What is Lung Cancer?’
Lung Cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs and generally begins in the cells lining the airways. It happens when abnormal or mutated cells grows uncontrollably further forming a tumor or a mass. This tumor or mass can interfere with normal lung functions. Lung Cancer is one cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms may vary depending on the stage and type of the cancer the patient is suffering from. In the early stages of lung cancer there may be no noticeable symptoms. But as the cancer progresses, symptoms may appear. The common symptoms of lung cancer is as follows:.
1) Persistent Cough: A chronic cough that does not resolve to conventional line of treatment or even worsen over time.
2) Coughing up Blood (Haemoptysis): Coughing up small amount or gross amount of blood, it can be a symptom of lung cancer.
3) Shortness of Breath: Persistent and gradually progressive difficulty in breathing, even with mild activity.
4) Fatigue: Unexplained and gradual progression in fatigue. This fatigue doesn’t resolve with adequate rest.
Other common symptoms are chest pain, hoarseness, fatigue etc.
It is important to note that all the above mentioned symptoms could be present in wide range of diseases and so it is important to consult a health care provider.
Lung Cancer Causes
Lung Cancer is primarily caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances that damage the lungs. The major causes are:
1) Smoking (Primary Cause):
It is well known established fact that tobacco smoke contains carcinogen and these carcinogens can cause damage to lungs. Both active and passive (second hand) smokers are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer depends of the number of cigarettes smoked per day and duration of smoking.
2) Exposure to Carcinogens:
Asbestos that is found is old buildings and industries like ship building and construction can predispose an individual to increased risk of lung cancer. Exposure to excessive air pollution that includes particulate matter of P.M 2.5 can predispose an individual to increased risk of lung cancer.
3) Weak Immune System:
Individuals with compromised immune system due to certain conditions like HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressive therapy post organ transplantation can lead to increased risk of lung cancer.
4) Poor Diet and Lifestyle:
A diet that is rich in anti-oxidant (fruits and vegetables) can result in decreased risk of lung cancer. Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to the increased risk of lung cancer.
Types of Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is mainly classified into two main subtypes:
1) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
This is the most common subtype of lung cancer and accounts for almost 85% of overall lung cancer cases diagnosed. This is further subdivided into:
A) Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common subtype of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and primarily is found in the outer parts of the lungs. It is often found in non-smokers and is slow growing in nature.
B) Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This subtype of cancer originates in the central part of the lung and is often linked to smoking.
C) Large Cell Carcinoma (LCC): These is the least common subtype of lung cancer but is more aggressive form and can originate in any parts of the lungs.
2) Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):
This type accounts for about 15% of all the lung cancer diagnosed and tends to grows rapidly. It tends to grows rapidly and spread to other parts of the body at earlier stages. It is strongly associated with smoking.
3) Other Rare Types:
A) Lung Carcinoid Tumors: These subtype of lung cancer are slow growing and make up less that 5% of lung cancers.
B) Mesothelioma: This is the rare subtype of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs. It is often associated with chronic asbestos exposure.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Lung cancer is diagnosed through a combination of modalities like clinical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. This elaborated further:
1) Medical History and Physical Examination:
Complains of persistent cough, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, unexplained loss of weight. And unresolving fatigueness should raise a suspicion of lung cancer. Chronic history of smoking and asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer.
2) Imaging Studies:
A) CT Scan (Computed Tomography): It provides detailed view of the lung, and further helps to identify size and spread of the tumor.
A) CT Scan (Computed Tomography): It provides detailed view of the lung, and further helps to identify size and spread of the tumor.
C) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI Scan in lung cancer is used to evaluated brain and skeletal metastasis.
3) Laboratory & Biopsy Tests:
A) Sputum Cytology: Coughed up mucus from the lungs can be examined for cancer cells.
B) Bronchoscopy with Biopsy: A thin tube with a camera can be inserted into airways and samples can be taken for further examination.
C) Thoracentesis: If the lung cancer patient is suffering from pleural effusion then pleural fluid can be tapped to check for cancer cells.
Treatment of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer treatment in modern medicine depends on the type of the cancer: 1) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). 2) Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). It also depends upon stage and overall health of the patient. The primary treatment plan include:
1) Surgery: Surgery is a viable option if the cancer is localized and has not spread extensively.
2) Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy are high energy rays that helps to kill or shrink cancer cells.
3) Chemotherapy: Chemotherapeutic drugs is used to kill cancer cells and is often given in cycles.
4) Targeted Therapy: Drug that specifically target genetic mutations in lung cancer cells without harming normal cells.
5) Immunotherapy: Immunotherapeutic drugs are checkpoint inhibitors that recognize and destroys cancer cells.
Lung Cancer Prognosis (Survival and Outlook)
The prognosis of lung cancer depends on several factors, including type of cancer, stage of cancer, response to the treatment, and overall health of that individual. Factors affecting prognosis are:
A) Types of Lung Cancer:
1) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): These are slow growing tumors and generally have better prognosis.
2) Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): These are fast growing and aggressive variant of cancer, and generally have poorer prognosis.
B) Stage at Diagnosis:
1) Early-stage (Stage I-II): These stage has better prognosis and higher survival rate.
2) Advanced-stage (Stage III-IV): These stage has lower survival but further treatment can prolong the life.
C) Patient who respond well to surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy etc. generally have better prognosis.
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Your health is my priority, and together, we can work towards a brighter, healthier future.
— Dr. Ravi Gupta, M.D. (Ayurveda),
Ayurveda Cancer Consultant,
Specialist in Ayurveda and Panchakarma.
