Everything you need to know about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer worldwide, affecting both smokers and non-smokers alike.

Types Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is broadly categorized into two main types based on its appearance under a microscope: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common form, accounting for approximately 85% of cases, while SCLC makes up the remaining 15%.

Causes And Risk Factors

Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 85% of all cases. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. However, it is vital to emphasize that lung cancer can also affect non-smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants (such as radon gas and asbestos), and genetic predisposition are among the risk factors for non-smokers.

Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer often presents with nonspecific symptoms, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. Common signs and symptoms include:

Persistent cough, often accompanied by blood
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Diagnosis Lung Cancer

Early detection is crucial for improving the prognosis of lung cancer patients. To diagnose lung cancer, various tests and procedures are employed, including:

Imaging tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can detect abnormal masses or nodules in the lungs.

Biopsy: Tissue samples from the lungs are examined under a microscope to determine the cancer type and stage.

Staging: Staging helps determine the extent of cancer spread, aiding in treatment planning. There are four stages of lung cancer, Stage I is localised disease, Stage II is regional, stage III is locally advanced and stage IV is metastatic disease.

Treatment Options

The treatment approach for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. The primary treatment modalities include:

Surgery: Surgical resection is often performed for early-stage NSCLC to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.

Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is commonly used for SCLC and advanced-stage NSCLC.

Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific genetic mutations or proteins present in cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Immunotherapy: These drugs boost the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Prognosis And Prevention

The prognosis for lung cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve survival rates.

Prevention is essential, and promoting smoking cessation is the most significant step in reducing the incidence of lung cancer. Public health campaigns, education, and support for quitting smoking are crucial in this regard. Additionally, avoiding exposure to second hand smoke and environmental pollutants can further reduce the risk.

Lung Cancer