By Causenta Wellness
For those who may not be aware, lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, more than 228,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed before the end of the year. It is important to note, however, that no two lung cancers are the same. An individual can be diagnosed with either small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both of which can trigger different symptoms and may require a different approach when it comes to treatment.
And despite popular belief, lung cancer is not only linked to smoking. There are a variety of factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease. Regardless of what may have contributed to the disease or the specific type of lung cancer, the survival rate is highest when it is detected early.
According to the American Lung Association, a non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to the prevention, cure, and control of all types of lung disease, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer that has not metastasized (spread to other sites in the body) is 56 percent.
What is lung cancer?
Like all forms of cancer, lung cancer is a complex disease that causes the abnormal growth of cells. However, in the context of lung cancer, this abnormal cell growth begins in the lungs, but can quickly spread to other parts of the body if not quickly treated. Similarly, cancer from other organs can spread to lymph nodes in the lungs. In essence, no part of the human body is impervious to cancer.
What are the different types of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is classified as either small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. In most cases, small cell lung cancer is linked to smoking. However, it can also be a byproduct of being exposed to secondhand smoke as well.
The risk of developing small cell lung cancer is even higher among smokers who are exposed to asbestos and radon gas, both of which are known carcinogens.
Small cell lung cancer accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancer cases. Non-small cell lung cancer, on the other hand, makes up 85 percent of all lung cancer cases and is subcategorized according to the following subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma – This type of non-small cell lung cancer is often found along the perimeter of the lungs and is most common in women. It also grows the slowest compared to other forms of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma accounts for 40 percent of all non-small cell lung cancer cases.
- Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma – Slightly less common than adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma makes up 25 to 30 percent of all non-small cell lung cancer cases. This specific type of cancer will initially start by attacking the cells inside the airways of the lungs before progressing toward the center.
- Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma – This form of non-small cell lung cancer grows and can metastasize faster than other forms of lung cancer. Unlike adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma can form on any part of the lung. It is also responsible for 10 to 15 percent of all non-small cell lung cancer cases.
Most non-small cell lung cancer cases are linked to smoking in one way or another; those who develop any of the three subtypes associated with this form of lung cancer are either current smokers or have a history of smoking.
Lung cancer diagnosis
The only way to know for sure whether or not you have lung cancer is by being seen by a general physician or an oncologist. During your visit with your practitioner, he or she will likely perform a CT (computed tomography) scan, which is used to look for small lesions that might appear on the lungs. In some cases, the physician may also perform a sputum test whereby they will analyze your phlegm under a microscope to confirm the presence of lung cancer cells.
Lung cancer causes
Although smoking and exposure to chemicals like asbestos and radon are the most common, there are several more risk factors when it comes to developing either small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. Some of these factors include:
- Air pollution – Although the risks are not as high as smoking, outdoor air pollution can cause lung cancer. According to some studies, roughly 5 percent of all lung cancer-related deaths worldwide have been linked to outdoor air pollution.
- Exposure to known carcinogens – Inhaling certain chemicals can increase one’s risk of developing lung cancer. Some of the most common cancer-causing agents include uranium, beryllium, cadmium, silica, vinyl chloride, nickel compounds, and chromium compounds. Although most of us will never come in contact with most of these chemicals and minerals, they are common in certain workplace environments and can contribute to various forms of lung cancer.
- Radiation treatments – Those who have previously undergone radiation therapy to the chest as a treatment for Hodgkin’s disease or breast cancer, for example, are at risk for developing lung cancer.
- Genetics – Studies show that lung cancer and other forms of cancer can be hereditary. Therefore, if your siblings have developed lung cancer, there is a good chance that you will develop the disease as well.
Lung cancer symptoms
Whether you have developed non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer, the symptoms can vary depending on whether or not the disease as spread to other areas of the body. If lung cancer remains localized, you may experience the following symptoms:
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Changes in your voice
- Weight loss coupled with a loss of appetite
- Problems breathing
- Fatigue
- Respiratory infections that don’t go away
- Persistent wheezing
In cases where lung cancer has metastasized to other organs, you may also experience the following symptoms:
- Bone pain
- Nervous system changes
- Jaundice
- Lumps that develop around the neck or above the collarbone
Lung cancer treatments
Similar to symptoms, treatment cancer treatments can vary depending on how far the disease has progressed and whether you have developed small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer.
Some of the most common treatments for small cell lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Additionally, some treatments may include the use of targeted cancer drugs. These drugs are designed to impede the growth and spread of cancer by blocking specific molecules that are responsible for the growth, progression, and spread of cancer.
For those diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, the treatments can vary depending on how far the disease has progressed and your overall lung function. For example, some cases can be resolved by undergoing a segmentectomy or wedge resection surgery to remove part of the lung.
In cases where lung cancer has spread to other organs or has impacted important structures in the chest, surgery will not be an option. Instead, patients will have to undergo chemotherapy combined with radiation.
In summation, lung cancer can quickly affect your overall health and can be fatal if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, you are urged to schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as possible, especially if you’re a smoker.