Everything You Need To Know About Lung Cancer Treatment

What are the types?

Lung cancer is mainly divided into two types: Small-cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). This categorization is based on how the tumor cells appear under the microscope. Making a differentiation between these two types of tumors is important because they differ in how they develop, spread, and are handled.

SCLC: About 10%–15% of lung tumors are SCLC. This kind is named small-cell lung cancer because the cancer cells seem tiny and rounded when examined under a microscope. This kind of lung cancer is aggressive and the fastest-growing. Cigarette smoking and SCLC are closely connected. SCLCs travel quickly to several locations inside the body and are frequently only found after they have dispersed widely.

NSCLC: The cancer cells are bigger in this type of lung cancer, so this is named Non-small cell lung cancer. With around 85% of cases, NSCLC is the most prevalent kind of lung cancer.

The three primary kinds of non-small cell lung cancer are as follows:

Adenocarcinoma: This kind of lung cancer develops in cells that release mucus and other materials. It often starts in your lung's outermost regions. The majority of persons who had or presently have lung adenocarcinoma are smokers. However, it can also appear in those who have never smoked. In comparison to other kinds of lung cancer, it is also more likely to develop at a younger age.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma typically develops in the center of your lungs, beginning with squamous cells (the flat cells that line the lining of your airways). It's frequently linked to a history of smoking.

Large Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer, also known as undifferentiated carcinoma, can develop in any part of the lung. Due to how rapidly it develops and spreads, it is more challenging to cure.

There are additional kinds of non-small cell lung cancer, like sarcomatoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. These kinds are somewhat rarer.

What are the reasons?

The exact cause of lung cancer has not been determined. However, some risk factors make an individual susceptible to developing lung cancer. Among them:

The majority of lung cancers are caused by excessive cigarette smoking. Research shows that in some cases, second-hand smoke is also harmful.

Overexposure to the pollution that may contain toxic chemicals is one of the most common risk factors.

Long-term exposure to harmful radiation alters the normal formation of cancer-causing cells.

People who work in areas related to the manufacture of asbestos are at greater risk. The risk of lung cancer increases for workers in asbestos factories.

What are the symptoms?

Some symptoms of lung cancer are general and a person may not notice them right away. When symptoms worsen or occur simultaneously, they are noted. Some common symptoms are:

• Persistent cough.
• Spitting or blood-stained sputum.
• Chest pain is sometimes associated with difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Persistent low-grade fever with yellowing of the skin. Sometimes the skin may become grey and dry.
• Weight loss.
• Anorexia.