One of the main causes of death in the world is lung cancer. Smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer, though it can also strike nonsmokers. ¹ In the United States, 230,000 people were expected to receive a lung cancer diagnosis in 2023; in the lifetime of an individual, 1 in 16 men and 1 in 17 women will receive a lung cancer diagnosis.

Lung cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because it rarely exhibits symptoms until the disease has progressed. Chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and wheezing are a few of these symptoms that may be present. Patients may experience additional symptoms, such as headaches, weight loss, appetite loss, and swelling in the face or neck, as the disease progresses.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the two main subtypes of lung cancer. Less common than NSCLC, SCLC usually affects people who have smoked heavily for years. Large cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are all included in NSCLC.

First- or second-hand smoke exposure, as well as prior radiation therapy (particularly to the chest) for a prior diagnosis, are risk factors for lung cancer. Lung cancer risk may increase with exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as carcinogens such as nickel, chromium, asbestos, and arsenic. Finally, it has been established that a family history of lung cancer contributes to the disease’s development.

Imaging tests are commonly used in the diagnosis process, and lung cancer cells may also be detected through sputum cytology. While thoracentesis can examine the fluid surrounding the lungs to determine whether it is malignant, a biopsy is an additional method to examine the cells that are proliferating in the lungs. 1, 3.

Patients with lung cancer may receive palliative care in addition to radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy are possible surgical options.

REFERENCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/how-is-lung-cancer-diagnosed
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies/approved-drug-list#targeted-therapy-approved-for-lung-cancer