Lung cancer

Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Like other cancers, the symptoms of lung cancer become more evident in the later stages of the disease than in earlier stages. Patients usually notice these symptoms when the disease advances to the higher stages. A few symptoms seen in lung cancer include the following. 

• A persistent cough that doesn't go away

• Spotting blood in cough

• Hoarseness

• Losing weight for no evident reason

• Headache

• Bone pain 

• Trouble in breathing 

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain 

• Persistent or recurrent chest infection

• Trouble during swallowing 

• Wheezing

• Loss of appetite

• Tiredness

• Swelling of the face and veins

• Finger clubbing (thickening and rounding of the fingertips)

• Swelling of lymph nodes around and above the collarbone

• Thrombocytosis (excessive production of platelets)

Here are some common signs and symptoms that could be suggestive of cancer.
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Types Of Lung Cancer

Generally, the most common types of lung cancer are seen in the lungs itself, other rarer types of cancer may also occur outside the lungs and chest wall. Types of lung cancer include:

1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

• Adenocarcinoma: A type of lung cancer that starts in mucus-secreting cells, common in smokers and non-smokers, often affecting women, younger people, and found in the outer lung areas.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: A lung cancer that begins in flat cells lining the airways, often linked to smoking and typically found near the main airway in the center of the lungs.

• Large cell carcinoma: A fast-growing lung cancer that can develop in any part of the lung, making it more challenging to treat.

2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

• SCLC (Small Cell Lung Cancer) is mostly seen in heavy smokers and is rare in non-smokers.

• It accounts for about 10-15% of lung cancer cases and is also called oat cell cancer.

• SCLC grows and spreads faster than other types, with 70% diagnosed after it has spread.

3. Other types

Mesothelioma: A rare cancer of the chest lining caused by asbestos exposure, developing 30-50 years after exposure and accounting for about 5% of lung cancer cases.

Chest wall Tumors: Rare tumors in the chest wall, which can be cancerous and require treatment based on location and symptoms.

Metastatic lung cancer: Cancers that originate elsewhere in the body and spread to the lungs in later stages; common cancer types include:

• Bladder cancer

• Breast cancer

• Colon cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Neuroblastoma (cancer of immature nerve cells)

• Sarcoma

• Wilms' tumor (kidney cancer in children)

• Prostate cancer

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Causes Of Lung Cancer

• Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, including first-hand smoking and long-term exposure to second-hand smoke.

• Smoking damages the lung lining with carcinogens in cigarette smoke, leading to cancer over time.

• While the body initially repairs the damage, repeated exposure causes permanent harm, leading to cancer development.

• Other factors that can increase the likelihood of lung cancer are discussed in the next segment.

Here’s more on how smoking can affect your lungs.
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Risk Factors For Lung Cancer

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease . Risk factors for lung cancan can be classified into the following:

1. Modifiable risk factors

• Exposure to radon gas

• Exposure to asbestos

• Exposure at the workplace (inhaled chemicals such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, silica, diesel exhaust, etc)

• Diet (with low antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E linked to lung cancer risk)

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2. Non-modifiable risk factors

• Family history

• Previous history of lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disorder (COPD), and tuberculosis).

• Gender (Smoking prevalence is higher among men than women. This is the leading cause of lung cancer)

• Air pollution

Diagnosis Of Lung Cancer

If your doctor suspects lung cancer, they will advise a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

1. Imaging tests 

• X-ray: Helps identify abnormal masses or nodules in the lungs that may suggest the presence of cancer.

• High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs, helping detect small tumors or assess the extent of lung cancer.

• MRI: Offers detailed images of soft tissues, useful for evaluating the spread of cancer to the brain or spinal cord.

• PET scan: Identifies highly active cancer cells in the body by detecting areas with increased glucose metabolism, shown as "hot spots."

2. Tissue samples 

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAC): Helps extract tissue or fluid from suspicious areas for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

• Bronchoscopy: Enables direct visualization of airways and collection of tissue samples from lesions for further analysis.

• Thoracoscopy: Provides access to less accessible lung areas, allowing for the removal of tissue samples for an accurate diagnosis.

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Prevention Of Lung Cancer

There is no certain way through which one can prevent lung cancer. However, there are certain steps that a person can take to reduce their risk of getting lung cancer.

1. Stop smoking

Quitting smoking at any stage significantly lowers the risk of lung cancer.

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2. Stay  away from secondhand smoke

Minimize exposure to secondhand smoke by encouraging others to smoke outdoors and avoiding confined areas with smokers.

Secondhand smoke is not as dangerous as active smoking. Here are 20 common smoking myths busted!
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3. Test your home for radon

Ensure safe radon levels at home by contacting local authorities for testing and remediation.

4. Avoid carcinogens

Follow safety protocols to limit exposure to harmful substances like asbestos and toxic chemicals at work.

5. Eat a healthy diet

Consume a nutrient-rich diet with fruits and vegetables while consulting a doctor about supplements.

Here are 5 superfoods that fight cancer and gift you a healthy life.
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6. Try chemoprevention

• Consider preventive treatments that inhibit or reverse the development of cancer.

• Research and tests on molecular changes can guide cancer prevention strategies.
  
  

7. Lower workplace risks 

Take precautions to avoid harmful chemicals at work that can increase lung cancer risk.

8. Exercise regularly

Engage in physical activity, like walking for 30 minutes daily, to improve overall health and reduce cancer risk.

Specialist To Visit

If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, blood in sputum, chest pain, or fatigue, consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause. You can visit:

• General physician

• Oncologist

• Pulmonologist

A general physician provides an initial evaluation and refers you to specialists for further diagnosis.

An oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer, including lung cancer.

A pulmonologist focuses on lung health and treats conditions affecting the respiratory system.

