Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, a devastating disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, is one of the most common and lethal types of cancer worldwide.

There are two primary forms of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all cases and includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma. SCLC, on the other hand, represents around 15% of cases and is more aggressive in nature.

Risk factors for developing lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke or certain occupational chemicals, air pollution, familial predisposition, and radiation therapy.

Symptoms may vary but commonly include persistent coughing with blood-streaked sputum, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

Prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment outcomes; hence various diagnostic techniques such as imaging tests like X-ray or CT scan along with histopathology are employed. Treatment options depend on factors including stage at diagnosis and overall patient health status.