What is lung cancer?

The lungs are a pair of organs located on eachside of the heart, which are responsible for theexchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from theair to the blood and out. The cells in our bodyconstantly require a fresh supply of oxygen toproduce energy. The air enters our body througha windpipe, traveling to either the right or leftbronchus, which is further divided into smallerbronchioles that each have a tiny sac at the endcalled an alveoli. A network of tiny blood vessels,called capillaries surround the alveoli. Thesecapillaries are so small that only one red blood cellcan pass through it each time and it is through thispassage that oxygen and carbon dioxide isexchanged.

Almost 90 to 95 per cent of lung cancers begin inthe epithelial cells lining the bronchi andbronchioles, which continue to divide out of controland develop into a lump called a carcinoma. Sincelung cancer can spread very early after it forms, itis known as one of the most difficult cancers totreat.

What are its symptoms?

Few symptoms are noted in the early stages oflung cancer. The most common ones are noticedin the advanced stage of lung cancer and includepersistent coughing, wheezing, shortness inbreath, chest pain, a change in voice, recurringpneumonia or bronchitis, and coughing up blood.While some of these symptoms are alsoassociated with other diseases, you shouldconsult a doctor if you are experiencing any of

these symptoms to have the problem diagnosedand treated as early as possible.

What are the risk factors associated withlung cancer?

Smoking – Smoking is the leading cause of1lung cancer as it triggers genetic changes inthe cells of the lungs. Those who are alsoexposed to second-hand smoke, huqa orsheesha included, and other productscontaining tobacco are also at high risk ofdeveloping lung cancer.

Exposure to radon or asbestos – Radon is2

a naturally occurring, colourless and odour-less gas that can lead to increased risk of lungcancers. Asbestos is a naturally-occurringmineral that is frequently used in constructionand inhaling particles of this substance canlead to cancer.

Chronic lung disease – Diseases such as3asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysemaand tuberculosis, increase risk of lung cancergreatly.

What tests will I have to take to detect it?

Your doctor will go through your medical history

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PGS\MDO\07\01\Eand conduct a physical exam first to check for

signs related to breathing difficulty, airwayobstruction, or lung infections. Your doctor willorder a chest x-ray to examine any suspiciousareas of the lungs.

Your doctor may also order a CT scan, PET CTscan, or MRI if the x-ray did show anyabnormalities or if they need to get a closer lookat the tumour. A bronchoscopy may be conductedwhere a thin tube is inserted through the nose ormouth to obtain a tissue sample for examinationunder a microscope, better known as a biopsy. Abronchoscopy is a safe procedure that is usuallyperformed by a pulmonologist under anaesthesia.Another test your doctor may order is sputumcytology, which is the examination of mucuscoughed up from the lower airways for thepresence of tumour cells.

What is the treatment for this type ofcancer?

There are many types of treatment options forlung cancer:

Surgery is one option and it is usually used toremove a tumour that has not spread beyond thelungs. Removal of the tumour does not guaranteea cure as the cancer may reoccur at some pointin the future.

Both radiation therapy, which uses high-energyradiation rays to destroy cancer cells, andchemotherapy, which uses anti-cancer drugs toeliminate cancer cells are also used to treat allstages of lung cancer.

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LUNG CANCERINFORMATION ONBiological therapy is another option, where certain

substances travel through the blood affecting cellsall over the body. In this method, the immunesystem naturally fights the cancer.

What can I do to prevent lung cancer?

Make sure you get yearly examination from yourphysician. Properly manage and treat any chroniclung diseases you have. Do not smoke or useother tobacco products. Reduce exposure tochemicals such as radon, asbestos, and smoke-related pollution. Implement a healthy diet andexercise regularly. Again, do not forget to talk toyour physician if you experience any of the riskfactors associated with this type of cancer.