Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. It begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body. The sooner lung cancer is detected, the better the chances for effective treatment.
*Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
*Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): A more aggressive form, often linked to smoking.
>Persistent cough
>Chest pain
>Shortness of breath
>Hoarseness
>Coughing up blood
>Fatigue
>Unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced. However, recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
*Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80–90% of cases.
*The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person has smoked.
*Cigar and pipe smoking also increase the risk, though not as much as cigarettes.
*Inhaling smoke from others (passive smoking) increases the risk of developing lung cancer, even for non-smokers.
*Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up indoors, especially in basements and poorly ventilated spaces.
*Long-term exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
*Long-term exposure to substances such as:
*Asbestos
*Arsenic
*Diesel exhaust
*Silica
*Nickel
*Chromium
*These are more common in certain industrial or construction jobs.
*High levels of air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly in urban or heavily industrialized areas.
*Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 65 and older.
*While men have historically had higher rates, lung cancer in women—especially non-smokers—has been rising.
Surgery may be an option for people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that hasn’t spread. The goal is to remove the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue.
*Lobectomy: Removal of one lobe of the lung.
*Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.
*Segmentectomy or Wedge Resection: Removal of a small section of the lung.
Surgery is typically followed by chemotherapy or radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used when surgery isn’t an option or to shrink tumors before surgery. It may also help ease symptoms in more advanced stages of lung cancer.
*External beam radiation – The most common type, where radiation is directed from outside the body.
*Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) – A highly focused form of radiation that targets tumors precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Chemotherapy is often used for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), advanced NSCLC, or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It can also help shrink tumors before surgery.
*Cisplatin
*Carboplatin
*Paclitaxel
*Docetaxel.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow and survive. This approach is often used for NSCLC patients with certain genetic mutations.
*EGFR inhibitors ( Erlotinib)
*ALK inhibitors ( Crizotinib)
*ROS1 inhibitors
These therapies are generally less toxic than chemotherapy, as they specifically target cancer cells rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells in the body.
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. For lung cancer, immunotherapy has become an important treatment, especially for advanced or metastatic cancer.
*Pembrolizumab
*Nivolumab
*Atezolizumab.
For people with advanced lung cancer, participating in clinical trials may provide access to new treatments not yet widely available. Trials are essential for developing new therapies and finding better ways to treat lung cancer.
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, rather than curing the disease. It can be used alongside curative treatments or when curative treatments are no longer effective.
*Pain management
*Breathing support
*Nutritional support.