Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division in the lungs. It's caused by genetic damage to the airway cells' DNA. Damaged cells divide uncontrollably, forming lumps or tumors of tissue that eventually prohibit your organs from functioning normally.

Cancers that begin in other areas and spread to your lungs are typically called after the location of their origin.

Extent Of The Problem

It's the most often diagnosed and deadly cancer in the world, with 2.2 million cases expected in 2020 and 1.8 million fatalities. It's uncommon in those younger than 40; the average age for diagnosis is 70, and the average age at death is 72. The incidence and effects vary greatly around the world, depending on tobacco usage habits.

What are the types of Lung Cancer?

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for around 15% of instances, whereas the remaining 85% (non-small cell lung cancer) consists of adenocarcinomas, squamous-cell carcinomas, and large-cell carcinomas.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the most prevalent kind of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is a kind of lung cancer that starts in the cells that border the alveoli and produce mucus. Squamous cell carcinoma is a kind of lung cancer that develops in the thin, flat cells lining the interior of the lungs. This is also known as epidermoid carcinoma.

Adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma are two less prevalent kinds of NSCLC.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) develops faster and is more difficult to cure than NSCLC. It's frequently discovered as a tiny lung tumor that has already migrated to other regions of the body. It's typically more prevalent among tobacco users. SCLC is classified into two types: small cell carcinoma (also known as oat cell carcinoma) and combination small cell carcinoma.

Metastatic lung cancer

Cancer that begins in one lung and propagates to the adjacent lung or other organs. Metastatic lung cancer is more difficult to cure than cancer that has not migrated outside of its initial site.

Stages of Lung Cancer

Each stage has numerous sizes and spread combinations that can fit into that category. For example, while the underlying tumor in a Stage III cancer may be smaller than in a Stage II cancer, other variables contribute to its advanced stage. Lung cancer is often staged as follows:

• Stage 0: Cancer is found in the top lining of the lung or bronchus at Stage 0 (in situ). It has not spread to other areas of the lung or outside of the lung.
• Stage I: Cancer has not progressed beyond the lung.
• Stage II: cancer is bigger than Stage I, has spread to lymph nodes within the lung, or there are many tumors in the same lobe of the lung.
• Stage III: cancer is bigger than stage II, has spread to neighboring lymph nodes or structures, or has many tumors in separate lobes of the same lung.
• Stage IV: cancer has progressed to the other lung, the fluid around the lung, the fluid around the heart, or distant organs.

Stages of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Stage 0:

• Stage grouping: Tis, N0, M0
• The tumor is only detected in the top layers of cells that line the air passageways, and it has not spread to other lung tissues (also known as carcinoma in situ). The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).

Stage I:

• Stage IA1 has two alternative stage groups.
  • T1mi, N0 and M0
    • The malignancy is minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. The tumor is no more than 3 centimeters (cm) wide, with the section that has infiltrated deeper lung tissues being no more than 0.5 cm. The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).
  • T1a, N0, M0
    • The tumor is less than 1 cm in diameter or has not migrated beyond the bronchus wall. It has not spread to the lungs' membranes and has no effect on the primary bronchi (T1a). The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IA2 grouping includes T1b, N0, and M0.
  • The tumor is greater than 1 cm but less than 2 cm in diameter, has not invaded the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1b). The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IA3 grouping includes T1c, N0, and M0.
  • The tumor is greater than 2 cm but no more than 3 cm wide, has not penetrated the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1c). The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IB grouping: T2a, N0, and M0.
  • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T2a):
    • It is greater than 3 cm but not more than 4 cm wide.
    • It has developed into a main bronchus but not the carina (the point at which the windpipe divides into the left and right main bronchi), and it is no more than 4 cm wide.
    • It has spread into an adjacent lobe of the lung and is no more than 4 cm broad.
    • It has developed into the visceral pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs) and is no more than 4 cm broad.
    • It is less than 4 cm in diameter and partially clogs the airways.
  • The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).

