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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, primarily caused by smoking, is categorized into Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Symptoms often appear late and include persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss, with diagnosis involving imaging tests and biopsies. Treatment options vary by type and stage, and early detection significantly improves prognosis.

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14 views3 pages

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, primarily caused by smoking, is categorized into Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Symptoms often appear late and include persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss, with diagnosis involving imaging tests and biopsies. Treatment options vary by type and stage, and early detection significantly improves prognosis.

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yl3files
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, which are two spongy organs in your chest

that
take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – About 85% of cases. Includes:

o Adenocarcinoma

o Squamous cell carcinoma

o Large cell carcinoma

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – About 10–15% of cases. Grows and spreads more quickly than
NSCLC.

Causes and Risk Factors

 Smoking – The primary risk factor (about 85–90% of cases)

 Secondhand smoke

 Exposure to radon gas

 Asbestos and other carcinogens

 Family history of lung cancer

 Air pollution

 History of lung diseases (e.g., COPD)

Symptoms

Often doesn’t cause symptoms until advanced, but may include:

 Persistent cough

 Coughing up blood

 Shortness of breath

 Chest pain

 Hoarseness

 Weight loss and loss of appetite

 Fatigue
 Recurrent infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

Diagnosis

 Imaging tests: Chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan

 Sputum cytology

 Biopsy: Bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy

Staging

 NSCLC stages: I to IV (based on tumor size and spread)

 SCLC stages: Limited stage (within one lung) or Extensive stage (spread to other body parts)

Treatment Options

Depends on the type and stage:

 Surgery – If localized

 Radiation therapy

 Chemotherapy

 Targeted therapy – For specific genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK)

 Immunotherapy – Uses the immune system to fight cancer

 Palliative care – Focused on symptom relief and quality of life

Prognosis

 Survival rate depends on type and stage at diagnosis

 Early detection significantly improves outcomes

 NSCLC has a better prognosis than SCLC

Prevention

 Don't smoke or quit if you do

 Avoid exposure to carcinogens

 Test your home for radon


 Maintain a healthy diet and exercise

 Get regular medical checkups if you're at risk

Would you like help with:

 A presentation or infographic on lung cancer?

 Patient education materials?

 Recent research or clinical trials?

 Symptoms checklist or early detection guide?

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