, typically start in the cells that line the bronchi and various parts of the lung (like the bronchioles or alveoli).
If you’re curious about what bronchogenic carcinoma of the lungs is, as well as its symptoms and treatments— read on.
We’ll cover everything you need to know in this quick and informative article.
What is Bronchogenic Carcinoma?
If you’ve heard the term — you might be asking, “What is bronchogenic carcinoma?”
At one point, the term bronchogenic carcinoma was used solely to describe lung cancers that began in the bronchi and bronchioles. Today, bronchogenic carcinoma refers to any type or subtype of lung cancer.
There are two major types of lung cancer — small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC).1
Small cell lung cancer accounts for up to 15% of lung cancer diagnosis and appears almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Non-small cell lung cancer makes up the bulk of lung cancer cases and includes adenocarcinoma (40% of cases), squamous cell carcinoma (30% of cases), and large cell carcinoma (10% of cases).
Lung cancer originates in the lungs. As it develops, abnormal cells (tumor) grow within the lungs, causing damage and eventually invading nearby lung tissue, lymph nodes, or organs. The exact cause of lung cancer is unknown, though when compared to other types of cancer, there are clear links between lung cancer and behavioral patterns.2
Common risk factors for bronchogenic carcinoma include smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, family history of lung cancer, older age, race, exposure to radon gas, and exposure to carcinogens.
In addition to the main types of lung cancer listed above — SCLC and NSCLC — there are also tumors that can occur in the lungs. (2)
- Lung carcinoid tumor: These slow-growing tumor cells account for less than 5% of lung tumors.
- Other lung tumors: There are other types of rare lung cancers like adenoid cystic carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas, as well as benign lung tumors (like hamartomas) which are treated in a different way than the main types of lung cancer.
- Cancers that spread to the lungs: Some cancers start in other organs, like the breast or skin, and then metastasize or spread to become lung tumors. Keep in mind that these are not lung cancers, and targeted therapy for these cancers is based on the primary cancer site.
How is Bronchogenic Carcinoma Diagnosed?
Early detection of bronchogenic carcinoma cancer can significantly improve outcomes.
Diagnostic methods and clinical trials for this type of lung carcinoma typically include imaging techniques like CT scans, chest radiographs, and PET scans to visualize any abnormalities in the lungs. Sputum cytology examines mucus under a microscope to identify cancer cells, while biopsies offer a conclusive diagnosis by testing a tissue sample.
If you are at high risk or you are a heavy smoker, early and regular screening is crucial in catching lung disease early. Early detection plays a critical role in lung cancer treatment outcomes, as the cancer stage at diagnosis can determine lung cancer treatment effectiveness and survival rates.
Symptoms of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
When discussing lung cancer, many people ask what is an early sign of bronchogenic carcinoma? The early signs of bronchogenic carcinoma can often be mild and not noticeable until after the cancer has spread.
Potential symptoms include:
- A persistent lung cancer cough
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hoarseness
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Jaundice
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Wheezing
Because symptoms don’t typically show until later lung cancer stages, screening bronchogenic carcinoma is often done for high-risk individuals. Screening can be done through an imaging test, septum cytology, chest radiograph, CT scan, and a lung tissue sample. For more information, see our guide to lung cancer screening guidelines.
If an individual is diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma, medical treatments vary and can include both natural cancer treatment options or conventional therapies like surgery or chemotherapy. The outlook differs depending on the specific type of lung cancer, the stage at diagnosis, and the patient’s overall health.
According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) from the National Cancer Institute, these are the 5-year relative survival rates for lung and bronchus cancers.
- Localized: 57.4%
- Regional: 30.8%
- Distant: 5.2%
- Unknown: 8.2%
Remember that all cancers are different and these are only general figures. Your healthcare professional can help you discuss your best options and the best way to be proactive about your health moving forward.
If you don’t have time to visit your hospital for now, make sure to read a guideline on how to check for lung cancer at home.
Stages of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
The progression of bronchogenic carcinoma cancer is divided into distinct cancer stages, each indicating the spread of the disease, which is essential for treatment planning. According to the American Lung Association, early detection can improve outcomes significantly.3
Here are the different stages of bronchogenic carcinoma:
- Stage I: Localized Cancer
At Stage I, bronchogenic carcinoma is confined to the lungs and has not spread to other areas. This stage is often associated with a better prognosis, as the lung carcinoma remains localized.
- Stage II: Regional Spread
In Stage II, the cancer begins to spread to nearby structures within the lung or to adjacent lymph nodes. This progression makes the disease slightly more challenging to treat, but it may still be considered manageable.
- Stage III: Advanced Regional Spread
Stage III involves a more extensive spread beyond nearby lymph nodes and into surrounding lung tissues or chest areas. In some cases, tumors may develop at the top of the lung, causing additional symptoms due to its proximity to nerves.
- Stage IV: Distant Metastatic Lung Cancer
At Stage IV, also known as metastatic lung cancer, the bronchogenic carcinoma has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, brain, or bones. This stage is often more challenging to treat, and therapeutic goals may shift to palliative care to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
- Rare and Carcinoid Tumors
In addition to these stages, rare tumors such as carcinoid tumors may develop in the lungs. These slow-growing tumours are less common but may still undergo staging similar to other types of lung disease.
Prevention of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Preventing bronchogenic carcinoma cancer involves reducing exposure to common risk factors. Avoiding smoking and limiting second-hand smoke exposure is essential, as tobacco use is a major contributor to lung carcinoma. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can also strengthen the body’s resistance to lung disease.
Additionally, individuals should check for radon levels in their homes, as this gas is a known carcinogen. Awareness campaigns led by the American Cancer Society emphasize the importance of regular screenings, particularly for those with a family history of large or small cell carcinoma or related lung disease.
Treating Bronchogenic Carcinoma at ITC
At Immunity Therapy Center, we understand that treating cancer differs from patient to patient. We utilize a variety of alternative cancer treatments to treat bronchogenic carcinoma and strengthen the immune system while targeting cancer cells. We work with our patients to come up with a customized treatment plan based on the stage of their lung cancer and overall health.
If you’re interested in hearing more about our holistic cancer treatment plans, reach out to our team today. Our treatment center is home to enthusiastic staff who are dedicated and passionate about what they do. We’ll work together to develop the right type of therapy for you and your lifestyle.
From all of us at ITC, thanks for reading. Remember, if you’re experiencing symptoms of bronchogenic carcinoma, we’re here to help you heal on your pathway to health.
Written By: Dr. David Alvarez
Dr. David Alvarez is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Xochicalco and Certified by the American Heart Association (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support).
Dr. Alvarez has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista as an Assistant Medical Director at the Immunity Therapy Center for over 6 years. He provides daily on site patient care and participates on the medical board on research and development of patient treatment plans and programs. Dr. Alvarez is a knowledgeable and compassionate Doctor committed to helping patients get to where they want to be health wise through a more holistic and comprehensive approach.
Sources:
- Healthline. Bronchogenic Carcinoma. https://www.healthline.com/health/bronchogenic-carcinoma
- Cancer.org. What is Lung Cancer?. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html
- American Lung Association. New Report: Critically Low Lung Cancer Screening Rates Reveal Opportunity to Save More Lives. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/state-of-lung-cancer-2022
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.