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Chest Diseases
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer formed by cells multiplying uncontrollably in the lung tissues, usually starting in the cells lining the airways. It is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
ℹWhat is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the name for cancers that begin in the lungs—typically arising in the airways (bronchi or bronchioles) or the small air sacs (alveoli). It occurs as a result of the uncontrolled division of cells in the lungs.
There are two main types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80% of cases. Its subtypes include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) grows more rapidly, is more difficult to treat, and is almost always associated with heavy smoking.
Common Symptoms
Persistent Cough
A stubborn cough that worsens over time.
Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
Difficulty breathing.
Hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum.
Chest Pain
A feeling of discomfort or pain in the chest.
Hoarseness
Due to the tumor's pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
Unexplained weight loss.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Swelling in the face, neck, arms, and upper chest.
Horner Syndrome
Drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil, and decreased sweating on one side of the face. Seen in Pancoast tumors.
Diagnosis Methods
Chest X-ray
Usually the first method requested, though small tumors may not be visible.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Provides detailed information about the size, number, and location of the tumor in the lung.
PET-CT
Examines the activity of cancer cells in the body and potential metastases.
Bronchoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the airways through the respiratory tract and taking a biopsy.
Transthoracic Needle Biopsy
CT-guided needle biopsy obtaining cellular samples from the tumor through the chest wall.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
Ultrasound-guided tissue sampling, particularly from lymph nodes, during bronchoscopy.
Treatments
Surgery
Suitable for non-metastatic NSCLC and SCLC limited to a single tumor. Lobectomy or wedge resection can be performed.
Radiotherapy
Used alone or to enhance surgical efficacy. SBRT is preferred for patients ineligible for surgery.
Chemotherapy
Administered before or after surgery to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Special smart drugs targeting mutations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and KRAS are used.
Immunotherapy
Makes cancer cells visible to the immune system, allowing them to be killed by the body's own defenses.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Destroys cancer cells with high-energy radio waves in NSCLC tumors located near the outer edges of the lungs.