Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide. Additionally, it is the leading cause of deaths due to any cancer. Smoking has been identified to be the leading cause of lung cancer. Despite advances in treatment, the outcome of patients with advanced lung cancer remains poor. In addition to exploring new avenues of research, strategies to reduce smoking may be helpful in improving outcomes

There are three main types of lung cancer. Knowing which type you have is important because it affects your treatment options and your outlook (prognosis). If you aren’t sure which type of lung cancer you have, ask your doctor so you can get the right information.

 

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. About 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are all subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer.

 

Small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) also gets its name from how the cancer cells look when examined under a microscope. It’s usually caused by smoking, and very rarely develops in someone who has never smoked. SCLC usually grows quickly and can spread quickly.

 

Mesothelioma

This is a cancer of the covering of the lungs (the pleura) and is less common. We have separate information about mesothelioma.

Rarer types of lung cancer
Some people get other rarer types of lung cancer. Carcinoid tumours are rare cancers that sometimes develop in the lungs.

 

Stages of lung cancer

Lung cancer has four main stages:
Stage 1: Cancer is found in the lung, but it has not spread outside the lung.
Stage 2: Cancer is found in the lung and nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3: Cancer is in the lung and lymph nodes in the middle of the chest.
Stage 3A: Cancer is found in lymph nodes, but only on the same side of the chest where cancer first started growing.
Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest or to lymph nodes above the collarbone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to both lungs, into the area around the lungs, or to distant organs.

 

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Symptoms and signs of early lung cancer

There may be no symptoms at the onset of the disease. When present, common symptoms of lung cancer may include:

Coughing: This includes a persistent cough that doesn’t go away or changes to a chronic “smoker’s cough,” such as more coughing or pain.

Coughing up blood: Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm) should always be discussed with your doctor.

Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath, wheezing or noisy breathing (called stridor) may all be signs of lung cancer.

Loss of appetite: Many cancers cause changes in appetite, which may lead to unintended weight loss.

Fatigue: It is common to feel weak or excessively tired.

Recurring infections: Recurring infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia, may be one of the signs of lung cancer.

Signs of advanced stages of lung cancer

Advanced stages of lung cancer are often characterized by the spread of the cancer to distant sites in the body. This may affect the bones, liver or brain. As other parts of the body are affected, new lung cancer symptoms may develop, including:

Bone pain
Swelling of the face, arms or neck
Headaches, dizziness or limbs that become weak or numb
Jaundice
Lumps in the neck or collar bone region