* Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, typically in the cells lining the air passages. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):

• • NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases.
  • Subtypes of NSCLC include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
  • NSCLC tends to grow and spread more slowly than small cell lung cancer.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):

• • SCLC accounts for about 15% of lung cancer cases.
  • It tends to grow more quickly and is often more responsive to chemotherapy than NSCLC.
  • SCLC is strongly associated with cigarette smoking.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The primary cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, with the risk increasing with the duration and amount of smoking. However, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer, and exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and other environmental or occupational factors can contribute to the risk.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer:

Symptoms of lung cancer may vary, and they often do not appear until the disease is in an advanced stage. Common symptoms include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing lung cancer typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (such as chest X-rays and CT scans), and biopsy of suspicious lung tissue. Molecular testing may also be done to identify specific genetic mutations that can guide treatment decisions.

Treatment:

• Surgery:
• Surgical removal of the tumor or the affected lobe of the lung may be an option for early-stage lung cancer.

• Chemotherapy:
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is often used in various stages of lung cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments.

• Radiation Therapy:
• Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used as the primary treatment or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.

• Targeted Therapy:
• Targeted therapies target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These treatments are often used for specific genetic mutations, such as EGFR or ALK mutations.

• Immunotherapy:
• Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy used for some cases of lung cancer.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for lung cancer depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. Early detection and advances in treatment options have improved outcomes for some individuals with lung cancer.