Lung Cancer

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a condition where cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with your breathing and spread to other parts of the body. While a lung cancer diagnosis is life-changing, advances in screening, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life for patients today.

Lung cancer affecting respiratory system

Types of Lung Cancer

Not all lung cancers are the same. Determining the specific type is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases. It includes subtypes like adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type grows and spreads faster than NSCLC. It is almost always associated with a history of smoking.
Lung Carcinoid Tumors: A rare, slower-growing type of lung cancer that starts in hormone-producing cells.

Common Symptoms

In its early stages, lung cancer often doesn't cause symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may notice:

01

A persistent cough that doesn't go away or gets worse over time.

Persistent cough

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Coughing up blood (even a small amount).

Coughing up blood

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Shortness of breath or unexplained wheezing.

Shortness of Breath

04

Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.

Chest pain

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Hoarseness or changes in your voice.

Hoarseness

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Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

Weight loss

07

Frequent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, that keep coming back.

lung infections

Risk Factors: Beyond Just Smoking

While cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer (responsible for about 80% to 90% of cases), non-smokers can also develop the disease.

Doctor consulting patient for lung cancer evaluation

Tobacco Smoke: Including cigars, pipes, and secondhand smoke.
Radon Gas: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and workplaces. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Hazardous Substances: Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, or nickel, especially in industrial settings.
Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase risk.
Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to high levels of outdoor pollution.

The Importance of Early Screening

Medical assessment for suspected lung cancer

Early detection is the most powerful tool we have. For high-risk individuals, a Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT) can find lung cancer when it is small and more easily treated.

Are you eligible for screening? If you are between ages 50 and 80, have a 20 pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, talk to your doctor about an annual LDCT scan.

Diagnosis and Staging

If a spot is found on an imaging test, several steps follow to confirm a diagnosis:

Specialist discussing diagnosis and care plan

Biopsy: Taking a small sample of lung tissue to look at under a microscope.
PET/CT Scan: To see if the cancer has spread outside of the lungs.
Biomarker Testing: This is a crucial modern step. We test the tumor for specific genetic mutations (like EGFR or ALK) to see if "targeted" drugs can attack the cancer directly.

Modern Treatment Options

Treatment is now more personalized than ever. Your "multidisciplinary team" (surgeons, oncologists, and pulmonologists) may recommend:

01

To remove the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes.

Surgery

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Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

03

Using powerful medications to shrink or kill the cancer.

Chemotherapy

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Drugs that "target" specific mutations in cancer cells, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemo.

Targeted Therapy

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