Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, often spreading to other parts of the body. Early detection is crucial, as lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment becomes more challenging.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – Less common but more aggressive and likely to spread quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors

The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco, which is responsible for up to 90% of cases. Other risk factors include:

Secondhand smoke exposure
Radon gas – A naturally occurring radioactive gas
Air pollution
Exposure to asbestos or other carcinogens at work
Family history of lung cancer

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, common signs and symptoms include:

Persistent cough or changes in a chronic cough
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
Recurrent lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis

Diagnosis

Lung cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical imaging and laboratory tests:

Chest X-rays and CT scans
Bronchoscopy to view the airways
Biopsy to examine lung tissue for cancer cells

Treatment Options

The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of lung cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health:

Surgery – Removal of part or all of a lung
Radiation therapy – Targeted beams to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy – Drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body
Targeted therapy – Drugs that attack specific cancer cell mutations
Immunotherapy – Boosting the immune system to fight cancer

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of lung cancer by:

Quitting smoking or never starting
Avoiding secondhand smoke exposure
Testing your home for radon gas
Wearing protective equipment if working with hazardous substances
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet

📌 Bottom Line: Lung cancer is a serious but often preventable disease. By avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to environmental risks, and seeking medical advice if symptoms appear, you can significantly lower your risk.

📚 Learn more from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

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