Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, with a high mortality rate.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 229,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and about 155,000 people will die from the disease. It is crucial to detect and diagnose lung cancer as early as possible, as this increases the chances of successful treatment.

What is Lung Cancer?

As the name suggests, lung cancer starts in the lung tissue. Cells in the lung tissue start growing abnormally, causing tumors to form. These tumors can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, making them more difficult to treat.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC grows quickly and spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. It is usually caused by smoking and is generally not curable.

NSCLC is the more common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85 percent of cases. It grows more slowly than SCLC and is treatable if caught early.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer may not produce any symptoms. As the tumor grows, it can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Hoarseness
Wheezing
Recurrent respiratory infections

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so it is essential to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Who is at Risk for Lung Cancer?

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, with about 80 percent of cases caused by smoking. However, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer, with exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, and air pollution as potential risk factors.

Having a family history of lung cancer or a personal history of lung disease can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Screening for Lung Cancer

Early detection is key to treating lung cancer successfully. The American Cancer Society recommends lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people who meet the following criteria:.

Are between 55 and 80 years old
Have a history of heavy smoking, either currently or within the past 15 years

If no signs of cancer are found on the first screening, repeat screenings should be done at regular intervals.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

If a screening or symptom suggests the possibility of lung cancer, further diagnostic tests will be performed. These may include:.

Chest X-ray
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
PET scan
Biopsy

A biopsy involves removing a sample of the lung tissue for microscopic examination to determine if cancer cells are present.

Treatment for Lung Cancer

Treatment for lung cancer varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

The goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells and tissues.

Preventing Lung Cancer

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as other environmental risk factors. Quitting smoking and getting regular exercise can also reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.