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Lung Cancer
In the early 20th century, lung cancer was rare. However, its incidence has increased significantly, making it one of the most serious cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer deaths. On World Lung Cancer Day, we aim to raise awareness about this disease and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in any part of the lungs. Cancer causes rapid, uncontrolled cell growth, leading to tumor formation. Since the lungs are crucial for breathing, tumors in this area can impair respiratory function.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer often do not appear in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may develop due to tumor growth affecting breathing. Common lung cancer symptoms include:
- A persistent cough lasting weeks
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in sputum
- Chest pain during coughing, laughing, or deep breaths
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Frequent headaches
In advanced stages, severe symptoms may include:
- Frequent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
- Bone pain, especially in the ribs
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling in the face, neck, or arms
Lung Cancer Causes
- Lung cancer often results from long-term tobacco smoke exposure.
- Both smokers and non-smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer.
- Continued smoke exposure impairs the lungs repair ability.
- This impairment leads to permanent lung damage and cancer.
- Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.
- Stopping smoking can also improve symptoms of the disease.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
When a patient presents symptoms that could indicate lung cancer, several diagnostic tests may be performed:
- Imaging Tests: Initial x-rays detect abnormal masses. A CT scan may reveal lesions not visible on x-rays, and a CT angiogram can check for blood clots or blockages.
- Sputum Cytology: This test examines sputum to detect cancerous cells if a patient has a persistent cough with phlegm.
- Biopsy: If lesions or tumors are found, a biopsy is conducted to check for cancer cells. Types of biopsies include bronchoscopy for accessible lesions and thoracoscopy for less accessible tumors.
Lung Cancer Stages
Staging determines the extent of lung cancer spread:
- Occult Stage (Hidden): Cancer cells are present in sputum, but no tumor is found.
- Stage 0: Non-invasive stage where cancer cells remain in the lung tissues without spreading.
- Stage I: Cancer cells are in lung tissues but have not spread to lymph nodes.
- Stage II: Cancer affects nearby lymph nodes and may spread to the chest wall.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes and nearby structures like the esophagus or trachea.
- Stage IV: Most advanced stage where cancer spreads to distant organs.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer treatment depends on the location, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options include:
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors before surgery, or remove remaining cells post-surgery. It also helps relieve symptoms in advanced stages.
- Chemotherapy: Employs drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, used before or after surgery, or as a standalone or combined treatment.
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells by targeting proteins that help cancer cells evade immune detection.
- Surgery: Involves removing tumors. Types include:
- Wedge Resection: Removal of a small lung section around the tumor.
- Segmental Resection: Removal of a larger lung section.
- Lobectomy: Removal of an entire lung lobe.
- Pneumonectomy: Removal of the entire lung.
Complications of Lung Cancer
As lung cancer progresses, complications may arise:
- Metastasis: Cancer spreading to distant organs like the heart, brain, or bones, causing pain, headaches, or nausea.
- Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup in the chest cavity, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Pain: Spread to the lungs lining or bones can cause severe pain, which can be managed with treatment.
- Coughing Up Blood: Advanced cancer can damage the lung lining, resulting in hemoptysis.
Shortness of Breath: Tumors or fluid accumulation can block airways and restrict lung expansion, causing breathing difficulties.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lung. They can infiltrate surrounding tissues and create malignancies. Lung cancer can develop in any area of the lungs and impact any aspect of the respiratory system. Cancer cells can spread or metastasize to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Researchers discovered that lung tumors may stay latent for more than 20 years before exploding into an aggressive version of the illness.
Lung cancer can cause chest, shoulder, or back pain. The painful sensation may not be associated with the cough. It's important to inform your doctor if you experience any type of chest pain, whether sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent.
Radiation therapy can be effective in treating lung cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
While most cases are due to smoking or exposure to toxins, some types of lung cancer can be linked to genetic factors.
Lung cancer can develop over many years, often without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
Yes, lung cancer can metastasize (spread) to other organs like the brain, bones, or liver.
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