Dr. Shilpa Gandhi | Leading Consultant Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon In Nagpur
Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, where cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It’s one of the most common and serious types of cancer, with various forms, the most common being non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Each type behaves and spreads differently, requiring specific treatment approaches.Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with breathing and spread to other parts of the body.
It is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is primarily linked to smoking, though it can also occur in non-smokers.
Types of Lung Cancer
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases. Subtypes include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): More aggressive and spreads faster than NSCLC, but it’s generally more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation.
Causes
- Secondhand smoke
- Exposure to radon gas, asbestos, or other chemicals
- Air pollution
- Genetic predisposition
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer may not cause symptoms initially. As it progresses, common symptoms can include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Coughing up blood
Who more likely to develop lung cancer?
Lung cancer risk is higher with certain factors:
- Smoking: The leading cause, responsible for most cases. Risk increases with more years and quantity of smoking, and with alcohol or beta carotene supplements. Quitting reduces but doesn’t eliminate risk.
- Secondhand Smoke: Inhaling smoke from others also raises risk.
- Family History: Genetics can increase susceptibility.
- Workplace Exposures: Contact with asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and similar chemicals raises risk.
- Radiation Exposure: Radiation therapy, radon, certain imaging tests, and chest exposure increase risk.
- HIV Infection: Higher risk, possibly due to higher smoking rates.
- Air Pollution: Higher pollution levels correlate with increased lung cancer risk.
What are the treatments for lung cancer?
For most lung cancer patients, treatment aims to control the disease rather than cure it. Treatment plans are tailored based on the cancer type, stage, patient’s overall health, and other factors, and may involve a combination of therapies.
For Small Cell Lung Cancer, common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which are often used together to manage the cancer. Immunotherapy is another option, aiming to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Laser therapy may also be used, employing lasers to directly kill cancer cells. In cases where a tumor blocks an airway, endoscopic stent placement can help by using a tube to insert a stent, keeping the airway open and improving breathing.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer offers a wider range of treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are standard treatments, often combined to target the cancer from multiple angles. Targeted therapy is another option, using drugs to specifically attack cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy cells. Immunotherapy may also be recommended to enhance the immune response. In addition to these, certain therapies focus on destroying abnormal tissue directly: laser therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) use a drug-activated laser light to kill cancer cells, while cryosurgery freezes abnormal tissue, and electrocautery uses heated probes to eliminate cancer cells.
Each treatment option is chosen based on how it can best manage the specific characteristics of the cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Can lung cancer be prevented?
Reducing risk factors can help prevent lung cancer. For example:
- Quit smoking if you currently smoke, and avoid starting if you don’t.
- Limit exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
- Reduce radon exposure by testing your home for radon levels. You can use a DIY test kit or hire a professional for accurate results.