Lungs cancer - types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment

Lungs are spongy vital organs present in the chest region that take in oxygen when a person inhales air and releases carbon dioxide when exhales. People who smoke have the higher risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer may be seen in people who never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes a person smokes. If a person who used to smoke earlier and quit smoking, may significantly reduce the chances of developing lung cancer. 

Symptoms 

This cancer type doesn't show any symptoms during early stages:

These signs and symptoms mostly occur in the people with advanced stages of lung cancer.

Signs & symptoms of lung cancer includes:

  • Cough, that doesn't go away 

  • Chest pain 

  • Hoarseness 

  • Bone pain 

  • Coughing up blood 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Headache

Causes 

Smokers are more likely to get lung cancers - smokers and in people who are exposed to smoke secondhand. It occurs in people who never smoked and in those who never and prolonged exposure to smoke secondhand.

Types of lung cancer

Treatment decisions are done based on the major type of lung cancer a person has.  Major types based on the appearance of lung cancer cells under the microscope. Two general types of lungs cancer include:

Small cell lung cancer: It occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer: It is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers.  This type includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

Risk factors

Risk factors can be controlled by quitting smoking, for instance. A number of factors may increase risk of lung cancer.

These risk factors include:

  • Smoking 

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke 

  • Previous radiation therapy 

  • Exposure to radon gas 

  • Exposure to asbestos & other carcinogens

  • Family history of lung cancer

Prevention 

There is no sure way to prevent lung cancer, but one can reduce risk by following ways:

  • Quit smoking 

  • No smoking 

  • Avoid secondhand smoke 

  • Test your home for radon

  • Avoid carcinogens at work 

  • By eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables 

  • Exercise most days of the week 

Diagnosis

Tests for lung cancer may include these:

  • Imaging tests: X - ray image is used to reveal abnormal mass or nodule. CT scan images may reveal small lesions in lungs. 

  • Sputum cytology: When observed with cough & producing sputum, looking at the sputum under the microscope can sometimes reveal the presence of lung cancer cells. 

  • Tissue sample: A sample of abnormal cells can be removed in a procedure called Biopsy. Biopsy can be produced in many ways, including bronchoscopy in which abnormal areas of cells. Mediastinoscopy, in which an incision is made at the base of the neck & surgical tools are inserted behind the breast bone to take tissue samples from lymph nodes.

Careful examination of the test samples in the laboratory may help in detecting the type of lung cancer by the doctor.

Treatment 

Patient and doctor together decide the treatment plan based on a number of factors, such as your overall health, the type and stage of your cancer, and other preferences.

Surgery

During surgery, surgeon works to remove the lung cancer and a margin of healthy tissue. Procedures to remove lung cancer include:

Wedge resection to remove a small part or section of lung that contains the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue.

Segmental resection to remove a larger portion of lung, but not an entire lobe of the lung. 

Lobectomy to remove the entire lobe of the lung.

Pneumonectomy to remove an entire lung.

Other treatment methods include:

  • Radiation therapy

  • Chemotherapy 

  • Stereotactic body radiotherapy

  • Immunotherapy

  • Targeted drug therapy

  • Palliative care or supportive care 


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