Stage II:

• Stage IIA
  • Stage grouping: Stage IIA has two possible stage groups.
    • T2b, N0, M0
      • The tumor measures more than 4 cm but less than 5 cm wide (T2b). The malignancy has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes (N0) or distant areas of the body (M0).
    • T1a/T1b/T1c, N1, and M0
      • The tumor is no more than 3 cm in diameter, has not penetrated the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1). It has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or at the bronchus' entry point (peribronchial, hilar, or intrapulmonary lymph nodes).
      • These lymph nodes are located on the same side as the malignancy (N1). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IIB
  • Stage grouping: Stage IIB has three different stage groups.
    • T3, N0, M0
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T3):
        • It is greater than 5 cm but not more than 7 cm wide.
        • It has spread to the chest wall, the inner lining of the chest wall (parietal pleura), the phrenic nerve, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), the azygos vein, the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord in the thorax (thoracic nerve roots, i.e. T1 and T2), and the group of nerves around the neck area (stellate ganglion). It is also no more than 7 centimeters across.
        • There are two or more distinct tumor nodules in the same lobe of a lung that are no bigger than 7 cm wide.
      • The malignancy did not spread to neighboring lymph nodes (N0) or distant portions of the body (M0).
    • T1a/T1b/T1c, N2a, and M0
      • The malignancy is little more than 3 cm in diameter, has not spread to the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1). The malignancy has advanced to a single location of lymph nodes, either under the carina where the windpipe divides into the left and right bronchi (subcarinal) or in the space between the lungs (mediastinum). These lymph nodes are located on the same side as the primary lung tumor (N2a). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
    • T2a/T2b, N1 and M0
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T2):
        • It is greater than 3 cm but not more than 5 cm wide.
        • It has developed into a main bronchus, but not the carina (the point at which the windpipe divides into the left and right main bronchi), and is no more than 4 cm wide.
        • It has spread into an adjacent lobe of the lung and is no more than 4 cm broad.
        • It has expanded into the visceral pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs) and is no greater than 4 cm.
        • It is only 4 cm in size and partially clogs the airways.

Stage III:

