How does lung cancer typically develop?

Lung cancer typically develops through a process involving the rapid growth of abnormal cells that form a mass, known as a tumor, in one or both lungs. This aberrant cell growth is often triggered by various factors, including exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemicals. The mutation of healthy lung cells into cancerous cells can disrupt normal lung function and lead to the various symptoms associated with lung cancer, like coughing and difficulty breathing.

While healthy cells do multiply under normal circumstances, it is the transformation of these cells into abnormal ones that leads to cancer; therefore, simply multiplying rapidly does not accurately describe the mechanism underlying lung cancer development. Genetic predisposition can play a role, but it is not the sole factor, as most cases involve environmental influences as well. Finally, prolonged absence of breathing is not related to the formation of lung cancer; rather, it would result in asphyxiation, highlighting how important functional respiration is for health. Thus, the correct choice accurately encapsulates the typical progression of lung cancer.