Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you’ve smoked.
Lung cancer can cause symptoms such as a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
There are two major types of lung cancer:
1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type, making up about 85% of all cases. This category includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type is less common and is found in about 10-15% of all cases. It is more aggressive and spreads faster than NSCLC.
Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery to remove the part of the lung that is affected, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or a combination of these, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Regular check-ups and screenings are essential especially if you have a history of long-term smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, or other risk factors. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Causes of Lung cancer
Lung cancer is primarily caused by several factors, including:
1. Smoking: This is by far the most common cause of lung cancer. Both regular and secondhand smoking increase risk significantly. Cigarette smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).
2. Exposure to Radon Gas: It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It can accumulate in buildings, including homes.
3. Asbestos and Other Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals and substances used in several industries can also increase the risk of lung cancer. Examples include asbestos, arsenic, coal products, chromium, nickel, beryllium, cadmium, etc.
4. Air Pollution: Prolonged exposure to air pollution, including exhaust fumes and chemicals released from factories, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
5. Family History: A family history of lung cancer, especially among immediate relatives, might increase one’s risk, even if they don’t smoke.
6. Prior History of Lung Disease: Individuals who’ve had certain lung diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
7. Radiation Therapy to the Chest: People who have undergone radiation treatment for other cancers in the chest, like breast cancer, are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Please note that not everyone exposed to these risk factors develops lung cancer, and some people without these risk elements still get the disease.
Risk Factors of Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a serious disease, and understanding its risk factors can aid in prevention and early detection. Here are the key risk factors associated with lung cancer:
1. Smoking: This is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer. The risk increases according to the number of cigarettes smoked and the number of years a person has been smoking. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer.
2. Age: Although lung cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases with age. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older.
3. Family History: People with a parent, sibling, or child with lung cancer have an increased risk of the disease.
4. Occupational or Environmental Exposure: Exposure to certain harmful substances such as asbestos, radon, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, some organic chemicals, diesel exhaust, and certain forms of silica can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
5. Prior History of Lung Disease: Diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), tuberculosis, and certain other lung diseases can increase the risk of lung cancer.
6. Radiation Exposure: People who have had radiation therapy to the chest for other types of cancer may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
7. Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollution over long periods can increase the risk of lung cancer.
8. Certain Dietary Supplements: Studies suggest that taking beta-carotene, especially by individuals who smoke, may increase the risk of lung cancer.
9. Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and a diet low in fruits and vegetables can also increase the risk.
10. Genetics: Certain mutations or changes in the DNA that you are born with or develop over time can increase the risk of lung cancer.
It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop lung cancer, but it does increase the likelihood. Prevention strategies, like quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and harmful substances, can help reduce your risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Lung cancer
Lung cancer symptoms may not appear in the early stages, but they often become more noticeable as the cancer progresses. Here are some of the signs and symptoms:
1. Persistent or intense coughing: This might be the most common symptom. If you have a cough for over three weeks, it’s worth getting checked out. If the cough continues to get worse or contains blood, it may be an indication of lung cancer.
2. Breathlessness: As the disease progresses, you might experience breathlessness during normal activities that didn’t previously make you feel winded.
3. Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause pain in the chest, shoulder, or back. Whether or not the pain is related to coughing doesn’t rule out lung cancer.
4. Changes in voice: A change in the tone of voice or a hoarse voice which persists for more than three weeks could be a symptom.
5. Recurring infections: Lung cancer can lead to frequent chest infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
6. Unintended weight loss: If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be due to lung cancer or other health issues.
7. Fatigue: This could come from the cancer itself or the toll it takes on the body’s resources.
8. Loss of appetite: You may feel less hungry than usual or find food tastes different or less appealing.
9. Wheezing: When you breathe, you might hear a wheezing or whistling sound.
10. Bone pain: Lung cancer can spread to bones, which can cause pain, particularly in the ribs or hips.
Remember, these symptoms can also be associated with other lung diseases or conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection is key for the prognosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Diagnosis Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, which are two spongy organs in your chest. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women.
There are two main types: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The types are based on the way the cells look under a microscope.
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, but lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radioactive gases, asbestos, and other forms of air pollution can also cause lung cancer.
The symptoms can vary but may include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, or coughing up blood. If the cancer spread to other organs, symptoms such as bone pain, headache, and general weakness may occur.
