Overview


Cancer is a kind of sickness where the cells in the body start growing uncontrollably. When this happens in the lungs, it's known as lung cancer. The beginning of lung cancer is in the lungs, and sometimes it can move to other parts of the body like the lymph nodes or even organs like the brain. Cancer from other parts of the body can spread to the lungs too, and when this happens, it's called metastases. The lungs, found in the chest, play a crucial role in breathing.

When you take a breath, air travels through your nose, down the windpipe (trachea), and into the lungs. Inside the lungs, the air moves through small tubes known as bronchi. Unfortunately, many cases of lung cancer start in the cells lining these tubes. It's important to understand that the lungs are vital for our breathing process, and the development of cancer can impact their normal functioning. Regular health check-ups and avoiding tobacco can contribute to maintaining lung health and reducing the risk of complications.

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Non-small cells include two more types called adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of lung cancer grow in different ways, and doctors treat them differently. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals figure out the best way to deal with lung cancer, whether it's starting in the lungs or spreading from another part of the body. Lung cancer is a serious condition, but with the right knowledge and treatment, people can work towards managing and treating it effectively.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is split into two main types, and the treatment your doctor suggests depends on which type you have. The first type is called small-cell lung cancer, which mainly affects heavy smokers and is less common than the second type. The second type is non-small cell lung cancer, which is like an umbrella term covering different kinds of lung cancers. These include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Understanding the specific type helps your doctor decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. If you're facing lung cancer, knowing about these types is a crucial step in getting the right care.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer


The lungs, located in the chest, are super important for breathing. Imagine taking a deep breath – air goes through your nose, down a tube called the windpipe (or trachea), and finally reaches the lungs. Inside the lungs, there are tiny tubes called bronchi, and that's where the air goes. Sadly, some people face a big problem called lung cancer, which often starts in the cells lining these tubes. This is serious because the lungs are like our body's air filters, and cancer can mess up how they work. Keeping your lungs healthy is crucial, and you can do that by having regular check-ups with your doctor and avoiding things like tobacco, which is bad for your lungs.

If you're someone who smokes and finds it hard to quit, talking to your doctor is a good idea. They can give you advice on how to stop smoking, like using special counseling, medications, or products that replace nicotine. It's never too late to take steps to protect your lungs. And if you notice any signs that worry you, like persistent coughing or trouble breathing, don't wait – make an appointment with your doctor. They're there to help keep you healthy and catch any problems early on. Taking care of your lungs is like giving yourself the gift of good breathing and a healthier life.

Causes of Lung Cancer


Smoking is the biggest danger of getting lung cancer. The longer you smoke, the higher the risk. Other things that can increase the risk include breathing in secondhand smoke, exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, and certain chemicals at work like uranium or diesel exhaust. Also, drinking water with arsenic and taking beta-carotene supplements while smoking can add to the risk. A family history of lung cancer and getting radiation therapy to your lungs are more risk factors.

Coughs can happen for many reasons. If a cough lasts less than 3 weeks, it's called acute; if it lasts more than 8 weeks, it's chronic. The most common reasons for acute coughs are infections in the upper respiratory tract and acute bronchitis, which together cause more than 60 per cent of diagnosed acute coughs.

Chronic coughs have different reasons like postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, infections, certain blood pressure drugs, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, tonsil enlargement, and emphysema. There are also less common causes like bronchial diseases, cystic fibrosis, whooping cough, lung inflammation, and heart failure.

Knowing these risk factors and causes can help you take care of your lungs. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do. And if you have a persistent cough or notice any signs, it's important to see a doctor for advice and early detection. Taking steps to keep your lungs healthy can lead to a better and longer life.

Prevention for Lung Cancer


Protecting yourself from lung cancer is essential, and there are simple steps you can take to lower the risk. The most significant factor is avoiding smoking – it causes about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. If you don't smoke, don't start, and if you do, consider quitting. Secondhand smoke is also harmful, so keep your home and car smoke-free.

Test your home for radon, a colourless, odourless gas that can increase lung cancer risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends this test for everyone. Additionally, be cautious at work by following health and safety guidelines to steer clear of carcinogens, substances that can cause cancer.

Taking these steps is like creating a shield for your lungs. Not smoking and staying away from secondhand smoke are powerful choices that significantly reduce your risk. Testing your home for radon ensures you're in a safe environment. Being cautious at work adds an extra layer of protection. Remember, small actions can make a big difference in keeping your lungs healthy and lowering the chances of facing lung cancer.

Tests and treatments for Lung Cancer


When your doctor suspects lung cancer, they might order different tests to find out if you have it and to rule out other problems. One type of test is called an imaging test. These can include an X-ray or a CT scan. These tests help the doctor see if there's anything unusual in your lungs, like a mass or a spot that shouldn't be there. If you've been coughing and producing sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus), another test called sputum cytology may be done. This involves looking at the sputum under a microscope to see if there are any lung cancer cells.

In some cases, the doctor might need to take a closer look at the cells. They can do this through a procedure called a biopsy. There are different ways to do a biopsy. One method is bronchoscopy, where a lighted tube is passed down your throat to look at abnormal areas in your lungs. Another way is mediastinoscopy, where a small incision is made at the base of your neck, and tools are used to take samples from lymph nodes.

Sometimes, a needle biopsy is done. Your doctor uses X-ray or CT images to guide a needle through your chest to collect cells from the suspicious area. This could be lung tissue or other places where the cancer might have spread, like the liver.
After the biopsy, the doctor analyzes the cancer cells in a lab. This helps find out the type of lung cancer and what its specific characteristics are, which is crucial for deciding the best treatment.
Once lung cancer is confirmed, your doctor will try to figure out how much it has spread. This process is called staging. Staging tests, like CT, MRI, PET, and bone scans, help determine the extent of the cancer. The stages are represented by Roman numerals, ranging from 0 to IV. Lower stages mean the cancer is mostly in the lung, while higher stages show it has spread to other parts of the body. Knowing the stage helps plan the right treatment for you. Talk to your doctor about which tests are needed based on your situation.
Is smoking the main cause of lung cancer?

Yes. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90% of cases.

Can non-smokers get lung cancer?
Is there more than one type of lung cancer?
Can lung cancer be prevented?
Do all lung cancers cause symptoms?