Key Facts Everyone Should Know About Lung Cancer

Important information about lung cancer

Lungs are essential organs in our respiratory system, responsible for supplying oxygen to every cell in our body. Any issue affecting the lungs can have serious consequences. Lung cancer is among the most common lung disorders. Its development is often linked to environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility. Here are some crucial details to understand this disease better.

What causes lung cancer?

Several factors contribute to lung cancer risk, including:

Smoking – Cigarette smoking is the primary cause, accounting for approximately 90% of cases.

Second-hand smoke – Inhaling smoke from others increases risk even without smoking yourself.

Asbestos exposure – Fibers from this mineral can be inhaled and cause cellular damage leading to cancer.

Radon gas – This naturally occurring radioactive gas decays into particles that can damage lung tissue.

Pre-existing lung conditions – Diseases like COPD can elevate lung cancer risk.

Environmental pollution – Air pollution, though not primary, has been linked to some lung cancer cases.

How is lung cancer staged?

Staging helps determine the extent of spread and guides treatment choices. The four main stages include:

Stage 1 – Tumor localized within the lung.

Stage 2 – Cancer involves nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3 – Spread to the center of the chest.

Stage 4 – Advanced spread to both lungs and other organs.

Do symptoms differ by stage?

Early stages may show no symptoms, but as cancer progresses, symptoms become clearer:

Stage 2 – Blood-tinged cough, ongoing cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, recurrent respiratory infections.

Stage 3 – Chest discomfort, wheezing, persistent cough with blood, voice changes, weight loss, swallowing difficulty, fatigue, bone pain, fever.

Stage 4 – Significant fatigue, weight loss, widespread pain, neurological issues like headaches and seizures from brain involvement.

What treatment options are available for lung cancer?

Surgical removal – Removing the tumor directly from the lung.

Radiation therapy – Using high-energy rays to destroy dividing cancer cells.

Chemotherapy – Using medications to target cancer cells.

Radiosurgery – A non-invasive option for certain small cell lung cancers.

Targeted therapy – Focusing on genetic or molecular abnormalities in cancer cells.

Immunotherapy – Enhancing the immune system to fight advanced lung cancers.