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Lung Cancer

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Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells begin growing uncontrollably in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells don’t function like normal lung cells. Instead of helping with breathing, they form tumours that interfere with the lung’s ability to provide oxygen to the body.

Over time, lung cancer can spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes and other parts of the body, including the liver, brain, bones, and adrenal glands.

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths — but it is also among the most preventable.

Understanding the Lungs

Your lungs are two sponge-like organs in your chest. The right lung has three lobes, while the left has two. When you breathe in, air travels into the lungs through the trachea (windpipe), then into bronchi and smaller airways (bronchioles), finally reaching alveoli — tiny air sacs where oxygen enters the blood.

Lung cancer usually starts in the cells lining the bronchi or other parts of the lung.

Types of Lung Cancer

  1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    Accounts for 80–85% of lung cancers. It generally grows slower and spreads later than small cell cancer. Subtypes include:

    • Adenocarcinoma – Most common type; often found in outer lung areas; affects smokers and non-smokers
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Linked with smoking; begins in central lungs near main airways
    • Large Cell Carcinoma – Can appear in any part of the lung and tends to grow quickly

  2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

    Occurs in about 10–15% of lung cancer cases. It grows and spreads more rapidly. Strongly associated with heavy smoking.

  3. Other Rare Types

    • Lung Carcinoid Tumors – Slow-growing, less likely to spread
    • Mesothelioma – Affects the lining of the lungs (pleura); associated with asbestos exposure

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms often appear late. Early signs are usually subtle and mistaken for other illnesses.

Common Symptoms:

  • Persistent cough (lasting >2–3 weeks)
  • Coughing up blood (even in small amounts)
  • Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Wheezing
  • Frequent respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
  • Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
  • Constant fatigue or weakness
  • Swelling in the face, neck, or upper limbs (due to blocked blood flow)

Advanced Symptoms:

  • Bone pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or seizures (if spread to the brain)
  • Jaundice (if liver is affected)

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Smoking (primary and secondary exposure) – Major cause in >80% of cases
  • Air pollution – Long-term exposure increases risk
  • Radon gas exposure – A naturally occurring radioactive gas
  • Occupational exposure – Asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, diesel exhaust
  • Previous lung diseases – COPD, tuberculosis
  • Genetic predisposition – Family history of lung cancer
  • Radiation therapy to the chest – Especially in women treated for breast cancer
  • Lifestyle – Poor diet, sedentary habits may contribute

Diagnosis: How Is Lung Cancer Detected?

  1. Initial Consultation
    • Detailed history (smoking, family history, occupational exposure)
    • Physical examination and symptom review
  2. Imaging Tests
    • Chest X-ray – Often the first test
    • CT Scan – More detailed; detects small lesions
    • PET-CT Scan – Identifies cancer spread (metastasis)
    • MRI – Preferred for brain or spinal metastases
  3. Laboratory Tests
    • Sputum Cytology – Examines mucus from lungs for cancer cells
    • Blood Tests – Check organ function, rule out other conditions
  4. Biopsy Techniques
    • CT-guided needle biopsy
    • Bronchoscopy – Camera inserted via airways to collect tissue
    • Mediastinoscopy – For lymph node evaluation
    • Thoracoscopy – For sampling lung lining or masses
  5. Molecular & Genetic Testing
    • Tests for mutations in genes like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, and PD-L1 guide targeted/immunotherapy treatments

Staging of Lung Cancer

Stage I

  • Tumour confined to one lung, no lymph node involvement

Stage II

  • Tumour larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes

Stage III

  • Cancer spread to distant lymph nodes or structures in the chest

Stage IV

  • Advanced stage; cancer has spread to other organs (e.g., liver, bones, brain)

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

We follow a personalized and multidisciplinary approach based on cancer type, stage, and genetic profile.

  1. Surgery

    • Lobectomy – Removal of an entire lung lobe
    • Pneumonectomy – Removal of an entire lung
    • Segmentectomy/Wedge Resection – Partial removal for small tumors
    • Ideal for early-stage NSCLC

  2. Radiation Therapy

    • Used when surgery isn’t possible or post-operatively
    • Tomotherapy at Onco-Life offers high-precision radiation
    • May cause fatigue, cough, skin irritation

  3. Chemotherapy

    • Destroys fast-growing cancer cells
    • Given intravenously in cycles
    • Common side effects: nausea, hair loss, low immunity

  4. Targeted Therapy

    • Blocks specific proteins or mutations in cancer cells (EGFR, ALK, ROS1)
    • Often in pill form
    • Fewer side effects than chemo

  5. Immunotherapy

    • Uses your body’s immune system to fight cancer
    • Effective for advanced or recurrent lung cancer with high PD-L1 expression

  6. Palliative & Supportive Care

    • Focuses on improving comfort and quality of life
    • Pain management, oxygen therapy, breathing support, nutritional care

Life After Lung Cancer Treatment

  • Regular follow-up scans every 3–6 months for the first few years
  • Rehabilitation (e.g., breathing exercises)
  • Psychological support – anxiety and depression are common
  • Nutritional guidance to rebuild strength

How to Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer

  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Use proper ventilation at home and work
  • Test your home for radon gas (especially in high-risk areas)
  • Avoid exposure to carcinogenic substances
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains
  • Regular check-ups if you’re high-risk (e.g., heavy smokers)

Most Popular Questions

Lung Cancer

1. Can lung cancer be cured?

Yes, especially if caught in early stages. Even advanced stages can be managed with new therapies.

2. What is the most common cause of lung cancer?

Smoking — including passive smoking — is the leading cause.

3. Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Yes. About 10–20% of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers, due to pollution, genetics, or toxic exposure.

4. What is the first sign of lung cancer?

Persistent cough that doesn't go away or gets worse.

5. How is lung cancer different from TB?

Lung cancer causes tumors; TB is a bacterial infection. Both may cause cough and weight loss but require different tests for confirmation.

6. Does quitting smoking reduce cancer risk immediately?

Yes. Risk starts to decline within months and continues decreasing over the years.

7. Can I survive with one lung?

Yes, many patients lead normal lives after partial or full lung removal.

8. What is Stage 4 lung cancer life expectancy?

It varies; with modern therapies, survival can range from months to years depending on response.

9. Are lung cancer symptoms different in men and women?

Not significantly, though women are more likely to have adenocarcinoma, often in outer lungs.

10. Is surgery always needed?

No. Surgery is usually done in early stages. Other treatments may be used alone or with surgery.

11. How long does lung cancer treatment take?

Anywhere from a few weeks (radiation) to several months (chemo/immunotherapy).

12. What foods help lung cancer recovery?

High-protein foods, fruits, green leafy vegetables, and healthy fats support healing.

13. Can lung cancer spread to the brain?

Yes. Brain metastasis is common in advanced stages, especially with small cell lung cancer.

14. Is chemotherapy painful?

No, but it can have side effects like nausea, weakness, and hair loss.

15. Are lung nodules always cancerous?

No. Many nodules are benign and need monitoring, not treatment.

16. Can pollution alone cause lung cancer?

Yes. Especially in urban or industrial areas with long-term exposure.

17. Is lung cancer genetic?

A family history increases risk, but most cases are lifestyle/environment driven.

18. Can lung cancer come back?

Yes. Follow-up care is crucial to detect recurrence early.

19. Is radiation safe for lungs?

Yes, when administered carefully. At Onco-Life, we use advanced precision tools like Tomotherapy.

20. Where can I find help during recovery?

Our hospital offers counselling, physiotherapy, dietary help, and patient support groups.