• Stage IIIA
  • Stage grouping: Stage IIIA has four different stage groups.
    • T4, N0, M0
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T4):
        • It is more than 7 centimeters wide.
        • It has spread to the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the diaphragm, the backbone, and the carina.
        • There are at least two independent tumor nodules on the same side of the lung.
      • The malignancy has not spread to neighboring lymph nodes (N0) or other regions of the body (M0).
    • T3/T4, N1, M0
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T3):
        • It is greater than 5 cm but not more than 7 cm wide.
        • It has invaded the chest wall, the inner lining of the chest wall (parietal pleura), the phrenic nerve, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), the azygos vein, nerves that branch out of the spinal cord in the thorax (thoracic nerve roots, i.e. T1 and T2), or a group of nerves around the neck (stellate ganglion). It is also no more than 7 centimeters across.
        • There are two or more distinct tumor nodules in the same lobe of a lung that are no bigger than 7 cm wide.
      • OR
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T4):
        • It is more than 7 centimeters wide.
        • It has spread to the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the diaphragm, the backbone, and the carina.
        • There are at least two independent tumor nodules on the same side of the lung.
      • It has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or at the bronchus' entry point (peribronchial, hilar, or intrapulmonary lymph nodes).
    • T1a/T1b/T1c, N2b, and M0
      • The malignancy is little more than 3 cm in diameter, has not spread to the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1). The malignancy has progressed to several lymph nodes in the region between the lungs (mediastinum). These lymph nodes are located on the same side as the primary lung tumor (N2b). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
    • T2/T3, N2a, M0.
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T2):
        • It is greater than 3 cm but not more than 5 cm wide.
        • It has developed into a main bronchus, but not the carina (the point at which the windpipe divides into the left and right main bronchi), and is no more than 4 cm wide.
        • It has spread into an adjacent lobe of the lung and is no more than 4 cm broad.
        • It has expanded into the visceral pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs) and is no greater than 4 cm.
        • It is only 4 cm in size and partially clogs the airways.
      • OR
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T3):
        • It is greater than 5 cm but not more than 7 cm wide.
        • It has spread to the chest wall, the inner lining of the chest wall (parietal pleura), the phrenic nerve, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), the azygos vein, the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord in the thorax (thoracic nerve roots, i.e. T1 and T2), and the group of nerves around the neck area (stellate ganglion). It is also no more than 7 centimeters across.
        • There are two or more distinct tumor nodules in the same lobe of a lung that are no bigger than 7 cm wide.
      • The malignancy has advanced to a single location of lymph nodes, either under the carina where the windpipe divides into the left and right bronchi (subcarinal) or in the space between the lungs (mediastinum). These lymph nodes are located on the same side as the primary lung tumor (N2a). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IIIB
  • Stage grouping: Stage IIIB has three different stage groups.
    • T2/T3, N2b, M0.
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T2):
        • It is greater than 3 cm but not more than 5 cm wide.
        • It has developed into a main bronchus, but not the carina (the point at which the windpipe divides into the left and right main bronchi), and is no more than 4 cm wide.
        • It has spread into an adjacent lobe of the lung and is no more than 4 cm broad.
        • It has expanded into the visceral pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs) and is no greater than 4 cm.
        • It is only 4 cm in size and partially clogs the airways.
      • OR
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T3):
        • It is greater than 5 cm but not more than 7 cm wide.
        • It has spread to the chest wall, the inner lining of the chest wall (parietal pleura), the phrenic nerve, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), the azygos vein, the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord in the thorax (thoracic nerve roots, i.e. T1 and T2), and the group of nerves around the neck area (stellate ganglion). It is also no more than 7 centimeters across.
        • There are two or more distinct tumor nodules in the same lobe of a lung that are no bigger than 7 cm wide.
      • The malignancy has progressed to several lymph nodes in the region between the lungs (mediastinum). These lymph nodes are located on the same side as the primary lung tumor (N2b). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
    • T4, N2a/N2b, M0.
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T4):
        • It is more than 7 centimeters wide.
        • It has spread to the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the diaphragm, the backbone, and the carina.
        • There are at least two independent tumor nodules on the same side of the lung.
    • T1/T2, N3, M0
      • The tumor is no more than 3 cm in diameter, has not penetrated the lungs' membranes, and does not impact the major branches of the bronchi (T1).
      • OR
      • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T2):
        • It is greater than 3 cm but not more than 5 cm wide.
        • It has developed into a main bronchus, but not the carina (the point at which the windpipe divides into the left and right main bronchi), and is no more than 4 cm wide.
        • It has spread into an adjacent lobe of the lung and is no more than 4 cm broad.
        • It has expanded into the visceral pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs) and is no greater than 4 cm.
        • It is only 4 cm in size and partially clogs the airways.
      • The cancer has progressed to lymph nodes above the collarbone on either side of the body, as well as to hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes on the opposite side of the body from the primary tumor (N3). The malignancy has not spread to distant areas of the body (M0).
• Stage IIIC
  • Stage grouping: T3/T4, N3, and M0.
  • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T3):
    • It is greater than 5 cm but not more than 7 cm wide.
    • It has spread to the chest wall, the inner lining of the chest wall (parietal pleura), the phrenic nerve, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), the azygos vein, the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord in the thorax (thoracic nerve roots, i.e. T1 and T2), and the group of nerves around the neck area (stellate ganglion). It is also no more than 7 centimeters across.
    • There are two or more distinct tumor nodules in the same lobe of a lung that are no bigger than 7 cm wide.
  • OR
  • The tumor exhibits one or more of the following characteristics (T4):
    • It is more than 7 centimeters wide.
    • It has spread to the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the diaphragm, the backbone, and the carina.
    • There are at least two independent tumor nodules on the same side of the lung.

Stage IV

• Stage IVA
  • Stage grouping: Stage IVA cancers have two possible stage groups.
    • Any T, any N, and M1a
      • The cancer might be any size and may or may not have spread to neighboring structures (T). It may or may not have reached neighboring lymph nodes (N). Furthermore, any of the following statements is true (M1a):
        • The malignancy has spread to the other lungs.
        • The malignancy has gone to either the pleura (the lining that surrounds the lungs) or the pericardium.
        • Cancer cells are identified in the fluid around the lung (known as a malignant pleural effusion).
        • Cancer cells are identified in the fluid around the heart (known as a malignant pericardial effusion).
    • Any T, N, or M1b
      • The cancer might be any size and may or may not have spread to neighboring structures (T). It may or may not have reached neighboring lymph nodes (N). It has spread as a single tumor from the chest to a distant lymph node or an organ such as the liver, bones, or brain (M1b).
• Stage IVB
  • Stage grouping: Stage IVB cancers can be classified into two groups according on their stage.
    • Any T, any N, M1C1
      • The cancer might be any size and may or may not have spread to neighboring structures (T). It may or may not have reached neighboring lymph nodes (N). It has spread as several tumors outside the chest in a single organ (M1c1).
    • Any T, any N, and M1c2
      • The cancer might be any size and may or may not have spread to neighboring structures (T). It may or may not have reached neighboring lymph nodes (N). It has spread as many tumors outside the chest in several organs (M1c2).

