Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs and some organs around the lungs like the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The lungs are sponge-like organs in the chest where oxygen is absorbed into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body.
The trachea is the tube through which the air enters the body, and it further divides into two tubes called bronchi, each for every lung. The bronchi later divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles that have alveoli (air sacks) at the end.
The lungs are protected by a thin lining called the pleura, and below them is the diaphragm which lets air in and out of the lungs, plus separates the lunges from the abdomen.
Other substances that cause lung cancer include:
Cadmium Arsenic Nickel Chromium Uranium
A history of lung cancer in your family. Having undergone radiation therapy to your chest in the past Recognizing Lung Cancer Symptoms. Lung cancer symptoms are mostly not identified until sometime later, mainly because some patients may confuse them with those of respiratory disease. The two types of lung cancer may exhibit different symptoms.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms:
Chest pain, especially when breathing. Persistent coughs that don’t have a known cause. Coughs that cause bleeding or production of red-colored phlegm. Fatigue and weakness, even after doing something small. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Frequent infections of the upper respiratory parts like pneumonia and bronchitis.
Lumps:
As cancer spreads to the lymph nodes during its advanced stages, the tumors near the skin may be seen as lumps.
Paraneoplastic syndromes:
The cancer cells might produce chemicals in the body that may trigger reactions called paraneoplastic syndromes that exhibit symptoms like blood clots and excess bone growth.
Horner syndrome:
Tumors may cause nerve damage, affecting one part of the face, causing a reduced pupil size or a droopy eyelid.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms:
Persistent coughs Hoarseness Unexplained appetite and weight loss Shortness of breath Wheezing Fatigue and weakness Infections like pneumonia and bronchitis that are persistent
Advanced Symptoms:
Headaches Weak or numb limbs Dizziness Bone pain Lumps in the collarbone or neck Jaundice
Types and Stages of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer comes in two types:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This is the main type of lung cancer, accounting for 80-85% of lung cancer cases in the United States. The main subtypes are:
Adenocarcinoma:
Begins in the cells of the lungs that secrete substances like mucus. It is more common in men and young people and is often identified before spreading further. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the flat cells lining the insides of lung airways. It is typically found in the center of the lungs and is often linked to smoking history.
Large Cell Carcinoma:
Can occur in any part of the lungs and grows and spreads faster than other types, making it one of the hardest to treat.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Sometimes referred to as oat cell cancer, this type accounts for about 10-15% of lung cancer cases. It grows and spreads quicker than non-small cell lung cancer. Around 70% of patients with small cell lung cancer are diagnosed after it has already started spreading.
Stages of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer spreads in stages, which help guide the doctor on the best mode of treatment. Since lung cancer does not exhibit symptoms in the early stages, it may be hard to diagnose but would be easier to treat if identified early.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages:
Stage 1: Cancer cells are only found in the lungs and have not started spreading outside the lungs. Stage 2: The cancer cells have spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Stage 3: Cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes at the center of the chest. Stage 3A: Cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes of the chest on the same side where cancer first appeared. Stage 3B: Cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or above the collarbone. Stage 4: Cancer cells have spread to the other lung, areas around the lungs, or other distant organs. Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages:
Limited Stage: Cancer cells are only on one lung or close lymph nodes on the same side of the chest where cancer started. Extensive Stage:
Cancer cells have spread to the other lung, fluid around the lungs, lymph nodes on the opposite side, distant organs, and bone marrow. Preventive Measures and Diagnosis.There are no certain ways to prevent lung cancer, but the following practices can reduce your chances of contracting it:
Not smoking Avoiding exposure to carcinogens Avoiding secondary cigarette smoke Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits Testing for radon in your home Exercising regularly
Doctors use various methods to diagnose lung cancer, including:
Imaging tests Tissue sampling Blood sampling Sputum cytology Treatment Options After diagnosis, the treatment method depends on the type, location, and stage of lung cancer. It is advisable to seek a second opinion before starting treatment, but don’t wait too long before doing so.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment:
Stage 1: Surgery to remove the infected part of the lung may be enough, but chemotherapy may be applied if there’s a high chance of recurrence. Stage 2: Surgery to remove a portion of your lung is the first option, and chemotherapy is also recommended. Stage 3: A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment may be needed. Stage 4: Treatment options include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment:
Small cell lung cancer grows and progresses quickly. If diagnosed early, surgery may be used. In advanced stages, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is common.
Working with Your Medical Team Discuss all treatment options with your doctor. Your medical team may include:
A thoracic surgeon who specializes in the lungs and chest A medical oncologist A pulmonologist who specializes in the lungs A radiation oncologist
