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Lung Cancer
This is when normal cells in the lungs change into abnormal cells and grow out of control . There are different types of lung cancer. Some grow much faster than others.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Trouble breathing, or wheezing
- Spitting or coughing up blood
- Chest pain that can be dull, sharp, or stabbing
- Hoarse voice
- Headache and swelling of the face, arms, or neck
- Fatigue
If the cancer is growing in the top part of the lungs, it can also cause:
- Pain in the arm, shoulder, or neck
- Droopy eyelid or blurred vision
- Weakness of the hand muscles
All of these can also be caused by conditions that are not lung cancer. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.
Is there a test for lung cancer?
Yes. If your doctor suspects you have lung cancer, they will do an exam and a chest X-ray. If the chest X-ray shows a spot that looks like it could be cancer, they will probably follow up with other tests. These can include:
- Blood tests
- CT or PET scan – These are imaging tests, which create pictures of the inside of the body. They can show abnormal growths.
- Biopsy – The doctor takes a small sample of tissue from the lung. Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to see if it has cancer.
What is lung cancer staging?
This is a way to describe if cancer has spread in the body and, if so, where.
The right treatment for you depends, in part, on the stage of your lung cancer. Your treatment also depends on the type of lung cancer you have, your age, and your other health problems.
How is lung cancer treated?
Most people with lung cancer have 1 or more of these treatments:
Surgery
Lung cancer can sometimes be treated with surgery to remove the cancer.Radiation therapy
This kills cancer cells.Chemotherapy
This is a group of medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.Targeted therapy
Some medicines work only on cancers with certain characteristics. Your doctor might test your tumor to see if you have a kind of lung cancer that would respond to these medicines.Immunotherapy
These are medicines that work with the body's infection-fighting system (the "immune system") to stop cancer growth.People with lung cancer also get treatment for any symptoms they have. For example, if you have trouble breathing because fluid has collected around your lungs, your doctor can drain the fluid to help you breathe more easily.
What happens after treatment?
For some cancers, treatment lasts a certain amount of time. For others, treatment is ongoing. You will have regular check-ups to see if your lung cancer comes back after you finish treatment, or if it is growing even with treatment. Follow-up tests usually include exams, chest X-rays, or CT scans.
You should also watch for the symptoms listed above, because having them could mean the cancer has come back or grown. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms.
What happens if the lung cancer comes back or starts to grow?
You might get more treatment, using 1 or more of the options above.
Can lung cancer be prevented?
Maybe. The best way to avoid getting lung cancer is to not smoke. People who smoke have a much higher chance of getting lung cancer than those who do not smoke. If you smoke, you can reduce your chance of getting lung cancer by quitting.
What else should I do?
Follow all your doctor's instructions about visits and tests. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you have during treatment.
Getting treated for lung cancer involves making many choices, such as which treatment to have and when. Always tell your doctors how you feel about a treatment. Any time you are offered a treatment, ask:
- What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? Will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
- What are the downsides of this treatment?
- Are there other options besides this treatment?
- What happens if I do not have this treatment?
It's important to take care of your emotional health, too. It might help to talk to a counselor, join a support group, or talk to other people who are going through a similar experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer?
Early symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or recurrent chest infections. Some people may not have symptoms in the early stages.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Lung cancer is diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests such as a Chest X-ray or CT scan, followed by procedures like Bronchoscopy, Lung Biopsy, or other tissue sampling methods to confirm the diagnosis.
Who is at risk of developing lung cancer?
The most common cause of COPD is long-term smoking. Other causes include exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, and, in some cases, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Can lung cancer be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the type and stage of lung cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Early diagnosis often improves treatment outcomes.
When should I see a doctor for lung cancer symptoms?
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