Lung Cancer

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

• Bronchoscopy

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