Question

The nurse is caring for a client with lung cancer. The nurse recognizes which type of lung cancer as fast-growing with spread usually occurring before a diagnosis is made? A. Small cell B. Non-small cell C. Epidermoid carcinoma D. Adenocarcinoma

Short answer

Answer: Small cell

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terminology

If you do not recognize all of the terms, you'll need to research the types of lung cancers. Here's a brief overview: A. Small cell: A type of lung cancer that starts from small, round cells in the lung B. Non-small cell: The term for any lung cancer that doesn't fall under the small cell category C. Epidermoid carcinoma (also known as squamous cell carcinoma): A type of non-small cell lung cancer where the tumor starts from squamous cells lining the airways D. Adenocarcinoma: A type of non-small cell lung cancer that starts in the glandular cells of the lung

Compare features of the listed lung cancer types

You need to identify the lung cancer type that is fast-growing and often spreads before it is diagnosed. A. Small cell lung cancer is known for its rapid growth and early tendency to spread to other parts of the body. B. Non-small cell lung cancer grows more slowly than small cell lung cancer, and its likelihood of early spreading varies depending on the type. C. Epidermoid carcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer. Though it can spread, its rate of growth is generally slower than small cell lung cancer. D. Adenocarcinoma is another type of non-small cell lung cancer that tends to grow more slowly than small cell lung cancer.

Identify the correct answer

According to the information provided, the fast-growing lung cancer type that often spreads before diagnosis is small cell lung cancer. Hence, the correct answer is: A. Small cell