Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a very common. It is divided into two large groups depending on its histological type: small cell and non-small cell cancer, which have different treatment and prognosis.

Frequency-Causes

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. There is no doubt today that smoking is responsible for 80% of all types of lung cancer. Quitting smoking is the first and most important step in preventing the disease. Other risk factors are radiation, occupational exposure to toxic substances and air pollution.

Symptoms-Diagnosis

Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes it is discovered after a medical examination for another reason. The most common symptom is a cough that occurs when the airway is pressed by the tumor . Persistent chest pain is also a symptom that often leads to the diagnosis of the disease. Shortness of breath and frequent respiratory infections, haemoptysis, voice hoarseness and swelling of the face are symptoms of lung cancer. There may also be fatigue, anorexia, weight loss and fever.

Diagnostic access

• chest x-ray
• chest CT
• bronchoscopy and tumor biopsy
• PET scan
• Biopsy with extensive molecular profiling for targetable mutations

Treatment

Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. Generally, the treatment modalities (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy) are combined and can have good results (up to complete cure) when the disease is in its early stages. In more advanced stages the treatment is mainly pharmaceutical. Immunotherapy and targeted treatment have significantly increase the life span of patients with lung cancer.