Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs begin to grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors. If not diagnosed and treated early, lung cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, making treatment more challenging.
Lung Cancer Types
Adenocarcinoma (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC subtype)
•Begins in mucus-producing cells in the outer parts of the lungs. It is the most common type of lung cancer and occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. It tends to grow slowly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Starts in the flat cells lining the inside of the airways, usually in the central part of the lungs. Strongly linked to smoking.
Large Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Found anywhere in the lung, this type grows and spreads quickly, making it more aggressive than other NSCLC types.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
•Less common but more aggressive, it grows and spreads quickly. Almost always linked to smoking and typically diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
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A hallmark early sign, often due to irritation or obstruction in the airways caused by tumor growth. Unlike a typical cough from a cold, it doesn’t resolve.
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Can result from bleeding in the airways or tumors eroding into blood vessels. Even small streaks of blood should not be ignored.
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Occurs when the tumor partially blocks the airway or if cancer spreads, leading to fluid buildup (pleural effusion) around the lungs.
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Suggests tumor involvement of the chest wall, pleura (lining of the lung), or nerves in the area.
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May develop if the cancer presses on or invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords.
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A systemic effect, often tied to cancer’s metabolic demands and changes in the body’s ability to use nutrients.
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Linked with systemic illness, tumor byproducts, or treatment side effects; also contributes to weight loss.
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Caused by the cancer itself, low oxygen levels from reduced lung function, or effects of systemic inflammation.
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Tumors can obstruct parts of the lung, trapping mucus and providing an environment for bacteria to grow repeatedly.
What’s Notable
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death.
Smoking contributes to about 85% of all lung cancer cases.
Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is linked to 20% higher risk of lung cancer.
When to Seek Help
If you have symptoms such as a cough that lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, coughing up blood, persistent shortness of breath or chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, ongoing fatigue, or repeated chest infections, you should see a doctor promptly. Early medical evaluation is important, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, as it can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.
Lung Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking (Significant Risk Factor)
Main cause, responsible for most lung cancer cases; damages lung cells with carcinogens.
Secondhand Smoke
Inhaling smoke from others increases lung cancer risk even if you don’t smoke.
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and other harmful chemicals at work.
Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to polluted air, including diesel exhaust, increases risk.
Previous Radiation Therapy
Chest radiation for other cancers can raise lung cancer risk.
Family History
Genetic factors can increase your susceptibility if close relatives had lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms: Recurrent cough, dyspnoea, unintentional weight loss, pain in chest.
Step 2
Chest X-ray/CT Scan
Step 3
PET-CT & MRI
Step 4
Biopsy (Bronchoscopy, Needle, or Surgical)
Step 5
Lab Tests & Staging
Step 6
Personalized Treatment Plan
Lung Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
Common drugs:
Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Pemetrexed.
Note:
Frequently used prior to or following surgery or with radiation in advanced stages.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Inhibits mutations that fuel cancer growth.
Common drugs:
Osimertinib, Crizotinib, Alectinib.
Note:
For tumors with EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 mutations.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Assists immune system in identifying and targeting cancer.
Common drugs:
Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab.
Note:
Standard for advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 expression.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
What it does:
Strikes lung tumors with focused radiation beams from outside the body.
Treatment duration:
4–6 weeks.
Note:
Frequently used with chemotherapy in locally advanced stages.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
What it does:
Administers high-dose radiation to small tumors with precise accuracy.
Treatment duration:
1–5 sessions.
Note:
Best suited for early-stage lung cancer in non-surgical patients.
Lobectomy
What it does:
Resection of one lobe of the lung by surgery.
Treated for:
Early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Recovery:
4–6 weeks.
Pneumonectomy
What it does:
Total removal of one lung.
Treated for:
Large or centrally placed tumors.
Recovery:
6–8 weeks, longer with complications.
Segmentectomy/Wedge Resection
What it does:
Resection of a small localized piece of lung.
Treated for:
Early-stage cancer when preservation of the lung is important.
Recovery:
2–4 weeks.
Chemoradiation
Goal:
Shrinks tumors and controls spread.
What it involves:
Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation.
Used for:
Stage III NSCLC and stage III limited-stage SCLC.
Targeted & Immunotherapy
Goal:
Delay disease progression and extend survival.