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Treatment Of Lung Cancer

Cancer treatment is based on its stage and extent, determined through tests like PET scans, CT, and MRI, with options tailored to your health and specific needs. Treatment options include:

1. Surgery

• Wedge resection: In this, a small section of the lung is removed to resect the cancer cells along with a margin of healthy tissue. 

• Segmental resection: This allows a doctor to remove a larger area of the lung, whereas a lobectomy involves removing the entire affected lobe of the lung. 

• Pneumonectomy: This procedure involves the removal of an entire lung. 

Note: In the advanced stages of cancer, the lymph nodes may also get affected. In such cases, the surgeon may remove some lymph nodes to check for the signs of the spread of cancer.

2. Radiation therapy 

• This is a treatment modality that uses high-powered energy beams that work as an effective treatment to kill cancer cells. 

• During a radiation therapy appointment, the patient is asked to lie flat on a table. A large machine that emits the energy beam moves around the body and aims the beam at precise points. 

• Radiation therapy is often recommended for patients who have localized lung cancer and can also be recommended after surgery to remove the affected tissue. 
  
  

3. Chemotherapy 

• Chemotherapy treatment is a treatment modality that uses strong medicines that are effective in killing cancer cells. 

• These drugs circulate the body and aim at destroying cancer cells that may have traveled from the original tumor. 

• Patients are given a combination of medications over months or weeks where the medicines travel in the body via a vein or are given orally. 

• Chemotherapy also helps in reducing the size of the tumours hence making it easier for surgeons to remove the mass completely. 
  
  

4. Stereotactic body radiotherapy

• Radiotherapy, also known as stereotactic body radiotherapy, is an intense form of radiation treatment in which the cancer is subjected to several beams of radiation from different angles. 

• It can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. 

5. Targeted Drug therapy 

• Targeted drug therapy is often considered a treatment option for people with recurrent cancer or advanced cancer.

• These drugs block the abnormalities and hence can cause the cancer cells to die.

• Before undergoing targeted therapy, your tumor cells may be sent for testing in laboratories to check which drug is right for you. 
  
  

6. Immunotherapy 

• Immunotherapy takes the help of the body’s immune system to help in fighting cancer. 

• Cancer cells can produce proteins to hide from the immune system, making it harder for the body to attack them.

• Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy these cancer cells, often used for advanced or metastatic lung cancers.

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Home-care For Lung Cancer

Certain herbal remedies may offer support in managing lung cancer, but it's essential to consult your doctor before trying anything new to ensure they don't interfere with your treatment plan. Some natural remedies that have shown potential benefits include: 

Pomegranate(Anar): Helps stop tumor growth and blood vessel formation in cancer by reducing harmful signals and markers.

Turmeric root (Haldi ki Jad): Slows tumor growth and blocks blood supply to cancer by targeting specific proteins.

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Green Tea: Lowers blood vessel formation in lung cancer by reducing specific markers.

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Complications Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can lead to various complications due to its spread or as a side effect of treatments. These include:

• Superior vena cava syndrome: Tumors in the upper right lung can block blood flow, causing dizziness, facial swelling, and fainting.

• Metastasis: Cancer can spread to organs like the brain, bones, or adrenal glands, commonly in advanced stages.

• Lung infections: Reduced immunity from cancer or its treatment increases the risk of infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Heart blockage: Cancer spreading to the heart can compress veins and arteries, causing fluid buildup, arrhythmias, or heart attacks.

• Hypercalcemia: High calcium levels in the blood can cause vomiting, excessive thirst, and stomach pain.

• Blood clots: Lung cancer raises the risk of clots, potentially causing fatal pulmonary embolism if they travel to the lungs.

• Neuropathy: Tumors in the lung's apex may cause arm and shoulder pain or Horner's syndrome with droopy eyelids and pupil changes.

• Spinal cord compression: Cancer spreading to the spine can cause back pain, weakness, and vertebrae compression, affecting 28% of lung cancer patients.

Alternative Therapies For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer requires conventional medical treatment. However, some patients feel that a complementary approach via alternative therapies can help in the management of the side effects caused during the treatment. These consist of:

Acupuncture 

• Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles through the skin at specific points on the body. 

• It can provide relief for patients and also ease symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of cancer treatments. 

Aromatherapy 

• It uses a mix of essential oils for massages that can make a person feel relaxed. 

• Often patients feel that alternative therapies such as aromatherapy help them cope with the treatment of cancer and allow them to feel relaxed. 

Hypnosis 

• Hypnosis is carried out by a therapist who will help you through certain relaxation exercises that can encourage positive and relaxing thoughts. 

• It also helps in reducing nausea and anxiety seen in people with cancer. 

Meditation 

• Can help you center your thoughts and promote the feeling of calmness and acceptance. 

• Meditation is said to improve the quality of life and improve a person's mental state. 

Note: Practising meditation for just 10-15 minutes a day can go a long way in protecting you against diseases or helping manage them better.

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Living With Lung Cancer

Cancer affects your day-to-day life and also affects the following months of your life. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Take care of yourself 

• Preparing for lung cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, but focusing on self-care can help. 

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, ensure you get restful sleep, and practice stress-reducing activities like meditation.

• Consult your doctor for personalized strategies to help your body prepare for the treatment effectively.
  
  

2. Conserve your energy 

• Fatigue is common during cancer treatment. 

• Prioritize essential tasks and seek support from family members to manage daily activities.
  
  

3. Cope with emotions

• Living with lung cancer can bring up emotions.

• To keep yourself emotionally healthy during your journey, talk to your friends and family, talk to other people in the same situation.
  
  

4. Get help from support groups

• There are lots of active support groups for patients and family caregivers, so no one has to face a lung cancer diagnosis alone.