Lung cancer

The Role of the Lungs and Issues Related to Lung Cancer

Two lungs, like other organs, assist humans in respiration by taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Every breath takes in oxygen which is used by cells in the human body while waste products like carbon dioxide are eliminated through lungs. The lungs serve additional functions including pH balance maintenance, protection against harmful biological and chemical organisms, changing Angiotensin I into Angiotensin II for controlling blood pressure, and a great many other supportive functions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of many diseases of the lungs which qualify for slowing down one’s life in terms of performing even the most basic activities. Untreated lung cancer, in particular, along with acute progressive respiratory failure, systemic hypoxia, recurrent infections, metastasis to other organs, and hypoxia form some of the worst and most difficult complications.

As with other cancers, lung cancer begins in the lungs, specifically the tissues as well as within the cells that line the passages of the airways. It is generally accepted that the cellular changes, in the form of mutations, lead to uncontrolled division of the cells, birthing malignant tumours. Lung cancer may not be prevalent in every peer group, but it remains among the few cancers which have a global distribution in terms of the most common fatal cancers. It has been noted that the main reasons include late-stage diagnosis, the speed of progression of the disease, and its environmental and lifestyle correlates. Attention is notably lacking as to why disease triggers, such as smoking, lifestyle choices, or environmental toxins, necessitate education and awareness. Public informational campaigns alongside thorough health assessments and well-planned legislation contribute significantly to the correct identification, intervention, and management of health issues.

Associative Groups Of Primary And Secondary Lung Tumours

The classification of “Primary” and “Secondary” types results in a subdivision under Lung Tumours as follows:

Primary Lung Cancer:

This originates directly in the lung tissue. The two main categories include:

New and Squamous Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):

Currently, the prevalence of NSCLC as one of the most common forms of cancers in the world is alarming. It accounts for close to eighty percent of all diagnosed cases. Its subtypes generally composed of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC):

This is classified as the second type. These aggressively malignant cancers are characterized by rapid dissemination, an initial responsiveness to chemotherapy, and a poor long-term prognosis relative to the former type.

Secondary (Metastatic) Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer can also be caused by metastasis of tumours originating from other organs like the breast, colon, or prostate. Advanced systemic cancers harbouring metastasis are more prone to having lung lesions because such lesions are far more common than primary lung malignancies.

Lung cancer causes and risk factors

Cancerous changes in healthy lung cells often stem from the prolonged exposure to toxic substances, frequent harmful substances, and genetic factors. Other causes and risk factors include:

• Cigarette Smoking: This remains the most prominent risk factor, accounting for nearly 85% of all lung cancers. It has over 70 known carcinogens, with cigarette smoke containing more than 70 recognized carcinogenic substances.
• Secondhand smoke: For non-smokers, breathing secondhand smoke also puts them at risk.
• Radon gas exposure: This gas can build up in poorly ventilated homes.
• Asbestos-related cancer: Cancer caused by occupational exposure within the construction and shipbuilding fields is linked with asbestos use.
• Air pollution: Overexposure to industrial pollutant fine particulates may pose severe health consequences over time, with long-term exposure posing considerable danger to public health.
• Family History and Genetic Predisposition: If combined, elevated familial risk, combined with specific genetic alterations, increases lung cancer risks substantially.
• Prior radiation therapy: Receiving radiation treatment for other cancers considerably elevates the risk of developing lung cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Owing to the absence of symptoms, patients remain asymptomatic during the early stages of the disease, making tumor detection almost impossible.

Common indications are:

• Coughing up phlegm or a change in patterns of a pre-existing cough.
• Coughing blood, clinically acknowledged as hemoptysis.
• Chest pain that worsens with deep inhalation, coughing, or laughing may suggest infection of the lungs.
• Loss of voice.
• Weight loss that cannot be accounted for.
• Tiredness or unusual weakness combined with.
• SOB (shortness of breath).
• Recurrent infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Pain in the bone could be an indicator of cancer infiltrating its way into its bones.
• If the cancer advances to the brain, there are observable neurological changes.