What it involves:
Tailored drug treatments according to tumor genetics.
Used for:
Advanced NSCLC and post-progression therapy.
Palliative Care
Goal:
Improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms.
Used for:
Pain management, breathlessness control, emotional support; provided in addition to active treatment.
Lung Cancer Treatment by Types
Main treatments::
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
Early stage (I–II)::
primarily surgery (lobectomy, wedge resection, pneumonectomy).
Surgery:
may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy to reduce recurrence risk.
Stage III::
typically treated with chemoradiation; surgery considered in select cases.
Advanced/metastatic (Stage IV)::
systemic therapies including chemotherapy, targeted drugs (EGFR/ALK inhibitors), immunotherapy.
Palliative therapies (photodynamic, laser):
used for symptom relief.
Subtype of NSCLC, :
typically centrally located.
Early stage:
treated with surgery.
Locally advanced :
treated with chemoradiation.
Limited targeted therapy options;:
chemotherapy and immunotherapy are key.
Immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab):
standard in advanced stages.
Most common :
lung cancer subtype, often peripheral.
Treated similarly to other NSCLC :
types with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
Molecular markers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1):
guide targeted therapies in advanced disease.
Rare pleural cancer:
Rare pleural cancer mainly due to asbestos exposure.
Surgery options::
pleurectomy/decortication, extrapleural pneumonectomy for selected patients.
Chemotherapy standard:
with pemetrexed and cisplatin.
Radiation:
to control local symptoms.
Emerging immunotherapy:
and clinical trials are important.
Lung Cancer Stages
•Also called carcinoma in situ or Tis.
•Cancer cells are confined to the innermost lining of the lung airways.
•Non-invasive at this stage.
•Highly treatable with surgery; excellent prognosis.
•Tumor is ≤3 cm and confined to the lung without lymph node involvement.
•Tumors classified as T1 or T2a, N0, M0.
•No spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
•Treatment most often involves surgery; radiation is an option if surgery is not possible.
•Tumor larger than 3 cm but ≤7 cm, or has invaded nearby structures; no nodal metastasis.
•Tumors classified as T2b or T3, N0, M0.
•May include limited spread to adjacent lung tissue or visceral pleura.
•Treatment consists of surgery and often adjuvant chemotherapy; radiation may also be added.
•Tumor of any size with spread to ipsilateral or contralateral lymph nodes (N1, N2, or N3).
•Tumor may invade chest wall, diaphragm, or other nearby structures (T3 or T4).
•Divided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC based on nodal involvement and tumor size.
•Treatment usually requires multimodal therapy including chemotherapy, radiation, and occasionally surgery.
•Cancer has spread to distant organs such as brain, liver, adrenal glands, or opposite lung lobe (M1).
•Subcategories include M1a, M1b, and M1c depending on extent.
•Usually not curable at this stage; systemic therapy used to control symptoms and prolong survival.
Management & Prevention
Exercise and Breathing
•Engage in gentle exercises and breathing techniques to improve lung capacity, endurance, and strength.
Follow Treatment and Check-ups
•Stick to your treatment plan and attend all medical appointments for monitoring your recovery.
Nutrition
•Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support healing and energy levels
Symptom Management
•Work with your healthcare team to manage any side effects or symptoms like fatigue and pain.
Seek Support
•Connect with counselors, support groups, or mental health professionals for emotional guidance.
Relaxation Techniques
•Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and anxiety.
Patience and Self-Care
•Allow yourself time to heal emotionally and be gentle with your progress.
Quit Smoking
•Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to protect your lungs.
Healthy Habits
•Maintain a balanced diet, limit alcohol, and stay hydrated.
Sleep and Rest
•Prioritize good sleep habits to help your body recover.
Why Choose Everhope Lung Cancer?
New cases of lung cancer worldwide
Deaths globally in 2022
Higher risk of lung cancer is linked to exposure to air pollution
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FAQs on Lung Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Yes, although smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to air pollution, radon exposure, or genetic factors.
Yes, if detected early, lung cancer can be treated effectively. Survival rates are highest when diagnosed at an early stage.
A persistent cough or coughing up blood is often the first noticeable symptom, but symptoms can vary.
A low-dose CT scan is the standard method recommended for high-risk individuals to detect lung cancer early.
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