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Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Lung Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Causes Lung Cancer?

There is no one answer to this question as lung cancer can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to tobacco smoke, radon gas, asbestos fibers, and secondhand smoke. However, the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. In fact, smoking is responsible for about 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms can differ depending on how advanced the disease is. In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. As it progresses, however, you may start to experience cough (with or without blood), chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing,

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Smoking cigarettes is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, but studies have shown that people who have never smoked cigarettes can also get lung cancer. The second leading cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to radon gas. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The type of lung cancer you have will play a role in what treatment options are available to you.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Lung cancer symptoms can be hard to identify in the early stages of the disease. Many times, people don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has spread. When present, common symptoms of lung cancer include:

-A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time

-Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathiing, coughing or laughing

-Hoarseness

Approximately 1 out of 3 cancer deaths in the US is caused by lung cancer. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). These two types of lung cancer differ in their histology, etiology, and response to treatment. Lung cancer can be caused by a number of risk factors, including smoking, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and radiation exposure. Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for developing lung cancer; it is estimated that about 90% of all lung cancers are due to smoking cigarettes.

While the exact cause of lung cancer is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, but other symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so that they can rule out other potential causes and begin appropriate treatment.

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC makes up around 85% of all lung cancers, while SCLC accounts for the remaining 15%. The two types differ in their cells' structure and how they grow.

Lung cancer symptoms can include a cough that does not go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 men and 1 in 9 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, and other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue.

Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colorectal, breast, and pancreatic). Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lungcancer. Tobacco smoking is estimated to be responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases in men and 70% in women. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Cigarette smokers have about 20 times the risk of developing lung cancer as compared to non-smokers.

Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, and persistent pain in the chest or shoulder. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. A diagnosis can be made through a combination of imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, PET scan) and biopsies (removing tissue to examine under a microscope). Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the stage of the disease and can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.

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10 Early Signs of Cancer Most Indians Ignore

Cancer is a growing concern in India, with cases rising due to lifestyle changes, genetic factors, and environmental triggers. Early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook early signs of cancer, mistaking them for minor health issues. In this article, we will discuss 10 early signs of cancer that most Indians ignore, how to detect them early, and essential cancer prevention tips.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise, it could be a warning sign of cancer. Cancers of the stomach, pancreas, esophagus, and lungs can cause sudden weight loss. If you experience unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg, consult a doctor immediately.

2. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling excessively tired despite getting enough rest may indicate an underlying health issue, including cancer. Leukemia, colon, and stomach cancers are often linked to extreme fatigue. If fatigue persists without an identifiable reason, it is advisable to get a medical evaluation.

3. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Frequent diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool may signal colorectal cancer, while changes in urination patterns may indicate bladder or prostate cancer. If you notice prolonged changes in your bowel or bladder habits, seek medical attention.

4. Non-Healing Sores

A sore that does not heal within a few weeks could be a sign of oral cancer or skin cancer. Smokers and tobacco users should be especially vigilant about mouth ulcers, as they are at higher risk of developing signs of oral cancer.

5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A cough lasting more than three weeks, especially if accompanied by blood, could be a symptom of lung cancer. Hoarseness that persists might be linked to throat or thyroid cancer. How to detect cancer early in such cases involves consulting a specialist if respiratory symptoms do not improve.

6. Lumps or Thickening of Tissue

The presence of lumps in the breast, testicles, or other parts of the body should not be ignored. Common cancer types in India, such as breast and testicular cancer, often present as painless lumps in their early stages. Early medical evaluation can prevent progression.

7. Difficulty Swallowing

Persistent difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, could be an early symptom of throat, esophageal, or stomach cancer. If swallowing problems continue despite dietary adjustments, a medical examination is necessary.

8. Unexplained Bleeding

Unusual bleeding, such as blood in urine, stool, or coughing up blood, is a serious warning sign of cancer. Cervical and endometrial cancers may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is crucial to get tested if such symptoms occur.

9. Skin Changes

Skin abnormalities, such as dark patches, changes in moles, or persistent itching, can be indicators of skin cancer. If a mole grows, changes color, or starts bleeding, it is important to consult a dermatologist immediately.

10. Persistent Pain

Pain that does not go away, especially in the bones or back, can sometimes be an early sign of cancer. While pain alone is not definitive, unexplained or long-lasting pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How to Detect Cancer Early

Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Here are some tips to catch cancer in its initial stages:

Regular Health Check-ups: Routine screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies, help in detecting cancer before symptoms appear.
Self-Examinations: Checking for lumps, unusual moles, or changes in bodily functions can help identify potential issues early.
Knowing Family History: If there is a family history of cancer, it is advisable to go for genetic counseling and regular screenings.
Seeking Medical Attention Promptly: Do not ignore persistent symptoms. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

Cancer Prevention Tips

While cancer cannot always be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Here are some essential cancer prevention tips:

Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of signs of oral cancer and lung cancer in India. Avoiding tobacco can drastically reduce your risk.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health and lowers cancer risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to liver, breast, and digestive tract cancers. Limiting alcohol can help reduce cancer risk.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Skin cancer can be prevented by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Get Vaccinated: Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV can prevent liver and cervical cancer, respectively.
Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens: Limit exposure to harmful chemicals, such as asbestos and radiation, that are known to cause cancer.

Conclusion

Awareness is the first step toward preventing and detecting cancer early. Ignoring early signs can lead to late-stage diagnosis and reduced treatment success. By understanding these early signs of cancer, following cancer prevention tips, and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can significantly lower their risk. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. How to detect cancer early is crucial knowledge that can save lives.

By staying informed and proactive, we can fight the rising incidence of common cancer types in India and ensure better health outcomes for all.