What are the two different types of lung cancer?
The 2 major classes of lung cancer are
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is further divided into two categories, known as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Both of these lung tumours are distinct in terms of how cancer spreads and the therapy necessary for each.
What are the risk factors that lead to lung cancer?
There are several risk factors that increase the chance of lung cancer:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco are two of the major causes of lung cancer. Cigarette contains nicotine, which is a carcinogen and it increases the risk of mutation in the DNA.
- Second-hand smoke: This is a circumstance in which people do not smoke themselves, but are in the vicinity of others who do, and therefore inhale the smoke from the cigarette.
- Asbestos, arsenic, silica, and chromium all raise the risk of lung cancer in those who are exposed to them.
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest increases the chance of developing a second malignancy.
- Air Pollution
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What are some of the common symptoms and signs of lung cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer vary from one person to another depending upon the stage of cancer they have.
Some common symptoms of lung cancer are:
- Persistant Cough: It is most early symptom. Having this doesn't mean that one has cancer, it can be TB as well. Consult your doctor if it persists for more than 2 weeks.
- Cough mixed with blood: Both cancer and TB can have this symptoms. Consult your doctor immediately.
- Breathing difficulty: With the increase in size of tumor, breathing difficulty increases.
- Chest pain: With increasing size of tumor, chest pain starts. This pain is different from heart pain. When ever you have pain in chest, consult your doctor immediately.
- Hoarseness: It is change in voice. Usually it occurs because of simple viral infection but if it persists for more than 2 weeks, visit your doctor.
- This symptoms occur because of growth or tumor in voice box or any tumor pressing nerve supply to it, which can be a part of lung cancer.
- Weight loss (5% in 6 months), headache, bone pain are other symptoms which occur in advanced stage.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Lung cancer can be diagnosed by a variety of methods, including:
- One of the first techniques used to screen for lung cancer is a biopsy. A tiny sample of the tumour cells is taken during a biopsy to screen for malignancy.
- Various imaging tests, including X-rays and CT scans, are performed. These cells aid in the detection of any abnormal development or lesion in the lung. CT, MRI, and PET scans are also used to determine the stage and extent of lung cancer.
- If the patient has a constant cough, then sputum is also tested. Cells seen in sputum can be an indication of lung cancer.
What are the different stages of Lung Cancer?
Different stages of lung cancer are defined based on the progression of the cancer and its severity.
- Stage 0: lung cancer is described as a tumour that has just begun and is limited to the location where it originated.
- Stage 1: lung cancer occurs when there is malignant growth yet normal tissues surround the cancer cells. The spread has not yet begun, and the cancer is restricted to the lungs.
- Stage 2: When the lung cancer reaches stage 2 the tumour has progressed and now the lymph nodes are also affected.
- Stage 3: In the stage 3 of lung cancer there is further metastasizing of cancer and it affects areas of chest like the chest wall, diaphragm and even the blood vessels surrounding the lungs
- Stage 4: Stage 4 of lung cancer is the most advanced stage as the cancerous cells are rapidly growing at this stage. The metastasis has led to the formation of Cancer cells in other parts of the body like in the liver and parts of the abdomen.
What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening is a procedure which involves doing a CT scan, particularly a low-dose CT scan, to check for lung cancer.
People who are habitual smokers, are exposed to secondhand smoke, or work in factories are typically encouraged to get a lung cancer screening done. This can aid in detecting cancer in its early stages, and the therapy can be quite beneficial.
What are the treatment options available?
The treatment choices for lung cancer are determined by a number of criteria, including the patient's general health, cancer stage, and disease extent. Among the treatment options there are:
- Surgery is one of the most common methods used to eliminate malignant tumours. Surgical removal entails
- Wedge resection, which is done when cancer is present in a small segment of the lung.
- Segmental resection is done when a large part of the lung is removed.
- Lobectomy is done when one entire lobe of the lung is removed.
- Pneumonectomy is done to remove one entire lung.
- Radiation therapy uses high energy, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy is another frequent technique in which drugs are used to destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted medication therapy focuses on particular proteins identified in lung cancer cells, which can aid in cancer cell decrease.
- Immunotherapy and palliative care can also aid with cancer management and treatment.
Living with cancer is extremely difficult, and if not treated promptly, it can progress to life-threatening complications. Dr Saphalta Baghmar is a top medical oncologist with extensive expertise in treating cancer patients. She is highly qualified and offers the most effective cancer treatment in Delhi NCR.
FAQ'S
What are the first signs of lung cancer?
Coughing that doesn’t go away and gets worse with time, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss are some of the earliest signs of lung cancer. While these symptoms can be associated with other lung conditions, you should opt for a thorough consultation and screening if you experience them. Coughing up blood and constant chest pain are some of the more advanced symptoms and require medical attention.
Who is the best lung cancer doctor in India?
India offers highly comprehensible, effective, and affordable lung cancer treatment. Dr. Saphalta Baghmar is the best lung cancer specialist in India based in Delhi NCR with over 11 years of experience. She has extensively handled cases of lung cancer of different stages and with different severities. A personalized treatment plan, an empathic approach, and adopting a combination of effective traditional and latest techniques are the foundations of the advanced treatment she provides. Dr. Saphalta Baghmar always keeps up with the latest advancements in the field to ensure her best service to the patients.
Which treatment is best for lung cancer?
The treatment for any case of lung cancer depends on its severity and the areas it has spread to. Oncologists thoroughly study a case before devising a personalized treatment plan best suited for the individual. Surgery is the first preference during the early stages. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both is also usually a part of the treatment. Based on your eligibility, your oncologist may employ other treatment methods like targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
What is the main cause of lung cancer?
Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer. It accounts for about 87% of the deaths caused by lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens and even occasional smoking and secondary exposure to cigarette smoke could be the cause of lung cancer. Studies show that lung cancer can develop even decades after a regular smoker quits. However, quitting does lower the risk of this disease. Lung cancer is caused due to other factors as well and smoking could further aggravate it and worsen the condition.