Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types and Diagnosis

Table of Content

• Lung Cancer: Types, Causes, and Risk Factors

• Spotting the Signs: Early Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

• The Importance of Screening: Detecting Lung Cancer in its Early Stages

• Dealing with Complications: Understanding End Stage Symptoms of Lung Cancer

• Prevention is Key: Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Lung Cancer

Introduction

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers in the world, but early detection can greatly increase the chances of survival. 

In this blog, we'll dive into the basics of lung cancer, including types and causes, and look at the early warning signs to watch out for.

Some key points to keep in mind:

• Understanding your risk factors is crucial to detecting lung cancer early.

• Symptoms can often be mistaken for other illnesses, so it's important to be aware of the signs.

• Screening and early detection can greatly increase the chances of survival.

• Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer is just as important as detecting it early.

By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of what to look for, how to detect lung cancer in its early stages, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Lung Cancer: Types, Causes, and Risk Factors

Lung cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These cells can form tumours, interfere with normal lung function, and spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Lung Cancer

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

The causes of lung cancer are complex and can include a combination of factors such as:

• Smoking: This is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases.

• Radon exposure: This is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes and buildings, causing lung cancer by damaging lung tissue and DNA. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer.

• Air pollution: Exposure to outdoor air pollution, such as car exhaust, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

• Exposure to certain chemicals and substances: Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances like asbestos raises the risk of lung cancer. These substances harm the lung tissue and DNA, causing the growth of cancer cells.

Knowing your risk factors is crucial in detecting lung cancer early. Some common risk factors include: adding an infographic related to these as risk factors for lung cancer

• Age: Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are over the age of 55.

• Personal history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) : COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties and a persistent cough, making the individual more susceptible to lung infections and inflammation, which can increase the risk of lung cancer.

• Previous radiation therapy to the chest: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, but can also damage healthy cells and tissues in the process. This damage can increase the risk of new cancers, including lung cancer, developing in the affected area.

• Personal history of lung cancer: Cancer cells can spread and form new tumours, even if the original cancer has been treated and removed. Additionally, treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy can weaken the body's ability to fight off new cancers and increase the risk of recurrence.

• Family history: Having a family member with lung cancer can increase your risk.

It's important to be aware of the causes and risk factors of lung cancer to help detect it early. If you're concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Early detection is key to increasing the chances of survival.

Spotting the Signs: Early Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of lung cancer. It's important to be aware of these symptoms and to seek medical attention if you experience any of them.

Some common early symptoms of lung cancer include

• Persistent cough: This can be a symptom of lung cancer, especially if the cough is new or has changed.

• Chest pain: This can be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it is felt when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing.

• Shortness of breath: This can be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it occurs suddenly or for no apparent reason.

• Wheezing: This is a high-pitched sound when breathing, and can be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it's new or has changed.

• Fatigue: This can be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. 

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order tests such as: adding an infographic related to these as diagnosis of lung cancer 

• Chest X-ray

• CT scan 

• Biopsy

A biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope, is the only way to definitively diagnose lung cancer.

In addition to these tests, your doctor may also perform other diagnostic tests, such as: 

• Pulmonary function test: which measures how well your lungs are functioning.

• Bronchoscopy: This involves using a scope to examine the inside of the lungs.

The Importance of Screening: Detecting Lung Cancer in its Early Stages

Early detection of lung cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Screening can help identify the cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

Lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals who are at high risk for developing the disease, such as those who have a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens.

Some benefits of lung cancer screening include:

• Increased survival rates

• Better treatment options

• Improved quality of life for patients

• Lower cost for treatment

There is a small risk of receiving false positive results from a lung cancer screening. This means that the test may show a suspicious growth that turns out to be benign. However, the benefits of early detection far outweigh this risk.

Dealing with Complications: Understanding End Stage Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease, and as it progresses, it can cause many complications, including end-stage symptoms. End-stage lung cancer is the final stage of the disease when cancer has spread to other parts of the body and can no longer be treated effectively.

End-stage symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the individual, but some common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath: This is a common symptom of end-stage lung cancer, as the tumour can press on the airways and make breathing difficult.

• Persistent coughing: A persistent cough, particularly if it is accompanied by blood or mucus, may be a sign of end-stage lung cancer.

• Chest pain: Chest pain is a common symptom of end-stage lung cancer and can be caused by cancer spreading to the bones or other parts of the chest.

• Fatigue and weakness: As cancer progresses, it can cause fatigue and weakness, as the body has to work harder to perform normal tasks.

• Loss of appetite and weight loss: End-stage lung cancer can cause loss of appetite and weight loss, which can further weaken the body.

• Difficulty swallowing: As cancer spreads, it can cause difficulty swallowing, as the tumour can press on the oesophagus.

It's important to understand that end-stage symptoms of lung cancer can be managed with appropriate treatment and care. Palliative care, which focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, can help manage end-stage symptoms and improve comfort.

In addition, hospice care, which provides care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses, can be beneficial for people with end-stage lung cancer. Hospice care can help manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and improve quality of life.

Prevention is Key: Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is responsible for more deaths each year than any other cancer. 

However, there are many ways you can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

Reduce your risk of developing lung cancer

• Avoid tobacco smoke: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for more than 80% of all cases. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. If you don't smoke, don't start. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important.

• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of lung cancer. In addition, avoiding processed foods and alcohol can also help.

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

• Get vaccinated: The flu and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent infections that can weaken the lungs and increase your risk of lung cancer.

• Monitor air pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. If you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, try to limit your time outdoors and avoid heavy traffic.

By following these strategies, you can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Of course, no single strategy is guaranteed to prevent the disease, but by making lifestyle changes and seeking regular medical care, you can help protect your lung health.

Take-Home Points

• Lung cancer is a common type of cancer that is responsible for more deaths each year than any other cancer.

• The early warning signs of lung cancer include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

• Diagnosis of lung cancer usually involves a combination of medical tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies.

• Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but other risk factors include exposure to air pollution, radon gas, and a family history of the disease.

• End-stage symptoms of lung cancer can include weight loss, increased fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

• Screening for lung cancer is important because it can help detect the disease in its early stages when it is more treatable.

• Strategies for reducing the risk of developing lung cancer include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting vaccinated, and monitoring air pollution.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2022, November). Lung Cancer.

• National Cancer Institute. (2021, August). Lung Cancer.

• American Cancer Society. (2022, November). Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer.

• National Cancer Institute. (2021, August). Lung Cancer Symptoms.

• American Cancer Society. (2022, November). Lung Cancer Screening.

• National Cancer Institute. (2021, August). Lung Cancer Screening.

• American Cancer Society. (2022, November). End-of-Life Care for People with Lung Cancer.

• National Cancer Institute. (2021, August). Advanced Lung Cancer.

• American Cancer Society. (2022). Lung Cancer Prevention.