What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the most common Cancer that occurs in the UK. The incidence rate is greatest in males, but is on the increase in females. The cancer itself may be directly due to lung damage caused by a cancerous growth, or to a secondary growth arising from a cancer that is present in another part of the body.

In the case of secondary growths, cancerous tissue will dislodge from the main growth, and travel to another part of the body. The development rate of a cancer may be slow, with symptoms sometimes only manifesting after 20 years. However, by this time the disease may have reproduced and spread extensively.

Lung cancers are usually divided up into two types: small cell and non-small cell lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer is also known as oat cell cancer, and is the least common of the two forms. Non-small cell lung cancer can be further divided up into three other forms, known as adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with the most common tending to be adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinomas arise in the periphery of the lungs, and as such are very difficult to detect. These cancers are also the most likely to travel to other parts of the body, such as the bone and liver. Squamous cell carcinomas are the next most common form of cancer, and tend to occur in the more central area of the lungs, near the airways. Due to their location, they are more likely to cause symptoms such as blood in the phlegm.

What is the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer vary, and depend on the cell type, location and whether there has been any spread to the surrounding tissues. In a vast majority of cases, the main symptom is coughing, although this will be present in a large number of individuals who smoke. Those who do smoke or who have bronchitis, may notice a change in the severity of cough which could indicate a tumour. Other symptoms include the production of excess phlegm and or blood stained phlegm. There may also be problems with general health such as:

1. General malaise

2. Lack of energy

3. Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)

4. Lack of interest

5. Chest pain

6. Hoarseness

7. Sudden non-intentional weight loss and anaemia

8. Altered liver function tests

9. Increased calcium levels

What is the Cause of Lung Cancer?
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking-related, and it is estimated that up to 75-80% of all lung cancers are caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. Tobacco smoke is thought to contain anywhere between 2000 to 4000 chemicals that can cause lung cancer (carcinogens). These chemicals attack normal cells directly, eventually causing damage to the DNA, which leads to uncontrolled proliferation and eventually tumour. Inevitably, the more one smokes the greater the chance of contracting this condition.

Apart from tobacco smoke, other carcinogens that can cause lung cancer are radon gas, asbestos, petroleum products and therapeutic radiation. Some will have a greater chance of developing lung cancer, as they may be exposed to these substances as part of their occupation.

What is the Treatment for Lung Cancer?
The choice of treatment depends on the stage that the Cancer has reached. Chemotherapy may be used to treat small cell lung cancers, and is most effective when there is a cocktail of drugs used. Radiotherapy involves using gamma radiation to destroy the cells, and is often used after surgery to ensure that any cancerous cells are dead.

Surgery is another option that is used in cases were the tumour is easily accessible, or where there has not been much metastasis (spread of disease through the body). This form of therapy is particularly good at helping to treat small cell lung cancers, providing there are no contra-indications. The choice of treatment will vary, and is best chosen by both the doctor and the patient. In some cases there may be a combination of two therapies at once i.e. chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Dr. A. Bose © Allcures.com February, 2012