Lung Cancer American Lung Association (ALA) Guidelines:

One form of cancer that begins in lung cells is lung cancer. It is the main factor in cancer mortality globally. Numerous variables, including smoking, exposure to air pollution, and genetics, can result in lung cancer. We will talk about lung cancer's definition, causes, types, signs and symptoms, diagnostic standards, examination, and treatment in this blog.

Definition:

A specific type of cancer known as lung cancer usually begins in the cells lining the airways of the lungs. Tumors are created when lungs' cells grow out of control. These tumors have the potential to spread to other body areas and disrupt the lungs' regular operation.

Causes:

Lung cancer is most frequently caused by smoking. Approximately 80% of lung cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society, are caused by smoking. Exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, and other chemicals are other variables that can raise the risk of getting lung cancer. Lung cancer development may also be influenced by genetics and family history.

Types:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two main subtypes of lung cancer. Approximately 85% of instances of lung cancer are NSCLC, making it the most prevalent kind. A rarer and more dangerous form of lung cancer is small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Stages of Lung Cancer:

The stage of lung cancer is determined by how much the cancer has spread within the lung and to other parts of the body.

The stages of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are as follows:

Stage 0: The cancer is only in the lining of the lung and has not spread to other tissues.

Stage I: The cancer is small and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Stage II: The cancer has grown larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest or other nearby structures, such as the chest wall or diaphragm.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, or liver.

The stages of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are slightly different:

Limited stage: The cancer is only in one lung and nearby lymph nodes.

Extensive stage: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the opposite lung, liver, or bone.

Signs and Symptoms:

Depending on the type and stage of the illness, the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can change. The following are some typical signs of lung cancer:

Persistent cough that progressively becomes worse

Chest pain that frequently gets worse when you cough, laugh, or take deep breaths

Wheeze or breathlessness

Hoarseness or other vocal alterations

Coughing out sputum that is scarlet or rust-colored

Appetite loss and weight loss

Weakness or Fatigue

Respiratory diseases that Recurrent.

Diagnostic Criteria:

Lung cancer is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests, including CT, PET, and chest X-rays, as well as a biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells. The staging of lung cancer is based on the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Investigation:

A variety of tests may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and establish the stage of the malignancy if lung cancer is suspected. These tests could consist of:

Imaging examinations such CT scans, PET scans, and chest X-rays

Using a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed for microscopic analysis.

In order to examine the lungs' air channels, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose.

A surgical procedure called a Mediastinoscopy that looks at the chest's lymph nodes.

Treatment:

The treatment of lung cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common treatments for lung cancer include:

Surgery to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes

Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells

Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells

Targeted therapy, which uses drugs to target specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and spread

Immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.

American Lung Association (ALA) Guidelines:

The American Lung Association (ALA) provides guidelines for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Here are some of the key recommendations:

Lung cancer screening: The ALA recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. This includes people who are between 50 and 80 years old, have a history of smoking, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Diagnosis: The ALA recommends that patients with suspected lung cancer undergo a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be done using a needle or during a surgery called a thoracotomy.

Treatment: The ALA recommends a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment that involves a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these.

Supportive care: The ALA recommends that patients with lung cancer receive supportive care throughout their treatment to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Supportive care may include palliative care, which focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms, as well as psychological and social support.

In conclusion, it should be noted that lung cancer is a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition that can be brought on by a number of things, such as smoking, exposure to air pollution, and genetics. For increasing the likelihood of survival, early detection and treatment are essential. It's critical to contact your doctor right away if you see any lung cancer symptoms.

 

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan
MBBS, DHHM, MSc (D & E)
CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)