Lung Cancer

Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The cells begin to grow and multiply in an excessive and uncontrolled manner, causing tumors to develop in the lungs that reduce a person's ability to breathe.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancerous diseases and is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. It usually occurs in people who smoke, however, it is also possible for those who have never tried a cigarette to have this type of cancer.

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. These types of cancer develop differently and therefore require different treatments.

Causes

Smoking is the main cause of most lung cancer, both in smokers and in people exposed to cigarette smoke. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked and have not been exposed to secondhand smoke.

In those cases, the cause of lung cancer is not apparent. Cigarettes contain carcinogens that cause changes in the tissues of the lung. Initially, the body can repair the spout, but with each exposure to these substances, damage to the healthy cells that line the lungs increases. Over time, cells begin to act abnormally, leading to cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Many people with lung cancer don't have symptoms until the disease is in its advanced stages. Because there are very few nerve endings in the lungs, a tumor could grow without causing pain or discomfort.

When symptoms are present, they are different in each person, but may include:

A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time
Hoarseness
Constant chest pain
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Frequent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Coughing up blood

Symptoms that appear until cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Bone pain or fractures
Blood clots

Risk Factors

Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke also known as a passive smoker
Radon gas exposure
Asbestos exposure
Exposure to other carcinogens.
The air pollution
Arsenic in drinking water
Previous radiation to the lungs
Family history with lung cancer

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

How lung cancer is diagnosed differs from person to person. The Pulmonologist or Oncologist will choose tests based on a number of factors:

Your medical history
Your symptoms
Findings from your physical exam
Imaging Tests

Your doctor might order imaging tests that may help find lung cancer.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
X-Rays
Bronchoscopy biopsy

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
Endoscopic esophageal ultrasound (EUS)
Mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy
Thoracentesis

Treatment

The Oncologist will determine what is the appropriate treatment according to factors, such as the state of general health and how advanced the cancer is.

If the choice is surgery, the surgeon will remove the affected part of the lung and a section of healthy tissue. Other treatment options are:

Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Radiosurgery
Medicines
Immunotherapy
Palliative care.

Prevention

No smoking or quitting
Avoiding second-hand smoke
Protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals
Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Exercise frequently

Coping with lung cancer

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can be overwhelming, but with time and the right support, you will find a way to deal with these feelings of distress and uncertainty. The most important thing is to be aware that there are treatments to combat this cancer and that many patients have recovered satisfactorily with proper treatment.

Finding out about lung cancer is vital to make the right decisions in conjunction with the specialist, and ask the necessary questions to the Oncologist. Surrounding yourself with family and friends, and seeking alternative help with a therapist is helpful.

If you think you are at risk for lung cancer or if you have any symptoms, talk to your doctor about tests to see if you have lung cancer. When detected early, patients with lung cancer have more treatment options and a much greater chance of survival.

When should I visit the Doctor?

It is essential to consult an Oncology specialist to accurately diagnose lung cancer and carry out the corresponding studies, to assess the different treatment options available.

When consulting the Oncologist, it is crucial to record all the symptoms for how long they have manifested themselves. If you are taking any medication, you should also mention it to the doctor. Learning more about lung cancer is the first step in controlling it.