Lung and Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment Center

Lung cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi when cells in the tissue begin to grow rapidly. This can also start in other areas of the lungs, such as the bronchioles or alveoli. This is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

Esophageal cancer is when the cells in any part of the esophagus begin to abnormally grow at a fast rate. There are two types of esophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Malignant mesothelioma is an abnormal growth of mesothelial cells. These cells form a lining called the mesothelium. This lining protects the outer surface of organs, such as the lungs, stomach and heart. The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs.

Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs.

A thymoma is a tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus that may be benign or malignant. Thymomas are frequently associated with the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis; thymoma is found in 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis. Once diagnosed, thymomas may be removed surgically.

Mediastinal tumors are growths that form in the area of the chest that separates the lungs. This area, called the mediastinum, is surrounded by the breastbone in front, the spine in back, and the lungs on each side.