To diagnose lung cancer, doctors use a physical exam, imaging tests like a chest X-ray or CT scans, lab tests, and biopsy, where a sample of abnormal cells is removed for testing.
Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the type, stage, and the patient’s overall health, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It is a serious illness, but some people with lung cancer can be cured, especially when it is detected in an early stage.
Treatment of Lung cancer
Lung cancer treatment is a multi-faceted approach and can involve several different methodologies based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are a few common treatments for lung cancer:
1. Surgery: In this primary treatment method, a surgeon removes the lung cancer and a margin of healthy tissue. Types of surgery may include wedge resection (removal of a small section of lung that contains the tumor), segmental resection (removal of a larger portion of the lung), lobectomy (removal of the entire lobe of one lung) or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung).
2. Radiation Therapy: This method uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. This can be done externally, with a machine directing radiation at affected points on the body, or internally, by placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Doctors kill cancer cells using drugs which are administered orally or intravenously. It can be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or used alone in patients with advanced lung cancer.
4. Targeted Drug Therapy: Targeted therapies are newer cancer treatments that work by targeting specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Some targeted therapies only work in people whose cancer cells have certain genetic mutations.
5. Immunotherapy: This is a type of biological therapy designed to enhance the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. They use materials either made by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function.
6. Palliative care: This involves relieving symptoms and side effects associated with cancer and its treatment. It can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments.
The choice of treatment for lung cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and preferences. Treatment can often involve more than one approach and is often coordinated by a team of doctors. This can include a thoracic surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. Having a comprehensive and coordinated treatment plan can help improve the overall outcome. The patient should discuss their individual circumstances and potential treatment options with their doctors.
Medications commonly used for Lung cancer
There are several types of medication commonly used to treat lung cancer. The specific medication used can depend on the type and stage of the lung cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Below are a few examples:
1. Chemotherapy: This is the most common form of treatment for lung cancer. Some common chemotherapy drugs used for lung cancer include cisplatin, carboplatin, docetaxel, and vinorelbine. These drugs work by killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
2. Targeted Therapy: These drugs work by targeting specific genes or proteins that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells. Examples include erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib (that target the EGFR gene), and crizotinib, alectinib, and ceritinib (that target the ALK gene).
3. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These are a type of immunotherapy that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab.
4. Angiogenesis inhibitors: These drugs are used to limit the growth of new blood vessels, which tumors need to grow and spread. Bevacizumab is one example.
5. Radiation Sensitizers: These are drugs used alongside radiation therapy to make cancer cells more sensitive to the treatment. An example is cetuximab.
Lung cancer treatment usually involves a mix of these medications, and it’s important to note that all these drugs have the potential for side effects, some serious. The health care team will monitor the patient closely and adjust treatment as needed. The treatment plan depends upon many factors, including the type and stage of lung cancer. Talking with healthcare providers is important for understanding the purpose and potential side effects of any medication.
Prevention of Lung cancer
Prevention of lung cancer primarily involves lifestyle modifications and regular health checkups. Here are some ways to prevent lung cancer:
1. Avoid smoking: This is the most crucial step in preventing lung cancer. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. If you are currently smoking, try to quit as soon as possible. This may not be easy, but your doctor can recommend strategies to help, such as medication, counseling, and support groups.
2. Avoid secondhand smoke: Secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of lung cancer. Try to avoid areas where people smoke or ask smokers not to smoke around you.
3. Test your home for radon: In some cases, lung cancer may be caused by inhaling radon gas which can be found in the soil and may seep into your house. Testing kits can determine if your house has a high level of radon. If it does, professionals can help lower the radon level.
4. Avoid carcinogens at work: Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Follow your employer’s precautions, and don’t hesitate to ask about protective measures such as masks or ventilation.
5. Eat a healthy diet: While no specific food can guarantee lung cancer prevention, a healthy diet can help reduce your risk. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
6. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your immunity, and is generally good for lung health.
7. Regular health check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can often identify lung cancer in its earlier, more treatable stages.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Thus, adopting these healthy lifestyle habits can greatly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. However, these strategies cannot eliminate the risk completely, especially if you have a strong family history of lung cancer.
FAQ’s about Lung cancer
1. What is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the functions of normal lung cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. As they grow, the abnormal cells can form tumors and interfere with the functioning of the lung, which provides oxygen to the body.
