Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell, Small Cell)
Overview
Lung cancer originates in the lungs and is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. It is divided into two main types:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): ~85% of cases; includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): ~15% of cases; more aggressive and fast-spreading.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough or worsening chronic cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Causes & Risk Factors
- Smoking (primary cause of both types)
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Radon gas exposure
- Asbestos and air pollutants
- Family history of lung cancer
- Genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, KRAS for NSCLC)
Diagnosis
- Chest X-ray and CT scan
- PET scan or MRI (to check for spread)
- Bronchoscopy or needle biopsy
- Molecular testing (NSCLC) to identify mutations for targeted therapy
- Sputum cytology (less common)
Treatment Options
- Surgery (mainly for early-stage NSCLC)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy (e.g., EGFR, ALK inhibitors)
- Immunotherapy (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors)
- Palliative care for symptom management in advanced cases
Prognosis
- Depends on cancer type, stage, and molecular profile
- NSCLC 5-year survival:
- Localized: ~63%
- Metastatic: ~8%
- SCLC 5-year survival:
- Limited-stage: ~30%
- Extensive-stage: ~3–6%
Living with this Cancer Type
- Smoking cessation support
- Respiratory therapy and oxygen support
- Pain and symptom management
- Psychological support and counseling
- Genetic counseling for families
Prevention & Screening
- Smoking cessation is the most effective prevention
- Annual low-dose CT scan recommended for high-risk individuals (aged 50–80 with a heavy smoking history)
FAQs
Q: Is lung cancer always caused by smoking?
A: No, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to radon, air pollution, or genetic factors.
Q: Can lung cancer be cured?
A: Early-stage cancers can be cured, but later stages are often managed long-term.
Q: What is the difference between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer?
A: SCLC is more aggressive and fast-growing, while NSCLC is more common and often detected earlier.
Resources
- Global Lung Cancer Coalition
- American Lung Association
- Lung Cancer Foundation of America
- ClinicalTrials.gov
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