Expert Care for Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment | AIROC Hospitals

About Lung Cancer – Overview and Types

Lung cancer develops when cells within the lungs grow and multiply abnormally, forming a tumor that can interfere with normal breathing and lung function. It remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, though outcomes have improved significantly with earlier detection and advances in treatment. At AIROC Hospitals, our thoracic oncology specialists provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to diagnose and treat lung cancer at every stage.

Lung cancer often develops silently in its early stages, with symptoms appearing only once the tumor has grown or spread. Because early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, our specialists at AIROC Hospitals emphasize prompt evaluation of persistent respiratory symptoms and appropriate screening for high-risk individuals.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is broadly classified into two main categories based on how the cancer cells appear under the microscope:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – The most common type, accounting for the majority of cases, and further divided into subtypes:
• Adenocarcinoma – The most frequently diagnosed subtype, often occurring in the outer regions of the lung.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Typically develops in the central airways and is closely linked to smoking.
• Large Cell Carcinoma – A less common subtype that can grow and spread quickly.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – A less common but more aggressive form that tends to grow and spread rapidly, strongly associated with smoking.

Other rare types include carcinoid tumors and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lung lining often linked to asbestos exposure). Identifying the exact type and subtype of lung cancer is essential for guiding treatment, and our specialists at AIROC Hospitals ensure precise diagnostic evaluation for every patient.

 

Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms often become noticeable as the disease progresses, and may include:

• A persistent cough that doesn't go away or worsens over time
• Coughing up blood, even in small amounts
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Recurrent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Bone pain, if the cancer has spread

Because early lung cancer often causes minimal or no symptoms, persistent respiratory changes lasting more than a few weeks should be evaluated promptly, particularly in individuals with a smoking history.

Causes and Risk Factors

Lung cancer is strongly linked to specific lifestyle and environmental risk factors:

• Smoking: The leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for the majority of cases, with risk increasing with the number of years and amount smoked.
• Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Regular exposure to others' smoke also increases risk, even in non-smokers.
• Radon Gas Exposure: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
• Occupational Exposures: Long-term exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, or certain industrial chemicals raises risk.
• Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air has been linked to increased lung cancer risk.
• Family History: A family history of lung cancer may modestly increase individual risk.
• Previous Radiation Therapy: Prior radiation treatment to the chest, such as for another cancer, can increase risk.
• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over 65.

Understanding these risk factors allows our team at AIROC Hospitals to guide appropriate screening, especially for current or former smokers and those with significant occupational exposure.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

How Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed

At AIROC Hospitals, we use a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools to accurately detect and stage lung cancer:

• Low-Dose CT Scan: The recommended screening test for high-risk individuals, capable of detecting lung cancer at an early stage.
• Chest X-Ray: Often the first imaging test used to identify abnormal lung findings.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is obtained, often through bronchoscopy or a needle biopsy, and examined to confirm the diagnosis and cancer type.
• PET and MRI Scans: Help determine the extent of the tumor and check for spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
• Molecular and Genetic Testing: Performed on tumor tissue to identify specific mutations that can guide targeted treatment decisions.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: Assess lung capacity and function, which is important for treatment planning, particularly before surgery.

Treatment Options at AIROC Hospitals

Treatment for lung cancer is tailored to the type, stage, and molecular profile of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health, and may include:

• Surgery: Often used for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, involving removal of the tumor along with surrounding lung tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Used before or after surgery, or as a primary treatment for more advanced or small cell lung cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Used alone or combined with chemotherapy, particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
• Targeted Therapy: Directed at specific genetic mutations identified through molecular testing, offering a more personalized treatment approach for certain patients.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, and has become an important option for advanced lung cancer.
• Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery: Offered where appropriate to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

Our multidisciplinary team at AIROC Hospitals — including thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and radiation and medical oncologists — works together to design a treatment plan focused on the best possible outcome and quality of life.

 

Prevention and Risk Factors

While not all cases of lung cancer can be prevented, several measures can significantly reduce risk and support early detection:

• Avoiding Tobacco: Not smoking, or quitting as early as possible, remains the single most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk.
• Avoiding Secondhand Smoke: Limiting exposure to others' smoke helps protect lung health.
• Testing for Radon: Checking and addressing radon levels in homes can reduce long-term exposure risk.
• Protecting Against Occupational Hazards: Using appropriate protective equipment when working with asbestos or other harmful substances.
• Reducing Air Pollution Exposure: Limiting exposure to heavily polluted environments where possible.
• Lung Cancer Screening: Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for eligible high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers within a certain age range.

At AIROC Hospitals, we encourage individuals with significant smoking history or other risk factors to discuss lung cancer screening with their doctor, as early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in improving lung cancer outcomes.

 

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a specialist at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.