Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body.

Two Main Types of Lung Cancer

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

   • Represents 80-85% of cases

   • Includes subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell carcinoma

   • Generally grows slower than SCLC

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

   • 10-15% of cases

   • More aggressive with faster spread

   • Strongly linked to smoking

Key Risk Factors

✔ Tobacco use (90% of cases)
✔ Radon gas exposure (2nd leading cause)
✔ Asbestos/chemical exposures
✔ Air pollution & secondhand smoke
✔ Family history/genetic factors

Warning Signs & Symptoms

• Persistent cough (lasting >2 months)

• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

• Chest pain that worsens with breathing

• Unexplained weight loss (>10 lbs)

• Recurrent lung infections (pneumonia/bronchitis)

Note: Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms, making screening vital for high-risk patients.

Diagnostic Approaches

1. Low-Dose CT Scan (recommended for high-risk patients)

2. Biopsy (needle or surgical)

3. Molecular Testing (identifies targetable mutations)

4. PET/CT Scan (staging evaluation)

Modern Treatment Options

🔬 Precision Medicine Approaches

• Targeted Therapies: For EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF mutations

• Immunotherapy: PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (Keytruda®, Opdivo®)

⚕️ Conventional Treatments

• Surgery (lobectomy/pneumonectomy for early-stage)

• Radiation (SBRT for inoperable tumors)

• Chemotherapy (platinum-based regimens)

Breakthroughs Improving Survival

• 5-year survival increased from 15% to 25% since 2010

• Immunotherapy combinations doubling survival for some metastatic cases

• Liquid biopsies enabling non-invasive monitoring

Prevention & Early Detection

• Annual LDCT screening for high-risk patients (55-80 yrs, 30+ pack-year smokers)

• Radon testing for homes

• Smoking cessation programs

Survival Rates by Stage

Source: American Cancer Society 2023 Data