Lung cancer is a dangerous medical disorder that arises when cells in the lungs grow abnormally. It is the second most frequent type of cancer in both men and women, as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. In this post, we will look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for lung cancer.

Causes of Lung Cancer:

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. It is estimated that smoking causes around 85% of all occurrences of lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 recognized carcinogens, such as tar, benzene, and formaldehyde, which can damage the DNA in lung cells and cause them to proliferate uncontrollably.

Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, and certain genetic abnormalities are all risk factors for lung cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer symptoms vary based on the type and stage of the disease. There may be no symptoms at all in the early stages, or the signs may be modest and easily disregarded. However, if the disease progresses and spreads, the symptoms may worsen and include:

• Persistent coughing, especially if it produces blood
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Hoarseness or changes in voice
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Difficulty swallowing

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor straight once.

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

If your doctor suspects you have lung cancer, he or she will conduct a battery of tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• Chest X-ray or CT scan to look for abnormalities in the lungs
• Sputum cytology examines the cells in the mucus you cough up
• A biopsy is conducted to collect a sample of lung tissue for microscopic inspection.

Once a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed, your doctor will determine the type and stage of the disease. This information will assist them in developing a treatment plan that is specific to their needs.