The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 235,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 alone, including more than 14,000 cases in Texas. While lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer death, the mortality rate has been decreasing in recent decades thanks to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Wondering whether you’re at risk of developing lung cancer and how to recognize symptoms of the disease? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs. There are two categories of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer, which is most common, and small cell lung cancer.
Up to 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers, or NSCLCs. Within this category, there are several subtypes, including:
- Adenocarcinomas, which originate in the epithelial cells responsible for making mucus
- Large cell undifferentiated carcinomas, which can appear in any part of the lung
- Squamous cell carcinomas, which originate in the squamous cells, flat cells that line the airways
While less common than NSCLC, small cell lung cancer typically grows and spreads much more quickly. Because of this, it is often diagnosed after it has spread and is more likely to recur.
Less commonly, other types of cancer may also develop in the lungs, such as:
- Lung carcinoid tumors
- Adenoid cystic carcinomas
- Lymphomas
- Sarcomas
- Metastasized cancer from another part of the body
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Early-stage lung cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Bloody saliva or phlegm
- Chest pain
- Cough that lingers and worsens over time
- Fatigue
- Frequent lung infections
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes in the chest
- Weight loss with no known cause
- Wheezing
If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause:
- Appetite changes
- Headaches
- Bone pain
- Fractures
- Blood clots
It’s important to note that many of these symptoms may be related to less serious medical conditions. It’s always better to have symptoms checked out by your doctor to rule out a serious underlying cause.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is often detected during medical care for another condition—in an X-ray to look for a chest infection, for example.
Physical Exam
If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to lung cancer, a medical provider can use several tools to confirm a diagnosis, beginning with a thorough physical examination.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests may then be used to look for suspicious nodules. While the vast majority of lung nodules are noncancerous, they require further investigation.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to capture detailed images of the chest area, including the lungs. If any suspicious areas are found in a CT scan, your provider may then order a positive emission tomography (PET) scan, which uses radioactive substances to light up any areas that are potentially cancerous.
Biopsy
In some cases, your provider may recommend moving directly to a biopsy once a suspicious nodule is identified. In other cases, biopsy may be used following a PET scan to confirm whether a nodule is cancerous and to determine the type of cancer and its stage.
There are several different types of biopsy, and your provider will recommend one based on the location of the nodule and how it can be best accessed.
Treatment Options
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of lung cancer and its stage.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancers are typically treated using a combination of therapies, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Of these treatment options, surgery is used most often. It may be used as a standalone treatment for early stage cancer, or paired with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be given before surgery to shrink the cancer or after surgery to fully eradicate all cancerous cells.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer is primarily treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is less common with this type of cancer since it has usually spread prior to diagnosis.
Clinical Trials
In some cases, clinical trials may be available to explore new treatment options when other therapies aren’t effective.
Prevention and Screening
While not every case of lung cancer can be prevented, you can take steps to lower your risk.
Quit Smoking
First and foremost, if you smoke, work with a medical provider to find a smoking cessation plan that works for you.
Smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, especially small cell lung cancer. To protect your lungs, don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Exposure to radon, asbestos and other carcinogens also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Having your home tested for radon can give you peace of mind that you aren’t breathing it in regularly.
If you work with inhaled chemicals or around diesel exhaust, be sure to follow safety guidelines and limit your exposure as much as possible.
Lung Cancer Screening
There’s one other step you can take to protect your health if you’re at a high risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening for those who are between the ages of 50 and 80, who currently smoke or have smoked within the last 15 years, and who have a 20 pack-year smoking history. (A pack-year is the equivalent of smoking two packs a day for 10 years or one pack a day for 20 years.)
Lung cancer screening uses a painless, low-dose CT scan to detect and monitor any suspicious nodules in the lungs. Having these screenings can help identify cancer in its earliest stages, when it can be most effectively treated.
Ask your primary care provider about getting your lung cancer screening with University Health.
