by Symptoms of Lung Cancer
One of the main ways lung cancer is diagnosed is through symptoms. Some common symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse, coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum, chest pains, recurring pneumonia or bronchitis, hoarseness, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Anyone experiencing these persistent symptoms should see their doctor right away for evaluation and testing. Finding lung cancer early when it’s still localized makes it much easier to treat successfully.
Diagnostic Tests for Lung Cancer
If a person is experiencing lung cancer symptoms or is considered high risk due to age and smoking history, their doctor will likely order some tests to determine if cancer is present. Common diagnostic tests include chest x-rays, CT scans, biopsies, and scans of the brain, bones, liver or adrenal glands to check for spread. A chest x-ray can show an abnormality in the lungs but a CT scan provides more detailed pictures. A biopsy removes cells or tissues from the area in question that are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check for cancer cells. Molecular testing of biopsy tissue may also be done to identify genetic markers that can determine the best treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans can reveal if the cancer has metastasized by showing where it is actively growing.
Screening for Lung Cancer
Screening helps detect cancers early before Lung Cancer Diagnostic And Screening appear. For those at high risk of lung cancer due to age and heavy smoking history, screening chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are recommended. LDCT uses less radiation than standard CT scans. Studies have found screening high-risk people annually with LDCT can reduce the chances of dying from lung cancer by up to 20% compared to not screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other organizations advise yearly screening LDCT scans for people ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Those with family histories of lung cancer or exposure to radon or other carcinogens may also benefit from screening talks with their doctors. Early detection improves lung cancer survival, so screening is important for qualifying high-risk individuals.
Lung Cancer Staging
Once a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, additional tests are done to determine how far the cancer may have spread beyond the lungs, referred to as the stage. Staging is an important part of evaluating treatment options and prognosis. The most common system used is TNM staging where the size and spread of the main tumor (T), spread to lymph nodes (N), and presence of metastases (M) are evaluated. Lower stage (I and II) cancers that have not spread very far beyond the lungs can potentially be cured with surgery, whereas later stage (III and IV) cancers require additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy. Knowing the stage helps in planning the most effective therapies.
Treatment Options Based on Lung Cancer Type and Stage
Treatment approaches depend on the lung cancer type, stage, and the person’s health status and preferences. Early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has not spread to lymph nodes may be treated with surgery to remove the tumor along with some of the lung. Sometimes chemotherapy or radiation may be given after surgery as well to kill any remaining cancer cells. Later stage cancers are generally not cured with surgery alone. Common additional treatments include radiation therapy to shrink the tumor prior to or after surgery, chemotherapy to slow the spread of microscopic cancer elsewhere in the body, targeted drugs for advanced NSCLC with certain biomarkers, and immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer. People with small cell lung cancer are often treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation. Treatment continues to advance as new options are approved. Combining several therapies often results in better outcomes than single therapies alone.
Lung Cancer Prognosis and Support
The lung cancer prognosis depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as how the person responds to treatment. While early stage NSCLC has a good chance of cure with surgery, most lung cancer cases are diagnosed after the disease has spread for which the overall 5-year survival rate is around 20%. Monitoring after initial treatment is important to watch for potential recurrences. Supportive treatments to manage side effects and palliative care to improve quality of life are important components of care, especially for advanced cases when the focus shifts to comfort. Joining a support group and seeking counselling help many cope with the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment. Open communication with doctors is crucial for optimizing lung cancer care.
In summary, this article has provided an overview of lung cancer diagnostic testing, screening recommendations, staging, common treatment approaches based on cancer characteristics, typical prognosis based on stage, and the importance of support and palliative care. Improved screening and treatment options have advanced lung cancer management in recent years, but optimal care relies on awareness of risk factors, seeking medical attention for concerning symptoms, close doctor follow up, and a multidisciplinary care team approach.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
