Lung and Respiratory System Cancers

The respiratory system supplies oxygen to your blood and distributes the oxygen to the rest of your body. The system includes the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs and diaphragm. Cancer can affect any of the respiratory organs.

Lung/Bronchus Cancer
Lung/bronchus cancer develops in the cells that line the air passages and tissues of the lungs. There can be small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The type depends on how the cells form and how they appear under the microscope.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men and women.

Nasal/Sinus Cancer
Nasal/sinus cancer begins in the space above the roof of the mouth that separates your nose from your mouth, or in the small tunnels of that cavity. The nasal cavity sinuses are lined with a layer of tissue that produces mucus. The cells that make up that tissue can become cancerous.

Larynx
Larynx cancer develops in the thin, flat cells of the inner lining of the larynx, also known as the voice box.

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More Information about Respiratory System Cancer
For more detailed information about lung and respiratory system cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms, common treatment options and more, please explore the resources below:

The National Cancer Institute’s (NIH) detailed booklets about cancers that affect organs of the respiratory system
The American Cancer Society’s guide to lung and respiratory system cancers