Lung cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Survival Rate

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women worldwide. it usually present in late stages as it is often undetected in early stage. Knowing about lung cancer can help you detect the disease early and thus improve the treatment outcomes.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Depending on the stage of the disease and which organs the cancer has involved, various symptoms can present which can make an individual seek medical attention. Here, we’ll discuss the common symptoms of lung cancer to watch out for. One of the most common symptoms of lung cancer is a persistent cough. This is not your usual cough from a cold or flu that goes away after a few days. Instead, it’s a cough that lingers for weeks or months without getting better. It may also be a dry cough or produce mucus (phlegm). Some people with lung cancer also experience coughing up blood, which is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Shortness of breath is another important symptom of lung cancer. You might feel like you can’t catch your breath or get enough air, even during simple activities like walking or climbing stairs. This can happen when the cancer blocks or narrows the airways in your lungs, making it harder for you to breathe. If you notice persistent or worsening shortness of breath, it’s essential to see your doctor for an evaluation. Chest pain is another symptom that can occur with lung cancer, although it’s not always present in every case. The pain may feel sharp, dull, or achy and can be located in your chest, back, shoulders, or ribs. It may get worse when you cough, laugh, or take deep breaths. While chest pain can have many causes, including muscle strains or heart problems, it’s important to get any persistent or severe chest pain checked by a healthcare professional. Hoarseness or changes in your voice can also be a sign of lung cancer, especially if it’s persistent. Lung tumors can affect the nerves or structures in your throat and voice box (larynx), leading to hoarseness or a raspy voice. If you notice a significant and lasting change in your voice without an obvious cause like a cold or flu, it’s important to mention this to your doctor. Unexplained weight loss is a symptom that should not be ignored, as it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue such as lung cancer. Losing weight without trying or without changes to your diet or exercise routine can be a sign that something is wrong. If you’ve lost weight unintentionally, especially if it’s a significant amount, it’s crucial to see your doctor for further evaluation. Persistent fatigue or weakness can also be symptoms of lung cancer, especially as the disease progresses. Cancer can affect your body’s energy levels and make you feel tired all the time, even after getting enough rest. If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue or weakness that doesn’t improve with sleep or rest, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. People with lung cancer may also be more prone to respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The cancer can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. If you’re getting frequent or persistent respiratory infections, it’s important to bring this to your doctor’s attention for proper evaluation and treatment. Bone pain can occur if lung cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the bones. The pain may be located in your back, ribs, hips, or other areas and can be constant or worsen at night. While not everyone with lung cancer experiences bone pain, it’s a symptom that needs to be addressed by your healthcare team. In rare cases, lung cancer can spread to the brain or spinal cord, leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, weakness in limbs, balance problems, or changes in mental status. These symptoms require immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and management. In case you experience any of above symptoms, do not neglect and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Lung Cancer Causes

Here’s a list of causes which are associated with development of lung cancer. These factors however present in patient’s with lung cancer, do not predict the certainty of cancer occurrence. Few individuals develop cancer even in absence of below mentioned risk factors.

1. Smoking: Smoking tobacco is the primary cause of lung cancer. When a person smokes, they inhale harmful chemicals like tar, nicotine, and carcinogens into their lungs. These chemicals damage the cells lining the lungs, leading to genetic mutations that can result in cancerous growths over time. Quitting smoking or never starting can greatly reduce the risk of lung cancer.
2. Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, is another significant risk factor for lung cancer. Non-smokers who regularly breathe in smoke from others’ cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are exposed to the same harmful chemicals. Avoiding environments where smoking occurs and promoting smoke-free areas can help reduce this risk.
3. Radon Gas: Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground and accumulate indoors. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon gas increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in combination with smoking. Testing homes for radon levels and taking steps to reduce exposure can mitigate this risk.
4. Occupational Exposures: Some workplaces expose individuals to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and industrial chemicals. Workers in mining, construction, manufacturing, and certain industries are at higher risk of lung cancer due to these exposures. Using proper protective equipment and following safety protocols can help minimize risks.
5. Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollution, including vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and fine particulate matter, is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Living in areas with high pollution levels can contribute to lung damage and cancer development. Supporting clean air initiatives and reducing personal exposure to polluted environments can help lower this risk.
6. Genetic Factors: While less common, genetic factors can predispose certain individuals to lung cancer. Inherited gene mutations or family history of lung cancer can increase susceptibility. Genetic counseling and testing may be recommended for individuals with known genetic risks.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer treatment involves various methods aimed at targeting and eliminating cancer cells in the lungs. The approach to treatment depends on several factors such as the type of lung cancer, its stage, overall health of the patient, and their preferences. Surgery is a common treatment for lung cancer, especially in the early stages when the tumor is localized. Surgeons remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated. This procedure is more effective when the cancer has not spread extensively. The latest modalities for surgery in lung cancer include minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery. VATS involves making small incisions and using a tiny camera and surgical instruments to remove tumors with less trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in quicker recovery times and reduced pain for patients. Robotic-assisted surgery uses robotic arms controlled by surgeons to perform precise movements during surgery, allowing for enhanced dexterity and visualization in complex cases. These advanced surgical approaches offer improved outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Chemotherapy is another treatment option that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and work throughout the body to target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Specific chemotherapy drugs used for lung cancer include platinum-based drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin, as well as newer agents like pemetrexed, docetaxel, and paclitaxel. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is often targeted to the specific area of the lungs where the tumor is located to minimize damage to healthy tissue. Specific radiation therapy for lung cancer includes techniques like external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). EBRT uses a machine to deliver radiation to the tumor from outside the body, while SBRT delivers high doses of radiation precisely to the tumor in fewer sessions. Immunotherapy is a newer approach to treating lung cancer that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Drugs like pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab target specific proteins on cancer cells, helping the immune system to better identify and destroy them. Targeted therapy drugs target specific abnormalities in cancer cells that allow them to grow and survive. These drugs are often used when genetic mutations or specific proteins are present in the cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be effective with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Drugs like gefitinib, erlotinib, and osimertinib target mutations in genes like EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) or ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), which are common in some lung cancers. By targeting these specific mutations, targeted therapies can effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and improve outcomes for patients with these mutations.

Lung Cancer Survival Rates

Lung cancer has lower survival rates compared to many other types of cancer due to factors like late detection and aggressive nature. For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer, the overall 5-year survival rate is around 25%, according to recent statistics. However, this rate can vary significantly based on the stage of cancer. For example, localized NSCLC (cancer confined to the lungs) has a higher 5-year survival rate of about 60%, mainly because it can be treated more effectively with surgery, radiation, or a combination of therapies. Advanced stages of lung cancer, such as regional (cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes) and distant (cancer metastasized to other organs), have lower survival rates due to the challenges of treating cancer that has spread. The 5-year survival rate for regional NSCLC is around 33%, while for distant NSCLC, it drops significantly to about 6%. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common but more aggressive, also has lower survival rates overall. The 5-year survival rate for limited-stage SCLC (cancer confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes) is approximately 14%, while for extensive-stage SCLC (cancer spread beyond one lung or to distant sites), the 5-year survival rate is only about 2%. It’s important to note that survival rates are general estimates and do not predict individual outcomes. Advances in early detection methods, personalized treatment options such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, as well as improvements in supportive care, are contributing to better outcomes and quality of life for some lung cancer patients. In today’s era of precision medicine, early detection by screening and tailor made treatment planning depending on the cancer stage and health of the patient, treatment outcomes have improved. In case you experience any similar symptoms or doubts about your health, contact your healthcare provider immediately.