2. What are the types of Lung Cancer?
The two main types are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common and it spreads slower than SCLC. Other types include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
3. What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing. However, these symptoms can be also associated with many other less serious conditions.
4. What causes Lung Cancer?
The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking, including secondhand smoke. Other factors can also contribute including exposure to radon gas, asbestos, certain metals and some organic and inorganic chemicals, previous radiation therapy to the lungs and a family history of lung cancer.
5. How is Lung Cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis methods can include imaging tests (like an X-ray or CT scan), sputum cytology, a biopsy where a sample of abnormal cells is removed for examination, and molecular testing to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the cancer.
6. What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the type of cancer, stage, potential side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Options might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care, or a combination of these.
7. Is Lung Cancer curable?
If the cancer is found at an early stage when it is small and before it has spread, it is more likely to be successfully treated. However, a complete cure is unfortunately not always possible.
8. How can Lung Cancer be prevented?
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Other preventive measures include testing your home for radon, protecting yourself from occupational and environmental carcinogens, and eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.
9. Can nonsmokers get Lung Cancer?
Yes, although it is far more common in smokers and ex-smokers, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. In these cases, the disease is often caused by other factors like exposure to radon or passive smoking.
10. How is Lung Cancer different from other cancers?
Lung cancer is unique because a majority of cases are linked to smoking, which is a preventable behavior. Also, lung cancer often has a poorer prognosis than many other types of cancer, largely because it’s often discovered at a more advanced stage.
Remember always consult your own doctor or health care provider for professional medical advice.
Useful links
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, although lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes one smokes over the years and the length of time one has been smoking.
The disease is categorized into two primary types based on the way the cells look under a microscope: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, while small cell lung cancer spreads more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer.
Below are some useful links from scientific journals on Lung Cancer:
Please note that these articles are research-based and might use technical language. If you are a patient seeking medical advice, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Complications of Lung cancer
Lung cancer has several potential complications, these include:
1. Shortness of Breath: Lung cancer can block the major airways and cause shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
2. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis): Lung cancer can cause bleeding in the airway, which can cause you to cough up blood.
3. Pleural Effusion: Lung cancer can cause fluid to accumulate in the space that surrounds the affected lung in the chest cavity (pleural space).
4. Pain: Advanced lung cancer that spreads to the lining of a lung or to another area of the body, such as the bones, can cause pain.
5. Metastasis: Lung cancer often spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, such as the brain and the bones which can lead to a number of complications.
6. Paraneoplastic syndromes: Some lung cancers produce hormone-like substances that enter the bloodstream and cause problems with distant tissues and organs, even though the cancer has not spread to those tissues or organs. These problems, called paraneoplastic syndromes, can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, dizziness, or muscle weakness.
7. Fatigue: Lung cancer patients often feel tired or weak. This can be due to the disease itself or the treatments.
8. Difficulty swallowing: Lung cancer can compress or invade the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia.
9. Changes to the voice: If the cancer affects certain nerves, it can lead to hoarseness or other voice changes.
All these complications significantly affect the quality of life and can also worsen the overall prognosis of the patient. It is important to identify these complications early and manage them appropriately. It is also crucial to have regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider to detect any new or worsening symptoms.
Home remedies of Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a serious disease that requires proper medical treatment from doctors and healthcare professionals. Home remedies should never be used as alternatives to science-based medical treatments for lung cancer. They can have a supportive role in managing symptoms or side effects, but they don’t treat the disease itself. Nevertheless, healthy lifestyle changes can complement the medical treatment for lung cancer, and these include:
1. Eating a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
2. Regular exercise: Physical activity can help improve your strength and energy levels. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you are undergoing treatment.
3. Adequate rest: It’s crucial to give your body enough rest to recover from treatments. Get enough sleep and take short rest periods during the day if needed.
4. Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Stopping smoking or using other forms of tobacco will help your body be in better condition to fight cancer and recover from treatment. Alcohol can also affect your energy level and potentially interact with certain medicines.
5. Mind-body practices: Techniques like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage can also help reduce stress and improve your well-being.
6. Stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene: This helps your immune system stay as strong as possible during treatment.
7. Join a support group: Being part of a community of people who understand what you’re going through can offer emotional support and practical tips.
Remember, these tips are not alternatives to traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Always consult with your healthcare team before starting any new regimen.