Cancer is one of the most dangerous conditions today. In this condition, cancerous cells multiply and spread throughout the body, thereby affecting their functions. Similarly, lung cancer is a type of cancer wherein the cells in the lungs cease to develop into healthy lung tissues.

As the cancerous cells grow, they interfere with the functioning of the lungs which sends oxygen to all parts of the body through the blood.

1. What is lung cancer?
The cells in the body constantly multiply, grow, and die allowing new cells to form. However, when there is a mutation in the cell, it could lead to the development of cancer. The mutation can be caused due to aging or various environmental factors. It has also been found that a series of mutations are what lead to the creation of lung cancer cells in the body.

2. What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Most of the types of lung cancer do not show any symptoms until they have metastasized. However, in some cases, the early stages may show a few symptoms. It is best to consult a doctor at the early stages as lung cancer treatments are more effective when started early.

Some of the common symptoms of lung cancer have been listed as follows:

• Cough that gets worse and does not go away
• Coughing blood
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Loss of breath
• Weakness and fatigue
• Pneumonia and bronchitis
• Wheezing

3. What are the types of lung cancer?
There are two types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer

About 85% of patients with lung cancer have this type of cancer. This includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

• Small cell lung cancer

This type accounts for 15% of lung cancer cases. They grow much faster than NSCLC tumors. Small cell lung cancer is normally more responsive to chemotherapy.

4. What are the stages of non-small cell lung cancer?
There are four main stages in this type of cancer:

• Stage I

This is where the cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to the lymph nodes

• Stage II

This is where the cancer is closer to the lymph nodes

• Stage III

This is when the cancer is found in both the lungs and the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest

• Stage III has two types:
• Stage IIIA

This is where the cancer has spread from the lungs to the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest.

• Stage IIIB

This is when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest and even above the collar bone.

• Stage IV

This is the advanced stage when cancer has metastasized throughout the lungs or even to other parts of the body.

5. What are the stages of small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer can be classified into two main stages.

• Limited stage

This is the stage where the cancer is found on one side of the chest and affects only one part of the lungs.

• Extensive stage

This is where the cancer has metastasized to further regions of the chest or the body.

6. What are the treatments administered for non-small cell lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer treatments can vary based on the stage and the diagnosis. The treatment options chosen vary from one person to another based on the requirements:

• Chemotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Photodynamic therapy
• Targeted therapy

7. What are the treatments administered for small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer is a rare condition that can be treated if identified in the early stages. The lung cancer treatments for the condition depends on the diagnosis:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Laser therapy
• Surgery

8. What is the survival rate for lung cancer?
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is at around 56%. The survival rate is higher in the cases where the disease has not metastasized beyond the lungs. It is, however, rare for lung cancer to be diagnosed in the early stages. When it comes to distant tumors, the survival rate is as low as 5%.

9. What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
Certain factors can increase the chances of lung cancer, such as prolonged exposure to elements like asbestos, radon, industrial substances, radiation, air pollution, and tuberculosis. While external factors can lead to lung cancer, genetics can also play a role in the development of lung cancer.