Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Key Points
Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and serious types of cancer worldwide, affecting millions each year. It typically originates in the cells of the lungs and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. Often associated with smoking, lung cancer can also develop due to various other factors, including environmental exposure and genetic predisposition. Early detection is crucial, but symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has advanced.
To answer all your doubts related to lung cancer, here is a detailed report of the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic solutions all in one place.
What is Lung Cancer?
In simplest words, cancer occurring in the lungs is called lung cancer.
Cell division is a normal phenomenon. Sometimes mutational alterations occur in the cells and cells keep multiplying infinitely. This phenomenon is not good for the body. Rapid division causes the cells to collect in one place and cause tumours.
Lung cancer begins in the airways (bronchi/ bronchioles) or the air pockets(alveoli).
The cancer starting from the lungs is called primary cancer. The cancer that enters the lungs from other parts of the body is called secondary/metastatic cancer.
There are two types of lung cancer:-
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCL)- 85% of the cancer cases are non-small cell lung cancer. The sub-types of NSCL are adenocarcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma, and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)- SCLC begins in the centre of the lungs and spreads quickly, accounting for 15% of lung cancer.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer often doesn’t show any explicit symptoms until it is in the advanced stage. However, for people who might experience some early detected symptoms, here is a list:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing blood
- Spitting blood
- Chest pain
- Changes in voice
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Wheezing
- Tiredness
- Swelling in the face, neck, arms or chest
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Chest infection that keeps coming back
Causes of Lung Cancer
The causes of lung cancer are varied. The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Smoking damages the lung cells, making them susceptible to abnormal growth. Here’s a breakdown of the link between smoking and lung cancer:
- Carcinogens- Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogens, chemicals that can trigger uncontrolled cell division.
- Tar- Tar, a sticky substance in tobacco smoke, coats the lungs and damages the lining, hindering its ability to function effectively.
- Inflammation- Smoking causes chronic inflammation of the lungs, further contributing to cell damage.
While smoking is the leading cause, other factors can also increase the risk of lung cancer:
- Exposure to secondhand smoke: Inhaling secondhand smoke from someone smoking nearby can significantly elevate your risk.
- Radon gas: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and rocks. Exposure to high levels of radon in homes or workplaces can increase lung cancer risk.
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter and industrial chemicals can contribute to lung cancer development.
- Family history: Having a close family member with lung cancer slightly increases your risk.
- Occupational hazards: Certain professions, such as miners, asbestos workers, and those exposed to chemicals like arsenic, have a higher risk due to workplace exposure.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Early detection of lung cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Once detected, here are a couple of tests that for optimum diagnosis:
- Chest X-Ray– Chest X-rays are not as helpful in detecting small tumours. Usually, the ribs and other organs hinder the tumour. Only tumours more than 1cm are visible in X-rays.
- CT Scan- This detailed scan provides a clearer picture of the lungs and surrounding tissues. The high-frequency beams from the CT scanner create a cross-sectional image. These beams locate the smaller tumours too.
- PET Scan- PET scan is used to detect the extent of the spread of cancer to other body parts.
- Biopsy- A tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- Bronchoscopy- A small camera is inserted in the bronchi or the airways to detect the abnormalities.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
The treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Here’s an overview of the common treatment approaches:
- Surgery: This is often the preferred treatment for early-stage lung cancer. The surgeon removes the cancerous tumour and some surrounding healthy tissue. In the case of NSCL cancer, there are three types of surgeries- lobectomy, wedge resection, and pneumonectomy. Sometimes these surgeries need to take out part or all of your lung so cancer doesn’t return.
- Chemotherapy: This uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be administered before or after surgery and may also be used alone for advanced-stage cancer. It usually shrinks the tumour and makes radiotherapy easier.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy).
- Targeted therapy: These drugs target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, offering a more personalized approach to treatment.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.
- Palliative Care: Palliative care emphasizes lowering the cancer symptoms to cure the disease. It also manages the pain, nausea, and slow growth of cancerous cells.
Prevention of Lung Cancer
While lung cancer is a serious disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Quit smoking: This is the single most effective way to prevent lung cancer. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: Limit your exposure to environments with secondhand smoke.
- Test your home for radon: If you live in an area with high radon levels, consider installing a radon mitigation system.
- Minimize exposure to occupational hazards: If you work in an industry with potential lung cancer risks, wear appropriate protective gear and follow safety protocols.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Veda Hospital- Solution to Lung Cancer in Ujjain
At Veda Hospitals, we have a team of highly qualified and experienced oncologists who specialize in treating various cancers. Our modern facility is equipped with advanced technology to deliver the most effective treatments present. We believe in open communication and actively involve our patients in treatment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Cancer
Although not evidenced, vaping can make you consume some substances not good for your health. Experts believe it has the potential to cause lung cancer.
About 20% of reports showed that infected patients had never smoked. Hence, it is advised to talk to your consultant about the symptoms.
Lung cancer can be cured if detected before it spreads to various parts of the body.