Lung Cancer

🫁 What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease that starts in the lungs. The lungs are located in the chest. When you breathe, air passes through the nose, down the windpipe (trachea), and into the lungs, where it travels through tubes called bronchi. Most lung cancers begin in the cells that line these tubes.

Types of Lung Cancer:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Most common type.

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Accounts for about 20% of all lung cancer cases.

• Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Cancer: Contains both types.

• Metastatic Cancer to the Lung: Starts in another part of the body and spreads to the lungs.

🚬 Causes of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer for both men and women. More people die from lung cancer each year than from breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

It is more common in older adults and rare in individuals under 45 years old.

Major Risk Factors Include:

• Cigarette smoking: Leading cause of lung cancer. Risk increases with quantity and duration of smoking.

• Second-hand smoke: Inhaling smoke from others.

• Exposure to carcinogens: Such as asbestos, uranium, diesel exhaust, and more.

• Family history of lung cancer

• Radiation therapy to the chest

• Air pollution and arsenic in water

• Radon gas exposure

⚠️ Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms vary based on the type and spread of cancer.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Persistent chest pain

• Chronic cough

• Coughing up blood

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue and loss of appetite

Late-Stage Symptoms:

• Bone pain or tenderness

• Facial paralysis or swelling

• Hoarseness or voice changes

• Joint pain

• Nail changes

• Difficulty swallowing

• Shoulder pain

• Weakness

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis.

🧪 Exams and Tests for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is often detected through a chest X-ray or CT scan performed for unrelated reasons.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and gather a detailed medical history, including:

• Smoking history

• Exposure to harmful substances

• Family history

During the exam, your doctor may listen for fluid around the lungs, which can suggest cancer.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Chest X-ray and CT scan

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• MRI or PET scan

• Sputum cytology

• Bone scan

• Thoracentesis (fluid sample)

• Biopsy (tissue sampling)

Biopsy Methods:

• Bronchoscopy with biopsy

• CT-guided needle biopsy

• Endoscopic oesophageal ultrasound (EUS)

• Mediastinoscopy

• Open lung biopsy

• Pleural biopsy

After diagnosis, further imaging tests determine the stage of cancer — indicating tumour size and how far it has spread. Staging helps guide treatment.

🩺 Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on:

• The type of lung cancer

• The stage of cancer

• Your overall health

Available Treatments:

• Surgery: Removal of tumour if cancer hasn’t spread.

• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent their growth.

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

These treatments may be used alone or in combination. Your doctor will customize your treatment plan and explain the approach suited to your diagnosis.