Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. It is one of the most common and serious cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
It usually starts in the lining of the air passages (bronchi).
Main Types of Lung Cancer
🔹 1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – (Most common, ~80–85%)
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
🔹 2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – (Fast-growing, aggressive)
Major Causes & Risk Factors
🚬 Smoking – The leading cause (including passive smoking)
🧪 Exposure to radon gas
🏭 Air pollution
⚙ Exposure to asbestos & chemicals
👨👩👧 Family history
🫁 Chronic lung diseases
Even non-smokers can develop lung cancer.
Common Symptoms
Persistent cough (more than 2–3 weeks)
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness of voice
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Repeated chest infections
⚠️ Early stages may have no symptoms.
Diagnosis
Chest X-ray
CT scan
PET scan
Bronchoscopy
Biopsy (confirmatory test)
Molecular testing (EGFR, ALK, etc.)
Stages of Lung Cancer
Stage 1: Limited to lung
Stage 2–3: Spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage 4: Spread to other organs (brain, liver, bones)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage and type:
🔹 Surgery
For early-stage cancer
🔹 Chemotherapy
🔹 Radiation Therapy
🔹 Targeted Therapy
For specific genetic mutations
🔹 Immunotherapy
Boosts immune system to fight cancer
Often, treatments are combined.