Lung cancer is a common cause of death worldwide.
Smokers are at the maximum risk of lung cancer, but can occur in non-smokers also.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are delayed. It occurs only in the advanced stage of disease.
- Cough
- Blood in Cough
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness of voice
- Weight loss unexplained
Causes
Smoking is the main factor of lung cancers. Can also occurs in non smokers
How smoking causes lung cancer
Cigarette smoke is full of cancer-causing agents.
Type of lung cancers
Lung cancers are of two major types. Treatment based on type of lung cancer.
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Risk factors
Smoking
Secondhand smoke
Radon gas
Asbestos exposure
Family history
Lung cancer is a malignant cancer which often spreads to other parts of the body.
Prevention
- Quit smoking
- Avoid secondhand smoke
- Diet of fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
Diagnosis
Lung cancer screening in smokers > 55 yrs of age.
Tests to diagnose lung cancer
- X-ray & CT scan.
- Sputum examination
- Tissue biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Mediastinoscopy
Staging tests: CT, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET) and bone scan.
More Information
Treatment
Surgery to remove the involved tissue with margin of healthy tissue:
- Wedge resection
- Segmental resection
- Lobectomy
- Pneumonectomy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Radiosurgery
Drug therapy
Immunotherapy