All there is to know about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer where there is a tumour or cancerous tissues affecting the lungs and then spreading to other parts of the body such as brain, lymph nodes, liver and even bones. This type is called primary lung cancer. The metastatic or secondary lung cancer is when cancer from other parts of the body spread to the lungs.

There are different types of lung cancer including:

1.       Non-small cell lung cancer

This kind is the most common and 80% of lung cancer is accounted by this type of cancer. It is classified into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.

2.       Small cell lung cancer

15 to 20% of lung cancer is accounted by this type of cancer. It starts in the mid area of lungs and makes it way quicker than the previous type.

3.       Mesothelioma

This is the type that affects the protection of the lungs and which is divided into pleural and peritoneal cancer.

4.       Other tumours

Other tumours in the lungs can cause lung cancer such as germ cell tumours, lymph nodes tumour, thymus gland tumours, etc.

Causes for lung cancer:

1.       The most common cause is tobacco smoking, both active as well as passive smoking.

2.       Exposure to elements such as asbestos or other harmful chemicals

3.       Pollutants

4.       Older age

5.       Medical history

Treatment:

The treatment for lung cancer is similar to treatments for other types of cancer which includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy along with Thermal ablation. Treatment is also decided according to the stages as well as severity of the condition.  If caught at an early stage, there are chances of full recovery as well. The choice is difficult but should be well aught after consulting an efficient team including your oncologist, ENT specialist, laryngologist, etc.  The side effects are unavoidable after chemotherapy but can be managed.