Lung Cancer

Introduction

Lung cancer accounts for 13 per cent of all new cancer cases and 19 per cent of cancer related deaths worldwide. Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs and reducesthe ability to breathe. It can spread to other part of the body in later stage. The first place were lung cancer spread is the lymph node in the center of the chest. In the later stages, lung cancer can spreads to distant part of the body, such as liver, brain or bones.

Risk factor

There are various risk factors associated with lung cancer that is further categorised as modifiable (risk factors you can change) and non-modifiable (risk factors you can't change).

Modifiable risk factor : tobacco smoke, second-hand smoke,exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic.
Non-modifiable risk factor : family history and air pollution.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is divided into two types :

Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) : occur in about 10%-15% of lung cancers. SCLC is majorly due to cigarette smoking and only 1% of these tumors occur in non-smokers.
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) : are the commonest type of lung cancer, which is considered for approximately 85%-90% of all lung cancer cases. This has been further divided into three categories as per the type of cells found in the tumour - Adenocarcinomas, Squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas.

Signs & Symptoms

Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Bleeding
Chest pain
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Lump in the neck
Blood clots all over the body
Generalized weakness
Right side abdomen pain
Headache
Loss of memory

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be lifesaving as approximately 70% of lung cancer patients will survive for at least a year if diagnosed at the earliest stage.
To find the diagnosis of lung cancer and to know the spread of the tumour, a series of tests will be necessary: medical history, physical exam, blood tests, computed tomography (CT) of the chest and upper abdomen, and biopsy.
Imaging tests: Chest radiography such as CT scan and MRI is the preferred initial imaging modality because of its availability, low cost, low radiation dose, and high sensitivity.A CT scan can reveal small lesions in the lungs that may not be detected on an X-ray.
Biopsy: A sample of abnormal cells may be removed in a procedure called a biopsy. A biopsy is carried out to find out the potential cancer cells. It confirms the presence of cancer.
Sputum cytology: It is based on spontaneous shedding of cells derived from the lining of lung tissue that reveals the presence of lung cancer cells.

Management

The main goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and keep them under control for as long as possible. The doctor may advise the cancer treatment plans based on several factors, such as overall health, the type, the stage of cancer and the size of cells present, and whether they have spread. Often, combinations of therapies are used.Lung cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

Quitting smoking after a diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer may also help to manage people to live longer, a recent study found that quitting smoking could delay a return of cancer or worsening of the disease.

Follow-Up

Your healthcare expert will help you understand what to expect after cancer treatment in terms of follow-up, lifestyle changes, and making important health-related decisions.

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