What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These cells can invade nearby tissues and form tumors. Lung cancer can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system.

The main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type. SCLC usually grows quickly and is more likely to spread than NSCLC.

Symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• Coughing symptoms, such as:
  • A new cough or a cough that doesn't go away.
  • In smokers who have a chronic cough, a change in how severe their cough is or how much they cough.
  • Coughing up blood or bloody mucus.
• Chest symptoms, such as:
  • Chest, shoulder, or back pain that doesn't go away and often gets worse with deep breathing.
  • New wheezing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Hoarseness.
• General symptoms, such as:
  • Swelling in the neck and face.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite.
  • Increasing fatigue and weakness.
  • Recurring respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

If lung cancer spreads, there may be other symptoms. For example, if it spreads to the spine or bones, it may cause pain in the back or other bones or cause weakness in the arms or legs. If it spreads to the brain, it may cause seizures, headaches, or vision changes.

Your doctor will first do a physical exam and ask about your medical history to find out your risk for lung cancer and look for any lung problems. The exam may include a chest X-ray and blood test.

If your exam suggests that you may have lung cancer, your doctor may recommend other tests, such as:

• PET scan, CT scan, or a PET-CT scan.
• Tissue sampling. Doctors can use a variety of tests to examine tissue or fluid samples under a microscope and look for cancer cells. Tests include:
  • Sputum cytology.
  • Thoracentesis.
  • Biopsy.

Treatment for lung cancer is based on the type and stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. The main treatments are:

Surgery.

Surgery may be an option if your doctor thinks all of the cancer can be removed. The doctor may remove just the tumor, the affected part of the lung, or one whole lung.

Radiation therapy.

This uses high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used with surgery. Or it may be used instead of surgery.

Chemotherapy.

These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together (chemoradiation).

Other options may include immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Your doctor may suggest a clinical trial.

Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.

Treatments for cancer can cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. Your doctor can help you find ways to manage the side effects and feel better.

Healthy habits may help your symptoms. They include eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and being active.

Your doctor may also give you medicines to help with certain side effects. They include medicines to control or prevent nausea, vomiting, and pain. Use pain medicine when you first feel pain, before it becomes severe.

Take steps to manage your stress. Share your feelings with others, such as a partner or friend. Or consider joining a support group.

If you smoke and have lung cancer, quitting smoking will make your treatment work better. It may help you live longer. Continuing to smoke may delay healing after surgery. And treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy may not work as well if you continue to smoke.