What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the kind of cancer that forms in the lungs. Lungs are the organs which inhale in oxygen and give out the carbon dioxide while exhaling. One of the leading causes of fatalities across the globe is lung cancer. Smokers have the highest risk of having lung cancer however it is possible to form in people who have never smoked. The duration of your smoking habit along with the intensity can increase your risk of cancer proportionally. Quitting even after a long haul of smoking can reduce your risk of forming lung cancer.
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
- Smoking: The higher is the number of cigarettes, and the more the number of years you have smoked; more is your chance of lung cancer.
- Second hand smoke: Exposure to second hand smoke increases your chances of lung cancer as well.
- Radiation: Any sort of radiation treatment to the chest can increase your risk.
- Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals such as asbestos or substances such as nickel, arsenic can increase your risk of lung cancer.
- Family History: History of lung cancer in the family, like to parents or siblings can increment your risk of lung cancer as well.
Can lung cancer be prevented?
Certain way of life changes can help reduce the risk:
- Quit Smoking.
- Avoid second hand smoke.
- Extra care at work if chemicals are involved.
- Exercise well
- Have a diet full of fruits & vegetables.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
The diagnostic tools used to determine lung cancer may include:
- Chest X-ray.
- CT Scan.
- MRI Scan.
- Sputum Cytology.
- Tissue Sample (Biopsy).
- Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA).
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).
- Oesophageal endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).
How is lung cancer treated?
The treatment plan can include:
- Surgery.
- Radio Therapy.
- Chemo therapy.
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy.
- Targeted drug therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
What are the types of lung cancer?
There are majorly two types of lung cancers:
- Small cell lung cancer: This is the most common type of cancer found in heavy smokers.
- Non-small cell lung cancer: It is an umbrella term for a number of cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Until late stage, lung cancer does not usually show any symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss.
- Change in voice or harshness.
- Chest issues like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Worsening cough.
- Breathlessness.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sneezing.