Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division in the lungs. Your cells naturally divide and replicate themselves. However, they may experience alterations (mutations) that cause them to continue producing more of themselves when they should not. Damaged cells divide uncontrollably, forming lumps, or tumors, of tissue that eventually prevent your organs from functioning normally. Lung cancer refers to tumors that originate in the lungs, typically in the airways (bronchi or bronchioles) or small air sacs (alveoli). Cancers that begin in other areas and spread to your lungs are typically termed after their origin.

Types of lung cancer

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): NSCLC is the most frequent type of lung cancer. It accounts for more than 80% of lung cancer cases. Common kinds include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma are two uncommon forms of NSCLC.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) grows faster and is more difficult to treat than NSCLC. It is frequently discovered as a tiny lung tumor that has already migrated to other parts of the body. SCLC is classified into two types: small cell carcinoma (also known as oat cell carcinoma) and combination small cell carcinoma.

Stages of lung cancer

Each stage has numerous size and spread combinations that can fit into that category. For example, while the underlying tumor in a Stage III cancer may be smaller than in a Stage II cancer, other variables contribute to its advanced stage. Lung cancer is generally staged as follows:

• Stage 0 (in-situ): Cancer is found in the upper lining of the lung or bronchus at Stage 0 (in-situ). It has not spread to other areas of the lung or outside of the lung.
• Stage I: Cancer has not progressed beyond the lung.
• Stage II: Cancer is larger than Stage I, has migrated to lymph nodes within the lung, or there are many tumors in the same lobe.
• Stage III: Cancer is larger than Stage II, has spread to neighboring lymph nodes or structures, or there are many tumors in various lobes of the same lung.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the other lung, the fluid around the lung, the fluid surrounding the heart, or distant organs.

Symptoms

The majority of lung cancer symptoms resemble other, less serious ailments. Many people do not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed, while some experience them early on. Those who have symptoms may just have one or a few of the following:

• Cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time.
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Wheezing.
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Hoarseness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Unexplained fatigue (tiredness).
• Shoulder pain.
• Swelling in the face, neck, arms, and upper chest (superior vena cava syndrome).
• Horner's syndrome is characterized by a small pupil and drooping eyelid in one eye, as well as little or no sweating on that side of the face.

Causes

Lung cancer is created by cells that continue to divide even when they shouldn't. While cell division is a normal process, all cells contain an internal off switch that prevents them from dividing into new cells (senescence) or causes them to die (apoptosis) when necessary. The off switch is activated when a cell divides or undergoes too many changes (mutations). Cancer cells are normal cells in your body that have acquired mutations that disable the off switch. Cells multiply uncontrollably and interfere with your normal cells. Cancer cells can enter the circulation or lymph nodes and spread throughout the body, causing damage.

Diagnosis

Lung cancer diagnosis might involve several steps. During your first visit to a healthcare provider, they will normally listen to your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and perform a physical exam. Because lung cancer symptoms are similar to those of many other, more prevalent conditions, your doctor may begin by ordering blood tests and a chest X-ray. If your provider suspects you have lung cancer, your next steps in diagnosis will usually include more imaging tests, such as a CT scan, followed by a biopsy. Other tests include a PET/CT scan to assess whether cancer has spread, as well as testing of malignant tissue obtained from a biopsy to help select the best course of treatment.

Tests

Blood tests, imaging, and fluid or tissue biopsies are all tests that your doctor may order or perform.

Blood tests

Blood tests cannot identify cancer on their own, but they can help your doctor assess how well your organs and other body parts are functioning.

Imaging

Chest X-rays and CT scans provide your doctor with images that show changes in your lungs. PET/CT scans are typically performed to analyze a problematic CT scan finding or after a cancer diagnosis to see whether the cancer has spread.

Biopsy

Your provider can do a variety of procedures to get a better look at what's going on inside your chest. During the same procedures, your provider can collect samples of tissue or fluid (biopsy), which can then be examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells and diagnose the kind of cancer. Samples can also be examined for genetic alterations (mutations) that may impact your treatment.

To detect lung cancer or learn more about its spread, procedures such as needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), thoracentesis, endobronchial ultrasonography or endoscopic esophageal ultrasound, and mediastinoscopy or mediastinotomy are utilized.

Treatment

Treatments for lung cancer aim to eliminate or slow the spread of cancer in your body. Treatments can eliminate malignant cells, help to destroy or prevent them from proliferating, and train your immune system to fight them. Some treatments are also used to alleviate symptoms and pain. Your therapy will be determined by the type of lung cancer you have, its location, the extent of its spread, and a variety of other factors. Treatments for lung cancer include surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted medication therapy, and immunotherapy.

Prevention

Some strategies to lower your risk are:

• Do not smoke, or quit if you already do. Within five years of stopping, your risk of developing lung cancer decreases.
• Avoid secondhand smoke and other lung-damaging chemicals.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight. According to several research, eating fruits and vegetables (two to six and a half cups per day) may help reduce your risk of cancer.
• If you have a high chance of developing lung cancer, get screened.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a serious disease, but with early detection and advancements in therapy, survival rates are increasing. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment choices is critical for anyone at risk or impacted by this disorder. If you are concerned about lung cancer or observe any signs, seek medical attention right once. You can lower your risk and improve your long-term health by adopting preventative measures and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.