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Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in one or both lungs. When cancer originates in the lungs, it is called the primary lung cancer. It can spread to the brain, adrenal glands, liver, lymph nodes, and bones, among other parts of the body.
If cancer begins in another part of the body and then spreads to the lungs, it is known as secondary or metastatic lung cancer.
What are the types of lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are the two main forms of primary lung cancer.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining around the lungs (the pleura). It’s distinct from lung cancer and is usually caused by asbestos exposure.
Other cancers, such as those that start in the chest wall, can also affect the lungs but are not classified as lung cancer.
Non-small cell carcinoma:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of all lung cancers. It can be classified as:
Squamous cell carcinoma: starts in thin, flat cells, typically located in the larger airways.
Adenocarcinoma: starts in mucus-producing cells, which are usually found in the outer parts of the lungs.
Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma: the cancer cells don’t clearly fit into the categories of squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.
Small cell carcinoma:
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 15% of lung cancers. It typically begins in the central part of the lungs and often spreads more rapidly than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
What are the possible causes of lung cancer and who can get it?
It’s well-known that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
Smoking is responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths in women and 90% in men. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer, while women who smoke are 13 times more likely.
Non-smokers can also get lung cancer. Risk factors include long-term exposure to radon gas and working with cancer-causing substances like fumes. Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke face a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer is most common in people over 65, but younger adults can get it too, though fewer than 2% of patients are under 35. Get the lung cancer treatment in Coimbatore that can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment with lung cancer.
What are the early and common symptoms of lung cancer?
Several lung cancer symptoms may emerge after the cancer has been present for a while, such as:
Coughing:
A persistent cough that doesn’t improve or gets worse, and isn’t caused by a lung infection like a virus or bacteria.
Chest pain:
Pain that intensifies when you laugh, cough, or take a deep breath.
Shortness of breath:
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a feeling of not being able to breathe or get enough air. These lung cancer symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to have a doctor check your lungs.
Bloody mucus:
Coughing up mucus or phlegm that is streaked with blood or has a rust color.
Lung infections that won’t go away:
Recurring infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, or a lung infection that doesn’t clear up, will likely lead your doctor to investigate other possible causes.
Wheezing:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that you hear when you breathe out.
Hoarseness:
If your voice becomes hoarse without a clear reason, you should have a doctor check it.
What are the unexpected signs and symptoms of lung cancer?
It may be surprising how many unexpected signs of lung cancer exist. These signs and lung cancer symptoms don’t seem related to the lungs, so you might not think of lung cancer as the cause.
Eye problems:
Pancoast tumors, which can cause pain in the arm or shoulder, may also lead to eye problems. You might notice one pupil is smaller, an eyelid droops, and there is less sweating on one side of the face. This group of eye symptoms, known as Horner Syndrome, can be a sign of lung cancer.
Shoulder/Arm pain:
A type of lung cancer known as Pancoast tumor grows in the upper part of the lung. Rather than affecting the lungs directly, these tumors can spread to the ribs, spine, or nearby nerves and blood vessels.
Issues with balance:
Feeling unsteady or losing your balance can be linked to lung cancer. If a tumor is near the superior vena cava (SVC), a large vein that returns blood from your head and arms to the heart, it might block blood flow as it grows, leading to dizziness or balance issues. Additionally, anemia, which is common in lung cancer, can also affect your balance.
Headaches:
Headaches can occur if a tumor is near the superior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart. If blood gets backed up in this vein, it can cause severe headaches or even lead to fainting. High calcium levels in the blood, which affect up to 20% of people with lung cancer, can also cause headaches.
Important Takeaway:
While having these signs and symptoms doesn’t guarantee lung cancer, experiencing several of them is worrisome. It’s important to schedule a checkup with your primary care doctor to discuss what you’re experiencing. If the symptoms you reported to your doctor are due to lung cancer, you’ll probably need the best cancer doctor in Coimbatore who specializes in treating lung cancer. They will assess the type and stage of the cancer and other factors to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.