Lung cancer often begins with persistent respiratory symptoms but can also present with systemic signs from metastasis. Clinicians classify lung cancer as non-small cell or small cell; modern care includes low-dose CT screening for high-risk people, tissue diagnosis with molecular testing, and treatments ranging from surgery and radiation to targeted drugs and immunotherapy. Prompt evaluation improves treatment options and outcomes.

Overview

Lung cancer symptoms often start subtly. Many people ignore early signs or attribute them to smoking, infection, or aging. Early detection improves treatment options, so see a clinician if you have persistent or new respiratory problems.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Persistent cough that worsens or changes in character.
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Chest or shoulder pain that does not go away.
  • Unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, and fatigue.
  • Hoarseness or recurrent pneumonia in the same area of the lung.
Lung cancer can also cause symptoms from spread (metastasis): bone pain, headaches or neurologic changes (brain metastases), or jaundice if the liver is involved.

Who is at higher risk

Smoking remains the leading risk factor. Secondhand smoke, occupational exposures (asbestos, radon), air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer increase risk. Some lung cancers arise in people who never smoked - often linked to genetic changes in the tumor.

Types of lung cancer (modern classification)

Clinicians generally group lung cancers into two categories:
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. NSCLC is the most common group.
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): a distinct, usually more aggressive type.
Molecular testing for mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS and others) is routine in advanced NSCLC because targeted drugs can dramatically change treatment.

How lung cancer is detected and staged

A chest X-ray may find a mass, but low-dose CT (LDCT) is more sensitive and is used for screening in people at high risk. Diagnostic steps can include CT scans, PET-CT for staging, MRI of the brain, bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy to obtain tissue, and molecular profiling of tumor cells.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on cancer type and stage. Options include:
  • Surgery for early-stage NSCLC.
  • Radiation therapy for local control or palliation.
  • Chemotherapy for many stages of NSCLC and SCLC.
  • Targeted therapies for tumors with specific genetic drivers (for example, EGFR or ALK alterations).
  • Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) alone or combined with chemotherapy for many advanced NSCLCs.
For SCLC, chemotherapy and radiation remain mainstays; immunotherapy is now sometimes added to first-line treatment.

Side effects and supportive care

Treatments can cause fatigue, nausea, hair thinning, and lowered blood counts. Modern supportive medications and close monitoring reduce many side effects. Smoking cessation improves outcomes and treatment tolerance.

When to see a doctor

See your healthcare provider promptly for a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or new breathlessness. If you meet local screening criteria for lung cancer, ask about annual low-dose CT screening.

Early evaluation and, if needed, timely referral to a specialist give you the best chance for effective treatment.

FAQs about Childrens Asthma

What are the most common early symptoms of lung cancer?
The most common early symptoms include a persistent or changing cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Who should consider lung cancer screening?
People at higher risk - typically older adults with a significant smoking history - should discuss annual low-dose CT screening with their clinician. Local eligibility criteria vary; ask your provider if you qualify.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with imaging (chest X-ray or CT). Tissue is obtained by bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy for pathology and molecular testing. PET-CT and brain MRI help stage the cancer.
What newer treatments are available beyond chemotherapy and radiation?
Targeted therapies (for tumors with EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and other mutations) and immunotherapies (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) are now standard options for many advanced non-small cell lung cancers and can improve outcomes.
Can lifestyle changes affect lung cancer outcomes?
Yes. Quitting smoking at any stage improves treatment response, reduces complications, and can improve survival. Nutrition, exercise, and addressing comorbidities also help during treatment.

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