Causes of Lung Cancer

Cancer can grow in your body for months or years before you become aware of its presence. Early on, it seldom produces symptoms. It can only be discovered with medical imaging. As cancer develops, most individuals have nonspecific respiratory symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Other symptoms vary depending on the tumor's location and size.

• Smoking: Tobacco smoking accounts for around 9 out of 10 instances of lung cancer in males and 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer in women. The longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you smoke every day, the higher your risk. Your risk increases if you smoke frequently, drink alcohol on a daily basis, or use beta carotene supplements. If you have quit smoking, your risk is lower than if you continued smoking. However, you will still be at a higher risk than nonsmokers.
• Secondhand smoke: It is the mixture of smoke from a cigarette and smoke expelled by another smoker. When you breathe in secondhand smoke, you are exposed to the same cancer-causing substances as smokers, albeit in lesser levels, which may raise your chances of developing lung cancer.
• A family history of lung cancer or genetic alterations.
• Being exposed to arsenic, asbestos, chromium, beryllium, nickel, soot, or tar at work. Radon levels in the home or workplace, as well as specific imaging tests.
• If you are HIV-positive, your risk increases. However, smoking rates are greater among persons with HIV; therefore, it is unclear if the increased risk is due to the HIV infection or smoking.
• Radiation exposure: Radiation treatment for the chest or breast.
• Living in locations with high levels of air pollution increases your chance of developing lung cancer.
• Chest pain or discomfort. Having trouble breathing
• A chronic cough that does not go away or worsens with time, or coughing up blood. Wheezing and hoarseness.
• Loss of appetite or trouble swallowing
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the face and/or neck veins

Complications

• Shortness of breath.
• Lung cancer can also cause fluid to accumulate around the lungs and heart. The fluid makes it difficult for the damaged lung to fully inflate when you inhale. There are treatments available to help drain the fluid from your chest. Treatments can lessen the likelihood that pleural effusion will occur again.
• Coughing up blood. Occasionally, bleeding might become serious. There are treatments available to help stop bleeding.
• Pain: Advanced lung cancer that spreads can be painful. It might spread to the lining of a lung or another part of the body, such as a bone. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult your healthcare expert.

Prevention

• Do not smoke. If you have never smoked, don't start. Even if you have been smoking for years, quitting lowers your chance of developing lung cancer. Consult your healthcare provider about tactics and assistance to help you quit. Nicotine replacement products, medications, and support groups are all possible options.
• Avoid secondhand smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, encourage them to quit. At the absolute least, ask them to smoke outdoors. Avoid places where people smoke, such as bars. Start talking to your children about the hazards of smoking early on so they know how to respond to peer pressure.
• Test your house for radon. Check your home's radon levels, especially if you reside in a radon-prone area. Radon test kits are often offered at hardware stores and can also be obtained online. For additional information on radon testing, contact your local department of health.
• Avoid carcinogens at work. Take care to avoid exposing oneself to harmful substances at work. Take your employer's safeguards. If you are provided a face mask for protection, always wear it. Smoking raises your chance of lung damage from occupational toxins.
• Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Choose a healthful diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin and nutrient-dense diets are optimal. Avoid taking large doses of vitamins in pill form, as they may be harmful. The findings indicated that the supplements increased the risk of cancer in smokers. If you don't exercise often, start slowly. Try to exercise most days of the week.

Available Treatment Options

Early-stage lung cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation treatment or chemotherapy to eliminate any residual cancer cells. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to treat later-stage cancer, as well as pharmacological therapies that target specific cancer subtypes.

Even with therapy, around 20% of patients live five years after their diagnosis. Survival rates are greater in individuals identified early, at a younger age, and in women than in men.

• Immunotherapy enhances the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Targeted treatment focuses on particular genetic abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• Stereotactic body radiation treatment enables accurate and effective radiation therapy.

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosed using a mix of imaging exams, lab testing, and other procedures to collect tissue samples for study. Imaging procedures such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans are used to see the lungs and their surroundings. Sputum cytology is one type of lab test, and bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography can be used to retrieve biopsies or other samples for analysis.

Side Effects of the Treatment

Side effects of lung cancer treatment vary depending on the type of treatment. Your provider can tell you what side effects to expect and what problems to watch out for with your specific therapy.

