Lung Cancers

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a dreaded condition that affects millions of people all over the world, and is a leading cause of death globally. It is a form of cancer that starts in the tissues of the lungs, most commonly the cells lining the airways or the alveoli. There are usually two types of lung cancer – small cell and non-small cell.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The most common symptoms associated with lung cancer include chest pain, constant and worsening cough, breathing difficulty, hoarseness, wheezing, repeated infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, coughing up blood, anemia, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and facial swelling due to cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. However, some of these symptoms may also occur due to other medical conditions and are not always linked to lung cancer.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

• Exposure to carcinogenic substances and radiation.
• Previous lung diseases like COPD.
• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure.
• Age – risk is higher in adults over 45 years old.
• Family history of lung cancer or other cancers.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals like asbestos.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor will do a physical examination and take your medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. If lung cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the affected area will be done. The biopsy will help determine the type and stage of cancer. Depending on the results of the biopsy, the doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination of these treatments.

Prevention

Avoiding tobacco smoke is extremely important to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. People who work near hazardous materials should take proper safety measures to protect themselves. Quitting smoking as soon as possible and avoiding secondhand smoke can also help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.