What do you mean by Lung Cancer?

Cancer normally means any uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells and tumors
anywhere in the body. There are 100 types of cancers and the characterized by the part
of the body which is affected. Lung Cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in
the tissue of the lungs. Cancerous cells/tumor in the lungs grows fast and invades the
tissues of other organs and this process is known as Metastasis and can spread to any
other part of the body. Lung Cancer can be affected by men and women like and
instances of cancer are high after the age of 65.

What are the Types of Lung Cancer?

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the most common type of Lung Cancer and is found in
women also who do not smoke. NSCLC is further classified into 3 types of carcinomas
depending upon the type of the cells affected:

● Adenocarcinomas:​ When glandular structures in epithelial tissue give rise to a

tumor. It begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as
mucus.
● Squamous Cell Carcinoma: ​Different organs are affected like lips, mouth,
esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lungs, vagina, cervix, and even the skin. It
is a malignant tumor of squamous epithelium
● Large Cell Carcinoma: ​Cancer that begins in several types of large cells​.

What are the causes of Lung Cancer? What are the

risk factors?
The causes of Lung Cancer are:

● Cigarette Smoking is a major cause

● Exposure to radiation from Uranium
● Long term exposure to asbestos and construction sites
● Second hand or passive smoking
● Genetics, heredity and family history
● Metastasis which means the spread of cancer from another part of the body

How is Lung Cancer diagnosed?

If there are no signs and symptoms apart from a persistent cough and chest pain, then
an X-Ray will reveal a mass, tumor or cell growth. Then it is to be tested whether the
tumor is benign [non-cancerous] or malignant [cancerous].

Imaging tests like X-Rays, CT Scan, MRI Scan, Ultrasound, and Chest CT.

These tests are undertaken after taking into account the family and medical history of
the patient, the exposure of the patient to risk factors.

How does care and support help?

When the chances of a cure are reduced, then the doctor may suggest to the patient to
avoid the harsh procedures and instead opt for supportive care. Other mild treatment s
may help reduce the discomfort, but not reverse the growth of cancer.