• Chemotherapy
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hair loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Mouth ulcers.
  • Lack of sensation, weakness, or tingling
• Immunotherapy
  • Fatigue.
  • An itchy rash.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Joint discomfort.
  • Complications (such as pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis) might cause further adverse effects.
• Radiation treatment
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Cough.
  • Pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Swallowing is difficult.
  • The skin might be dry, scratchy, or red.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
• Surgery
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest wall ache.
  • Cough.
  • Lung damage.
  • Fatigue.

Managing side effects

• Antiemetic medications can help manage nausea and vomiting.
• Fatiguerest, exercise frequently, and a balanced diet.
• Skin problems: protect your skin. Apply gentle soaps, moisturizers, and sunscreen.
• Numbness and tingling: medicine and physical therapy.

FAQs

• Can someone survive lung cancer? The possibility of survival is determined by a variety of circumstances, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the patient's general condition. While the general 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is about 19%, it can be much higher if identified early. Early identification and treatment can result in cure rates as high as 80-90%.
• Does vaping cause lung cancer? It is common to inhale a variety of compounds while vaping, including those that have been linked to cancer. Vaping is still relatively new, so we don't know all of its long-term consequences, but doctors believe it can cause lung damage.
• How do I deal with side effects and symptoms? A palliative care professional or a dietician can assist you in managing pain and other symptoms, as well as improving your quality of life while undergoing treatment.
• Does lung cancer spread rapidly? Small-cell lung cancer grows quickly than non-small cell lung cancer. By the time lung cancer is discovered, it may have already spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
• Is targeted therapy effective in treating lung cancer? Yes, targeted therapy is an effective treatment for certain types of lung cancer, particularly those with certain genetic defects. Targeted therapy drugs attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading. It can often provide more precise and less damaging treatment than traditional chemotherapy.
• What role does palliative care play in the treatment of lung cancer? Palliative care aims to decrease the pain, discomfort, and stress that come with lung cancer, regardless of the stage of the disease. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
• Can therapy for lung cancer affect fertility? Some lung cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy, can have an effect on fertility. Patients who are concerned about their fertility should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.
• Can genetic testing be used to customize lung cancer treatments? Yes, genetic testing can help doctors detect particular genetic abnormalities or variations in cancer cells, allowing them to select tailored medicines that are most likely to work for individual patients.
• What kind of supportive care are offered to patients undergoing lung cancer treatment? These may include pain treatment, dietary assistance, emotional support, integrative therapies, and palliative care services.
• Can lung cancer therapy harm the heart or other organs? Yes, some lung cancer therapies, such as radiation therapy. However, in most circumstances, medical personnel advise patients through close monitoring and other effective measures.
• Does lung cancer therapy cause hair loss? Hair loss is a typical adverse effect of several lung cancer therapies, including chemotherapy. However, not all lung cancer therapies result in hair loss. The risk of hair loss varies according on the medicines used in chemotherapy regimens.
• Can lung cancer treatment be beneficial in its later stages? Treatment can still be successful even if the objective has shifted from cure to symptom management and quality of life improvement. Targeted treatment, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy may help limit disease progression and increase survival rates.
• What are the pain management alternatives during lung cancer treatment? Medication, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, can be used to treat pain, as can non-pharmacological treatments such as acupuncture, physical therapy, or nerve blocks.
• Do lung cancer patients with autoimmune illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, require additional therapy considerations? The treatment approach must account for the autoimmune illness, as cancer medicines such as immunotherapy can influence the immune system and worsen autoimmune symptoms. A close cooperation between an oncologist and a rheumatologist is required to establish a tailored and safe treatment plan that combines cancer management with autoimmune disease control.
• Are there special therapy choices for lung cancer patients who have a history of smoking-related lung illnesses like emphysema or bronchitis? When deciding on the best treatment option, the healthcare team will take the individual's lung function and general respiratory health into consideration. Radiation treatment, targeted therapies, and minimally invasive procedures may all be explored. Quitting smoking is critical for better treatment results and general lung health.
• What are the therapeutic options for lung cancer patients who have impaired kidney or liver function? Certain chemotherapy treatments and other medications used to treat lung cancer are processed by the kidneys or liver; thus, dose modifications may be required to reduce toxicity. The healthcare team will make the required changes to guarantee patient safety and optimal results.