Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. It is the most lethal cancer in the world, primarily because so many patients are diagnosed late. Screening more patients could help, yet screening rates remain critically low. According to the American Lung Association, only 6% of eligible people in the United States are screened. Despite its prevalence, many misconceptions surround this disease. This post will explore lung cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, the organs responsible for breathing. It occurs when cells in the lung grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Lungs Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type, accounting for about 80-85% of lung cancers. Histologically, NSCLC is divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is less common but tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC. SCLC, previously known as oat cell carcinoma, is distinct from NSCLC because of its clinical and biological characteristics. SCLC is a neuroendocrine carcinoma that exhibits aggressive behavior, rapid growth, early spread to distant sites, exquisite sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation, and frequent association with paraneoplastic syndromes.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop lung cancer, certain factors increase the risk:
- Smoking: The leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Exposure to radon gas
- Occupational exposure to carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust)
- Family history of lung cancer
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Early-stage lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like CT, PET, and biopsies. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer but may include:
Prevention
While not all lung cancers are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Not smoking or quitting if you do smoke
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Testing your home for radon
- Protecting yourself from workplace exposure to harmful substances
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
Conclusion
Lung cancer is a severe disease, but advancements in early detection and treatment are improving outcomes for many patients. By understanding the risk factors and taking preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the impact of this deadly disease. For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, or World Health Organization websites.