Lung Cancer: Comprehensive Overview
Overview
Lung cancer is a malignant disease that arises from uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue, most commonly starting in the lining of the bronchi or alveoli. It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. There are two major categories: - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type (~80–85%), includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. - Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Less common (~15–20%) but highly aggressive, strongly associated with smoking, and prone to rapid spread.
Lung cancer is a malignant disease that arises from uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue, most commonly starting in the lining of the bronchi or alveoli. It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. There are two major categories: - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type (~80–85%), includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. - Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Less common (~15–20%) but highly aggressive, strongly associated with smoking, and prone to rapid spread.
Causes & Risk Factors
Known Causes
Lung cancer is primarily caused by genetic mutations that alter normal cell growth and division. The most common triggers include: - Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke (active or passive). - Inhalation of carcinogens like asbestos, arsenic, or diesel exhaust. - High levels of radon gas. - Air pollution and particulate matter. - Genetic susceptibility and family history of lung cancer.
Risk Factors
Symptoms & Early Signs
Early Warning Signs
- Persistent cough that does not go away - Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum - Shortness of breath or wheezing - Chest pain, especially with deep breathing or coughing - Hoarseness or voice changes - Recurrent chest infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) - Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
Common Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT scan, PET-CT, MRI - Sputum cytology - Bronchoscopy with biopsy - CT-guided needle biopsy - Thoracentesis (for pleural effusion) - Molecular testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, MET, HER2, RET, BRAF) - PD-L1 expression testing
Staging Information
TNM staging system: - Stage I: Localized, small tumor, no lymph node involvement - Stage II: Larger tumor, local lymph node involvement - Stage III: Spread to mediastinal or regional lymph nodes, possible local invasion - Stage IV: Distant metastasis (brain, liver, bone, adrenal glands) SCLC staging: - Limited stage: confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes - Extensive stage: spread beyond one side of chest
Treatment Information
Treatment Overview
- Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, wedge resection) - Radiotherapy (curative, adjuvant, palliative) - Chemotherapy (platinum-based regimens) - Targeted therapy (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS inhibitors) - Immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) - Combination therapy (chemo + immunotherapy) - Palliative/supportive care
5-Year Survival Rate
N/A
Available Treatments
0
Treatment Options
Prognosis & Outlook
- Prognosis depends on type, stage, genetic profile, and response to treatment - 5-year survival (NSCLC): Stage I: 50–70%, Stage II: 30–50%, Stage III: 15–25%, Stage IV: <10% - SCLC: Limited stage ~20–30%, Extensive stage <5% - New targeted and immunotherapies improve survival in select patients
Prevention & Early Detection
- Avoid smoking: The single most important step; quitting at any age reduces risk - Avoid secondhand smoke exposure - Test for radon and mitigate if levels are high - Reduce occupational exposure to carcinogens (asbestos, diesel exhaust, etc.) - Improve air quality and avoid prolonged exposure to pollution - Maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep) - Screening: Annual low-dose CT scans for adults 50–80 with ³20 pack-year smoking history, who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Support & Resources
- Healthcare team support: Oncologists, nurses, social workers, palliative care - Patient support groups (hospital-based, national organizations) - Global: Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA), American Lung Association, GO2 for Lung Cancer - Online communities: Inspire Lung Cancer Support Community, CancerCare Online Support Groups - Counseling & mental health support (psychologists, psychiatrists, spiritual care) - Practical support: Nutritionists, physiotherapists, pain management clinics, financial/legal aid
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