

Lung cancer is one type of cancer that begins in the lungs. Your lungs are two pliable organs located in your chest that allow you to breathe in oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide.
The largest cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide is lung cancer.
Lung cancer can affect persons who have never smoked, but smokers are at a higher risk than nonsmokers. The quantity and frequency of cigarettes you’ve smoked are related to your chance of developing lung cancer. Even after years of smoking, you can greatly lower your risk of developing lung cancer by quitting.
Major signs that might indicate lung cancer
In its initial stages, lung cancer does not usually indicate any signs. Symptoms of lung problems often appear when the condition is advanced.
Lung cancer symptoms and signs may include:
- A persistent cough that just started
- Spitting out blood, even a small amount.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Losing weight without trying
- Bone pain
- Headache
Reasons that might lead to lung cancer
The majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking, in both smokers and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke. However, nonsmokers and those who have never been exposed to secondhand smoke for an extended period of time are also susceptible to lung cancer. There may not be a definite reason for lung cancer in certain situations.
The significant cause of lung cancer is smoking
According to doctors, smoking harms the cells that coat the lungs, which in turn promotes lung cancer. The lung tissue changes practically immediately after inhaling cigarette smoke, which is loaded with cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
Your body might be able to repair this harm initially. However, the healthy cells lining your lungs suffer increased harm with each subsequent exposure. Damage over time results in aberrant cell behavior, which may eventually lead to the development of cancer.
Types of lung cancer that can affect
On the basis of the appearance of lung cancer cells under a microscope, clinicians categorize the disease into two broad types. Depending on the primary form of lung cancer you have, your surgical oncologists will decide how to proceed with treatment.
The following are the two primary kinds of lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is less prevalent than non-small cell lung cancer and nearly exclusively affects heavy smokers.
Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer refers to an assortment of lung cancers. It is important to notice signs of a lung infection to avoid high complications.
Risk factors that can increase the chances of getting affected by lung cancer:
Several variables may impact your chance of developing lung cancer. You can reduce some risk factors, like smoking, by giving it up. Additionally, some circumstances, like your family history, are outside of your control.
Lung cancer risk factors include
Smoking
The number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the length of time you have been smoking both raise your risk of developing lung cancer. You can dramatically reduce your risk of lung cancer by quitting at any age.
Exposure to second-hand smoke
Even if you don’t smoke, being around secondhand smoke raises your risk of developing lung cancer.
Undergoing any radiation therapy
If you’ve received chest radiation therapy for another type of cancer, your risk of getting lung cancer may be increased. Avoiding these risk factors can help in lung cancer prevention.
Diagnostic treatment options that are involved in identifying lung cancer:
Your doctor may run a series of tests to look for malignant cells and rule out other disorders if there is cause to believe you may have lung cancer.
Testing might involve
Imaging tests
An abnormal tumour or nodule in your lungs could be seen on an X-ray. Small lung lesions may not be seen on an X-ray but can be seen on a CT scan.
Sputum cytology
When sputum is coughed up and examined under a microscope, lung cancer cells can occasionally be seen. This is especially true if you have a cough and are producing sputum. Consult for the lung cancer treatment in Coimbatore to avail the best treatment.
Tissue sample (biopsy)
A process known as a biopsy allows for the removal of a sample of aberrant cells.
A biopsy can be done in a number of methods by your surgical oncologists to understand the treatment, including bronchoscopy, which involves passing a lit tube down your neck and into your lungs to examine for abnormal lung tissue.
Although lung cancer can be fatal, those who obtain an early diagnosis frequently have a fair chance of surviving.
People at a high risk of getting lung cancer might want to consider regular screenings. This can assist in identifying the early warning signals and enable therapy prior to the cancer spreading.
Anyone who is worried about their chance of developing lung cancer should consult a medical expert for advice.