Lung cancer

     Lung cancer is a condition where the rapid division of cells in the lungs cannot be controlled, resulting in the growth of tumors that can endanger breathing. Early diagnosis and detection of abnormalities can help patients receive treatment as quickly as possible. Lung cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages but can be identified once it has grown larger, multiplied, and spread to various parts of the body. This is because symptoms may resemble respiratory infections, and some patients may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

The speed at which lung cancer can affect a patient's life depends on the type of cancer.

Types of Lung Cancer

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Found in about 10-15% of cases, this type of cancer grows and spreads more rapidly than non-small cell lung cancer, causing patients to die more quickly. It is typically treated with medication or radiation therapy.
• Non-small cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) This is more common, accounting for 85-90% of cases. It spreads more slowly and can be treated successfully with surgery if detected early.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

People with early-stage lung cancer may not show symptoms until cancer spreads to other organs. Self-monitoring can help detect changes in the body, such as:

• A change in voice tone, like hoarseness
• Symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia
• Shortness of breath, loud breathing, or fatigue
• Unexplained headaches or weight loss
• Chronic cough or coughing up blood
• A palpable lump

Some patients may experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain, intense bone pain, or coughing up blood.

Causes of Lung Cancer

The exact cause of lung cancer is not yet clear, but certain factors may increase the risk:

1.  Smoking

     This is the most common cause of lung cancer. Smokers are 10-30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, as the chemicals in cigarettes can damage lung cells, leading to abnormalities. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking.

2.  Exposure to toxic substances and pollutants 

     Cigarette smoke, asbestos, radon, arsenic, radiation, dust, nickel vapors, chromium, and other chemicals are pollutants.

3.  Age

     The risk of lung cancer increases with age, generally after 40, although it can also occur in people under 40.

4.  Family history 

     People with a family history of lung cancer are at higher risk, even if they don't smoke. This may be due to environmental factors or genetics related to cancer-causing genes.

Treatment for Lung Cancer

1.  Surgery

     Aims to remove the cancerous tumor and lymph nodes in the chest. Sometimes, the tumor may not be fully cancerous. Surgery is generally not used for small-cell lung cancer, which spreads quickly. It is used for non-small cell lung cancer in stages 1, 2, and 3A.

2.  Radiotherapy

     Uses concentrated radiation to target cancer cells and destroy the tumor. This method is typically used for localized cancer, not for cancer that has spread to other organs. It may be used to control the spread or alleviate pain. Radiation therapy is quick and painless but may cause side effects, such as difficulty swallowing, fatigue, loss of appetite, skin irritation in the treated area, and hair loss in some cases, especially brain radiation.

3.  Immunotherapy

     Enhances the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells effectively.

4.  Chemotherapy

     Uses drugs to kill and inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy for lung cancer is usually administered intravenously.

5.  Targeted Therapy

     Involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells, offering effective treatment without the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy.