Overview

One of the most dangerous types of cancer is lung cancer, which affects the lung's ability to function, which supplies the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. When abnormal cells proliferate in the lung tissue, they can form a tumor and metastasize to other parts of the body.

Of course, smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, but nonsmokers can also develop the disease. It can result from exposure to a range of noxious substances, environmental pollution, genetic changes, and so on. Knowing the causes and recognizing the early symptoms is important so that people can get medical help as soon as possible and then receive appropriate treatment.

What is lung Cancer?

Lung cancer emerges when cells in the lungs undergo changes that allow them to multiply without normal controls. Eventually, these cells can form a tumor, invade and destroy/damage surrounding tissue, and spread to other regions of the human body via the blood or lymphatic system.

The disease is placed into two main categories small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is far more prevalent and includes subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Although SCLC is less common than the other, it usually grows and spreads more quickly.

The symptoms, how the disease progresses, and the treatment options all vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage, and the individual's overall health.

What are the major causes and risk factors of lung cancer?

Lung cancer doesn't always have one single identifiable cause. In many instances, it's the result of a combination of environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and changes in the body's cells.

1. Cigarette Smoking

   Smoking is one of the major risk factors for lung cancer, as the smoke from a cigarette contains a whole host of noxious chemicals that can damage DNA in lung cells. Repeated exposure to this can lead to changes that, over time, will result in the cells growing out of control. The risk generally goes up with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person has been smoking. That said, quitting at any age will reduce your future risk of disease and has several other health benefits.

2. Passive Smoking

   People who don't smoke can still be exposed to the harmful substances via inhalation of the smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products (i.e., second-hand smoke exposure). Regular exposure (especially in the home or workplace where smoking takes place) increases the risk of lung cancer. Keeping indoor environments smoke-free is a good way of protecting both smokers and non-smokers.

3. Air Pollution

   Air pollution is yet another very important risk factor. The respiratory tract can be exposed to tiny particles of air pollution emanating from burning fuel, industrial activity, car exhausts, and construction sites. Pollution of the air for an extended period of time may cause cell damage and make one more likely to get lung cancer. While you cannot control every source of pollution, there is a way to reduce your risk of exposure to smoke.

4. Radon Gas Exposure

   Radon is a gas formed by the radioactive decay of certain substances in soil and rock. It can get into buildings through cracks in walls, floorings, and other openings. When radon builds up in a building, there is a potential for lung cell damage and an increased risk of cancer as a result of prolonged exposure. Testing buildings for radon and taking appropriate action to reduce levels where they are high will help to reduce exposure.

5. Occupational Exposure to Harmful Substances

   Some workplaces will expose you to substances which are known to be associated with lung cancer (asbestos, arsenic, chromium compounds, diesel exhaust and several industrial chemicals). Workers in the construction, mining, manufacturing, and related industries will be at increased risk, depending on the materials they handle and the level of protection provided. The appropriate use of safe working procedures, ventilation, and PPE is key to minimizing any harmful exposure.

6. Risk factors related to genetics & family history

   A family history of the disease may indicate an increased risk of lung cancer. It may be related to both the environment that family members share and genetic factors. Lung cancer can also arise as a result of genetic changes that are acquired during a person's lifetime. Such a condition can occur even in the absence of a clear history of smoking or any other known risk factor.

7. Previous Lung Disease and Radiation Exposure

   Certain chronic lung diseases (COPD and pulmonary fibrosis among them) have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. In some people, a history of chest radiotherapy may also affect risk. Having one of these conditions doesn't in any way mean that you will go on to develop lung cancer. It just means that you need to be seen by a doctor and have your individual risk assessed.

What are the common symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer may be entirely asymptomatic in its early stages and can be picked up on imaging for some other reason entirely. When symptoms do occur, they are often indistinguishable from those of a common respiratory infection.

1. Persistent Cough

   A cough that lasts for several weeks, gets progressively worse, or is different from a person's normal cough should not be dismissed. Infection and other conditions are by far the most common causes of coughing, but a persistent cough should be medically investigated.

2. Coughing Up Blood

   Blood in the sputum (even in small amounts) can be a warning/alert sign of a serious respiratory condition, including lung cancer. It can also be due to infection or other lung disease. Anyone who is coughing up blood should have it assessed by a doctor promptly.

3. Chest Pain

   Some people will have chest discomfort or pain (particularly on coughing, deep breathing or laughing) which may be due to the tumor affecting adjacent structures. Chest pain has a multitude of potential aetiologies and should be assessed in the light of its severity and associated symptoms.

4. Shortness of Breath

   Breathlessness can occur when a tumor obstructs the airway, fluid builds up around the lungs, or lung function is impaired. If you are experiencing breathlessness during normal daily activities or a marked reduction in your exercise tolerance, then you should discuss this with your doctor.

5. Hoarseness and Voice Changes

   A change in voice, or indeed unexplained hoarseness, can occasionally result from lung cancer affecting the nerves that control the vocal cords. Voice changes can also be due to infections, acid reflux, and several other conditions, so if the problem is persistent, it's definitely worth seeking medical advice.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss & Fatigue

   Losing weight without trying, having a reduced appetite, or feeling unusually tired are all things that can happen as the cancer affects the body. They're not specific to lung cancer, but if you're experiencing any of them on a persistent basis or if they're accompanied by any other changes which worry you, then they should be looked at.

7. Recurrent Respiratory Infections

   Recurrent episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis (especially in the same lung) area can on occasion point to an underlying obstruction due to a tumor. Recurrent infection by no means proves that cancer is present, but may warrant further investigation.

8. Symptoms in Advanced Disease

   When lung cancer spreads beyond the lungs, further symptoms may arise, such as bone pain, persistent headaches, weakness, neurological symptoms and/or swelling of the face and neck. The symptoms will of course vary depending on which organs or tissues have been affected.

When should you see a doctor?

Medical advice is required if you have a chronic or worsening cough, unexplained breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, unexplained weight loss or blood in your sputum. You should go to A&E if you have severe breathlessness, significant coughing up of blood or sudden severe chest pain.

A doctor may well recommend a physical examination, imaging (e.g. a chest CT scan) and a biopsy where appropriate. A biopsy will allow the specialist to look at the tissue and see if cancer cells are present. Further tests can then be used to establish the type and stage of the disease.

People who meet the established high-risk criteria may benefit from low-dose CT screening. The screening recommendations will vary according to age, smoking history, local guidelines and individual medical circumstances.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a serious/complex disease with several contributory factors including smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace exposures, radon and so on. The symptoms can be a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. All of which can be symptoms of several other non-cancerous conditions as well.

Identify any unusual changes in your respiratory health and seek medical advice as soon as possible. This will help determine a diagnosis and prevent needless delays. Avoid tobacco, minimize exposure to other harmful substances, and talk to your doctor about appropriate screening. An early medical assessment is important as the treatment options and the likely outcome are very much dependent on the type and stage of the lung cancer.

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