Lung cancer is a serious condition caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. People who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer, and the risk increases the longer and more heavily they smoke. Although quitting smoking can help slow the progression of the disease, it still requires timely medical attention and proper care. Importantly, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to factors like environmental exposure, genetics, or air pollution.
Mainly, there are two types of Lung Cancer.
Squamous cell lung carcinoma: Around 30% of all cases of NSCLC begin in the cells that line the passageways of your respiratory tract. This is called squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinomas: These typically develop in the outer regions of the lungs.
Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): A rare, non-aggressive form of adenocarcinoma that starts in the small air sacs of the lungs and may not require immediate treatment.
Adenosquamous carcinoma: A type of cancer that contains both squamous cells and mucus-producing cells.
Large cell carcinoma: A rapidly growing type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that doesn't fall into other specific categories.
Mesothelioma- Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. It develops in the lining of the lungs and often grows rapidly. Unfortunately, it typically doesn’t respond well to treatment and has a poor prognosis.
| Type | Subtypes | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) | Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Large cell carcinoma | Grows more slowly, more common |
| Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) | Small cell carcinoma, Combined small cell carcinoma | Grows and spreads rapidly |
| Mesothelioma (rare) | - | Linked to asbestos exposure |
Depending upon the tissue and how deeply it goes into the tissue, theLung cancer stages can be divided into:-
Common symptoms include:-
Mainly, there are two types of Lung Cancer.
Smoking (Active & Passive): The biggest risk factor accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases. Even secondhand smoke (passive smoking) increases your risk.
Exposure to Toxins
Asbestos- It is linked to mesothelioma.
Radon gas (a natural radioactive gas), Arsenic, chromium, nickel and diesel exhaust in certain workplaces
Family History & Genetics: If close relatives had lung cancer, your risk may be higher.
Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air, especially in urban or industrial areas, can increase risk.
Previous Lung Diseases: Conditions like COPD, tuberculosis, and pulmonary fibrosis can make you more vulnerable.
Radiation Exposure: Past radiation therapy to the chest or repeated imaging tests (like CT scans), medical imaging is generally safe but should not be overused unnecessarily.
Poor Lifestyle Choices: A diet low in fruits and vegetables or chronic alcohol abuse can contribute over time.
Imaging test
Chest X-ray- uses the X-ray beam to check for any abnormalities in the chest or lung region
MRI chest- It provides a 3d cross-sectional image of the affected region
NCCT/HRCT chest- Provide a highly detailed image that can be used for lung assessment.
CT angiography- Mainly used for the screening of the conditionals well as to check for the progress and monitoring. For screening
Molecular testing- Identifies specific genetic mutations (like EGFR, ALK, ROS1) for targeted therapies
Radiation Exposure: Past radiation therapy to the chest or repeated imaging tests (like CT scans), medical imaging is generally safe but should not be overused unnecessarily.
Poor Lifestyle Choices: A diet low in fruits and vegetables or chronic alcohol abuse can contribute over time.
Lung Cancer Treatment Includes:-
Surgery- If the tumor is localised and operable.
Radiation therapy- High-energy beams target and destroy cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy- Use drugs to kill cancerous cells, often combined with other treatments.
Targeted therapy- For cancers with specific genetic mutations.
Immunotherapy- An Advanced treatment option that boosts immunity to target specifically the cancer cells without harming normal cells ex Dendritic cell Based Immunotherapy. (safer and non-toxic)
Here is the procedure:-
Blood Sample Collection: A small amount of blood sample is drawn from the patient.
Radiation therapy- High-energy beams target and destroy cancerous cells.
Dendritic Cell Creation: Immune cells (usually monocytes) are separated and matured in the lab into dendritic cells.
Cancer Antigen Loading: These dendritic cells are then exposed to tumor-specific antigens (proteins from the cancer cells), effectively teaching them what to attack.
Injection Back into Patient: The activated dendritic cells are injected back into the patient, where they present the cancer antigens to T-cells.
Immune Response Activation: The T-cells can recognize and attack cancer cells throughout the body.
-Yes. Non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to genetic mutations, air pollution, secondhand smoke, or occupational exposures.
The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer is ~26%; however, this may vary depending on the cancer type and the condition of the patient.
Yes, if detected at an early stage, it can be curable and treated in advanced stages.
Yes! This procedure is completely safe with no side effects. It specifically targets the cancerous cell, which makes it the top choice over other cancer treatment methods to improve your quality of life.
Patients wish for non-surgical methods; patients have not benefited from the traditional therapies, Like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
