One of the leading diseases affecting the population on a global scale is cancer. It is also one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Cancer is a state in which the body cells start growing at an unprecedented rate leading to the formation of tumors. These affected cells also travel to other parts of the body through the process of metastasis. This metastasis leads to a spread of cancer to the healthier tissues and parts of the body thereby affecting the overall immunity and health of an individual. One such type of cancer is lung cancer. In this blog we shall be discussing the various signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
In India, 5.9% of all cancers are lung cancer. It also accounts for 8.1% of all cancer-related deaths. It is a significant cause of health concern across all low and middle income developing countries. People who smoke are at 13 to 30 times at a higher risk of getting affected by lung cancer as well as it being a cause of death as compared to those who don’t smoke. Even if a person smokes a couple of cigarettes a day, there is a greater likelihood of him getting cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases by the age of 40. By the age of 70, the risk increases even more. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Though smoking increases the risk, it can also happen to non-smokers. The risk increases with an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked per day as well as the frequency of smoking cigarettes in a day.
For any type of cancer, it is essential that it should be diagnosed at an early stage. Early diagnosis helps in providing treatment at an earlier stage. It also prevents the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Causes of lung cancer
- The main cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking.
- Another cause of lung cancer is passive smoking which means inhaling the smoke while someone is smoking.This puts non-smokers at the risk of developing cancer.
- It can also be caused by other types of tobacco like pipes and cigars.
- Exposure to asbestos.
- Family history of lung cancer.
Lung cancer symptoms
In any type of cancer there are usually four stages which are stage 1, stage 2. Stage 3, stage 4.Since the lungs are involved, most of the signs and symptoms are associated with the lungs and the upper respiratory tract.
Here are a few symptoms of lung cancer.
- Seeing cough in blood while spitting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough that does not go away and is persistent. It does not respond to the usual medication.
- Hoarseness of voice.
People with lung cancer usually do not have any symptoms until the cancer has metastasised. However if such symptoms are noticed, it is advisable to seek medical intervention at the earliest. Most of these are stage 1 lung cancer symptoms. There are also other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss and headache. It may also lead to fatigue and overall weakness.
If such symptoms persist, you must consult a doctor at the earliest.
Lung cancer also increases the possibility of other infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
If the lung cancer spreads or metastasises, it can lead to:
- Pain in bones.
- If the cancer spreads to the brain, it may lead to various neurological symptoms such as headache, weakness, dizziness etc.
- It can also lead to numbness in the extremities.
- If it spreads to the liver, it may lead to jaundice.
- It also causes swelling in the lymph nodes.
Types of lung cancer:
1) Non- small cell lung cancer
It accounts for 80 to 85 percent of lung cancers. Since the treatment and prognosis is similar, non-small cell lung cancer comprises of the following main subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma:
It starts in cells which secrete mucus in normal circumstances. It is most common in non-smokers but is also seen in smokers. It is more common in women and younger people. It is found in the outer parts of the lungs and is diagnosed before metastasis.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
It is usually found in squamous cells which are flat cells lining the inside of the lungs. It affects the central part of the lung.
It is usually associated with a history of smoking.
2) Large- cell Carcinoma:
It is the fastest growing and the spreading variant and is usually one of the hardest to treat.
3)Small –cell lung cancer:
It is also known as oat-cell carcinoma and accounts for 10 to 15 per cent cases.
Other types:
Sarcomatoid carcinoma
Adenosquamous carcinoma.
Diagnosis of lung cancer:
For those who are at a higher risk of lung cancer, they should opt for annual screening with low dose CT scans. For suspected cases, here are the various diagnostic tools.
- Imaging tests: An X-Ray reveals an abnormal mass growing in the chest. CT Scan can also help in the detection of such lesions.
- Sputum cytology: The sample of sputum is taken and examined under the microscope for the presence of cancer cells.
- Tissue cytology: A sample of the affected tissue is taken through the process called as biopsy and is examined under the microscope.
Treatment modalities for lung cancer:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Targeted drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery-Surgery may include pulmonary lobectomy which means removal of a lobe of the lung or wedge resection.
Lung cancer can be fatal and hence it is best to avoid smoking in order to reduce the risk of developing it. Even if symptoms arise, timely medical intervention could be of great help in diagnosing and treating it.