What should you know about the most common non-small cell lung cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is a non-small cell lung cancer that develops from cells involved in making mucus or lining the airways. It can occur in different parts of the lung and may be found before or after it has spread. A pathology report describes the cell type and features seen in the biopsy. Molecular testing may identify changes that make targeted therapy suitable, while other results can help guide immunotherapy.

Review the pathology and scan results with a lung cancer team. Ask whether molecular testing and biomarker assessment have been completed before choosing medicine. When the tumour is localised and removable, a lung lobectomy may be discussed. For selected small tumours, stereotactic body radiotherapy can deliver focused treatment. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be used when the cancer’s features and stage support them.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, coughing up substantial blood, sudden confusion, fainting, or new one-sided weakness. During treatment, promptly report fever, a new rash with breathing trouble, severe diarrhoea, chest pain, or rapidly worsening fatigue. Your care team can tell you which symptoms may signal an urgent medicine reaction and where to seek help.

Does the biopsy show adenocarcinoma or another subtype? What stage is it? Which molecular and biomarker tests are relevant? Is surgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy being considered, and why?