ABOUT LUNG CANCER
Primary lung cancer is a type of cancer, usually in the form of a mass, that begins in the lungs. As the cancer cells grow, they interfere with the function of the lungs, eventually impeding normal breathing and the oxygenation of the blood. Lung cancer can also be a secondary cancer, which means that the cancer from another part of the body has traveled to the lungs, also known as metastatic lung cancer.
There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common type. The staging of lung cancer is determined by how far the cancer has spread (or metastasized) to the lymph nodes or other organs.
WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. While not all lung cancer is caused by smoking, the leading risk factor for the cancer is linked to smoking tobacco products, which damage the cells in the lungs. Tobacco products are filled with carcinogens or cancer causing substances. When inhaled repeatedly over time, the damage to the lungs can cause cells to mutate and grow at a rapid rate – which can result in a malignant mass.
Lung cancer can also develop as a result of a previous cancer that has metastasized to the lung. If you have smoked or currently smoke, the risk of developing cancer increases with the length of time and the amount of cigarettes you have smoked. Other risk factors, like your age or a family history of lung cancer, cannot be changed; however, quitting smoking can eliminate the greatest risk factor in developing the disease. Lung cancer can occur even if people have never smoked and never had exposure to secondhand smoke.
As with all cancers, early detection and treatment is key to successful health outcomes. If you are at high risk for developing cancer, screening and early detection can drastically improve survival rates. According to the American Lung Association, “About 8 million Americans qualify as high risk for lung cancer and are recommended to receive annual screening with low-dose CT scans.”
Lung Cancer Risk Factors:
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
In its early stages, lung cancer may produce very few symptoms. Once the disease is more advanced, symptoms begin to develop.
Lung cancer symptoms:
- Worsening cough
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER
If you notice new symptoms developing that are persistent, different than usual or concerning, it is important to let your doctor know as soon as possible. Symptoms of cancer can take several years to develop and often do not become apparent until the disease is in its advanced stage.
Symptoms of lung cancer may cause:
TESTS FOR LUNG CANCER
With recently modified guidelines, screenings are an excellent way to identify lung nodules that have the potential to become lung masses or malignant. Knowing your risk factors and seeing your doctor right away if you develop new symptoms such as a cough or a cough with bloody mucus is critical for successful long term health outcomes.
If you doctor suspects you have lung cancer, several tests can be given to aid in the diagnosis, including:
Some of these tests can identify genetic markers within the tumor that can help guide your doctor toward the treatment options that will be the most effective for your specific tumor.
SAVED BY THE SCAN
Screening Test & Eligibility Quiz
Recently, guidelines for screening have been modified to allow an annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. High risk patients include individuals aged 55 to 74 who have smoked for 30 years or more, who continue to smoke or who have quit in the past 15 years.
The goal of cancer screening is to use LDCT scans to help identify lung masses or anomalies early, and offer treatment when the disease is potentially curable. Lung Health Services is a strong advocate for high risk patients receiving annual lung cancer screenings so that we can cure lung cancer together!
DIAGNOSING LUNG CANCER
If your physician suspects lung cancer as a result of a screening or scan, the first step will be to biopsy the mass. A biopsy procedure will remove a small portion of the tumor or mass to determine if it is malignant. This can be performed with a needle through the chest wall and into the lungs (known as a needle biopsy). A biopsy can also be performed using a bronchoscopy, which involves sedation as the doctor passes a small, flexible tube through the mouth or nose and into the lungs. Our goal is to diagnose and treat patients before the cancer has advanced to Stage 3 or 4.
The pathology of the biopsy will reveal which type of lung cancer is present. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, different treatment options can be offered. It is important to learn as much as you can about your specific type of cancer and to become educated about your treatment options. Most importantly, Lung Health Services wants you to know that you are not alone!
TREATMENT FOR LUNG CANCER
When necessary, Lung Health Services works closely with thoracic surgeons to provide comprehensive surgical care. Using advanced bronchoscopy techniques, Dr. Nina can identify and biopsy lung nodules or lung masses that look abnormal and remove them during the initial procedure. The advanced bronchoscopy techniques also provide the capability to deliver laser and other cancer-killing technologies to tumors buried deep inside the lungs. Dr. Nina can manage the symptoms of bleeding or coughing and open up a blocked airway during the bronchoscopy procedure.
The first line of treatment for NSCLC is to surgically remove it if possible. Next, chemotherapy and other targeted treatments and immunotherapy may be used to eradicate the disease. Your physician and oncologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific cancer type and stage.
