The Ultimate Guide to Lung Cancer: Causes, Types, Symptom

The word cancer has become a big fear in this generation. Lung cancer is on the rise at this time. Which is the better source of cancer death. Lungs are the important organs for our breathing. We obtain oxygen and emit carbon dioxide. In this cancer, lung cells grow uncontrollably. which disturbs the normal function of the lungs by forming tumors. If it goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, making treatment difficult. People who smoke daily increase their risk of lung cancer. This cancer can also occur in passive-smokers.

Table of Contents

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to grow in the lungs. The stage of cancer depends on its location and size.

Symptom

Early stage lung cancer has no symptoms. When it increases gradually, its symptoms appear. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer 1A persistent cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse as time passes.

Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
Feeling chest pain.
Voice change.
Difficulty in breathing.
Scent
Loss of appetite along with weight loss.
Weakness
Bronchitis or pneumonia

Symptoms that occur when This cancer spreads to other parts of the body:

Headache
Bone pain
Persistent weight loss.
Loss of appetite
Swelling of the throat (superior vena cava syndrome)
Shoulder pain
Horner’s syndrome

Causes / Risk

factors Lungs are made up of cells that do not divide. If it mutates, it continues to multiply cells that enter the bloodstream or lymph nodes and spread to other parts of the body and spread damage. Certain factors, including smoking tobacco products, can put you at higher risk for cell damage that can lead to lung cancer. According to scientists, 80% of lung cancer deaths are related to smoking.

Smoking:- Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Accounts 80% of this cancer cases. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens and many other harmful substances that damage lung tissue.
Previous radiation therapy:- The risk of developing lung cancer may increase if chest radiation therapy is given for another type of disease (breast cancer or lymphoma).
Exposure to secondhand smoke:- Breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes can increase the risk of cancer.
Exposure to radon gas:- Radon forms uranium in soil, rock and water. If radon enters the body with the air through inhalation and in high doses that heighten the risk of cancer.
Exposure to cancer:-causing substances- Exposure to cancer-causing substances (asbestos, arsenic, chromium and nickel) in the workplace can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Genetics cancer:-If your mother, father, siblings, and any family members have had lung cancer, you may or may not develop the disease.
Air Pollution:- Vehicle and industrial emissions are polluting fumes that can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Previous Lung Disease:- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases heighten the risk of lung cancer.

Types

There are different types of lung cancer based on the microscopic appearance and molecular characteristics of the tumor.

1) Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):

NSCLC accounts for about 80% of lung cancers. The main divisions of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These originate from different types of lung cells.

Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma starts in the cells of the lung that produce mucus called epithelial cells. This adenocarcinoma occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. This type of cancer is more common in women than men and is more common in younger people.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Made in cells inside the airways. It is found near the trachea. It is caused by smoking.
Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma: A less common type is cancer that occurs in the large cells of the lung. It also grows rapidly and spreads rapidly. This is called neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC).
Other subtypes: NSCLC includes some other cancers such as adenosquamous carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma.

2) Small cell lung cancer (SCLC):

10% to 15% of lung cancers are SCLC.SCLC lung cancer grows faster and spreads faster than NSCLC. It is found as a small lung tumor that spreads to different parts of the body. Because of its rapid growth, chemotherapy and radiation therapy give good results.

3)Other types of lung tumors:

Lung cancer as well as other tumors can occur in the lungs.

Carcinoid tumor of the lung: This type of tumor increased very slowly.
Other lung tumors: Adenoid cystic carcinomas, lymphomas and sarcomas, hamartomas.

Stages of Lung Cancer

Cancer are separated into diverse stages based on its estimate on the surface or profound in the tissue.

1) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Stages:

Stage 0: The cancer is in a lining above the lung. which has not spread beyond the lungs.
Stage I: Cancer is in the lungs that has not spread outside.
Stage II: Cancer is slightly larger than stage I, which has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III: This cancer is slightly larger than stage II, which has spread to nearby lymph nodes, not far.
Stage IV: Lung cancer has spread out to twain lungs and inside organs.

2) Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Stages:

Limited Stage: This cancer is limited to one side of the lung and sometimes to the lymph nodes above the bone.
Extensive Stage: This cancer has spread to and beyond the lungs.

Complications

This cancer complications are :

Shortness of breath- If the main bronchial artery is blocked and the cancer grows, the person may have difficulty breathing.
Coughing up blood-This cancer damages the airways causing coughing up blood. Sometimes this bleeding can be heavy.
Pain-If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, pain is felt.
Fluid in the chest-Lung cancer causes pleural effusion. says Fluid may accumulate around the lungs. This pleural effusion causes shortness of breath.
Cancer that spreads to other parts of the body-This cancer spreads to the brain and bones and other parts.

Diagnosis and Tests

There are many ways to diagnose lung cancer. For example:

Blood test- Blood test cannot diagnose cancer but it can check how the infected organs are functioning.
Imaging- Chest X-rays and CT scan appear in changes in the lungs to decide if the cancer has extended.
Biopsy – To find out how far the cancer has spread, take a tissue or fluid (biopsy) sample and put it under a microscope to study genetic changes.

There are other methods like

Needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), thoracentesis, endoscopic esophageal ultrasound, mediastinoscopy etc.

Foods Good for Lung Cancer Patients

Proper nutrition is crucial to improve the health of lung cancer patients. That is:

Fruits and Vegetables: Eat berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, which contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the immune system and fight cancer cells.
Lean Proteins: Lean protein is essential for tissue repair and boosting immune strength. Examples include chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins (beans and lentils).
Whole Grains: It provides energy and fiber which speeds up digestion. Oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat products should be eaten.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats contain omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and keep the heart healthy. Fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts should be consumed.
Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Dairy or dairy alternatives contain calcium and vitamin D, which are very beneficial for bones. Milk, curd, cheese should be taken.
Hydration: Adequate fluid intake should be maintained. Which regulates bodily functions by maintaining hydration.

Management & treatment

Lung cancer treatment involves removing and destroying cancer cells that prevent them from multiplying. which fights the body’s immune system. There are some therapies that help reduce symptoms and relieve pain.

Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

Prevention

There is no surefire way to prevent lung cancer, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:

Don’t smoke
Stop smoking
Avoid secondhand smoke
Test your home for radon
Avoid carcinogens at work
Fruits and vegetables eat a proper diet plan
Exercise most days of the week