Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer refers to cancers originating in the lungs, in airways or air sacs. While persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath are general symptoms, it's important to note that the signs of lung cancer in women may vary.

What are the types of lung cancer?

There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type, includes three subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is characterised by rapid growth and early metastasis.

Other Types of Cancer in the Lungs

Other rare types of lung cancer exist, including carcinoid tumours and sarcomas.

What are the stages of cancer?

Cancer staging considers factors such as tumor size and depth of tissue invasion.

Lung cancer staging

In the early stages (0-I), the tumor is localised within the lung. In stages (II-III), the cancer may involve nearby structures. In the advanced stage (IV), the cancer spread to distant organs.

Limited vs. extensive stage

Limited-stage indicates cancer confined to one lung or its nearby lymph nodes. Extensive-stage shows broader dissemination, reaching beyond the initial lung and associated lymph nodes.

What is metastatic lung cancer?

Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells from the lungs spread to other parts of the body.

How common is lung cancer?

Lung cancer ranks among the most common cancers worldwide.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Common lung cancer symptoms includes:

• persistent cough
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood.

Other lung cancer symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss
• recurrent respiratory infections.

If you find any abovementioned lung cancer symptoms do not panic, consult your doctor, because these could be the symptoms of other non-serious diseases.

What are the first signs of lung cancer?

It includes a persistent cough, changes in breathing, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.

How long can you have lung cancer without knowing?

Cancer may silently develop for years before lung cancer symptoms emerge; early-stage lung cancer can be asymptomatic.

What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer causes can be many, it generally arises from abnormal cell division due to mutations that remove the safeguards, allowing uncontrolled multiplication and spread throughout the body.

What are the risk factors for developing lung cancer?

Primary lung cancer risk factors include:

• smoking,
• exposure to passive smoking,
• occupational hazards (asbestos, radon),
• family history,
• pre-existing lung diseases.

Does vaping cause lung cancer?

Vaping involves some cancer-causing substances, through a nicotine and flavouring mist. Long-term effects, including potential lung damage, remain uncertain.

Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Yes, non-smokers can develop lung cancer.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Lung cancer is diagnosed through imaging tests like PET/CT scans, biopsies, and bronchoscopy.

Does a chest X-ray show lung cancer?

A chest X-ray can reveal signs, but a CT scan confirms the disease.

What tests will be done to diagnose lung cancer?

Lung cancer diagnosis is done by blood tests, imaging (CT, PET scans), biopsies, and molecular tests, examining genetic markers for lung cancer treatment.

Blood Test

Blood tests for lung cancer may include CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) and CYFRA 21-1.

Imaging

Imaging techniques such as CT scans and PET scans provide detailed visuals of the lungs.

Biopsy

Biopsy involves extracting tissue samples for microscopic examination.

Molecular Tests

Molecular tests analyse genetic markers, guiding lung cancer treatment decisions.

What medications/treatments are used in lung cancer?

Lung cancer treatments encompass surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care.

Surgery

Surgery involves removing tumours or affected lung tissue, and is often a primary lung cancer treatment for early-stage lung cancer.

Radiofrequency Ablation

It uses heat to destroy cancer cells, often considered for small tumours or as a complement to surgery.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays target cancer cells to eliminate residual cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy utilises drugs to kill or slow cancer cell growth, offering systemic lung cancer treatment for advanced cases.

Targeted Drug Therapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular markers in cancer cells and blocks their growth signals.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

Treatments to Ease Symptoms (Palliative Care)

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life, manage lung cancer symptoms and provide support.

Side Effects of the Treatment

Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

How do I manage symptoms and side effects?

Manage lung cancer symptoms with medication prescribed by your healthcare providers and some lifestyle changes.

How can I prevent lung cancer?

You can prevent lung cancer by:

• Avoiding tobacco.
• Reduce exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as radon.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including exercise.

Lung cancer screening

Early detection through screening with imaging tests like low-dose CT scans improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

What can I expect if I have lung cancer?

You might experience hoarseness, chest pain, shortness of breath and worsening, weight loss or persistent cough.

Does lung cancer spread quickly?

Small cell lung cancer can spread rapidly, while non-small cell lung cancer may progress more slowly.

Can lung cancer be cured?

Cure for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and response to treatment.

What are the survival rates for lung cancer?

Lung cancer survival rate ranges from 90% for tumours under 1 cm to 80% for that 2 - 3 cm.

How do I take care of myself?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest.

When to see a doctor?

See a doctor for persistent cough, chest pain, or breathing difficulties.

Conclusion

Lung cancer demands vigilance for early detection, with lifestyle choices playing a crucial role in lung cancer prevention. Timely investigation of the cause of lung cancer, and medical intervention, coupled with treatments, can impact outcomes.

If you are experiencing any health issues or are worried about the symptoms discussed above, get yourself tested at Metropolis Healthcare. We ensure that you get the accurate results in no time.