LUNG CANCER

THE ROLE OF THE LUNGS

The lungs are vital organs of the respiratory system that play a key role in oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the body. The lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are lined with a network of blood vessels. When we breathe, air enters the lungs, filling the alveoli. The oxygen present in the air is then transferred to the blood, while the carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood to the air in the lungs. The oxygenated blood is then transported throughout the body, delivering oxygen to cells and tissues.

In addition to its respiratory function, the lungs also have other important functions. They help regulate the body's acid-base balance, produce substances that help protect the lungs from infections and other harmful substances, and help regulate blood pressure. Unfortunately, the lungs are also vulnerable to disease, including lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, and most cases are related to smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals.

HOW LUNG CANCER DEVELOPS

Lung cancer develops when lung cells undergo mutations in their genetic material (DNA) that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably. Over time, these cancer cells form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. Most cases of lung cancer are related to tobacco use, including cigarette, e-cigarette or hookah smoking, although exposure to other toxic substances such as radon, asbestos and air pollution can also increase the risk of developing it. of lung cancer.

When a person inhales tobacco smoke, the toxic chemicals in the cigarette can damage DNA in cells in the lung and other parts of the body. Over time, these damaged cells can become cancerous and begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma (NCCC) and small cell carcinoma (SCC). CCNP is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of lung cancer cases. CCP is less common but tends to spread more quickly than CCNP.

TYPES OF LUNG CANCER

Non-small cell carcinoma (NCCC) - It is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. There are three main subtypes of CCNP:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Occurs in the cells that line the airways, usually near the center of the lung.
• Adenocarcinoma: Begins in the cells that produce mucus and usually develops on the outer sides of the lungs. It is the most common subtype in non-smokers and women.
• Large cell carcinoma: This is a less common type of CCNP that starts in the large, round cells of the lung.

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) - This is a less common but more aggressive type of lung cancer, accounting for about 20% of cases. It is often associated with smoking and grows quickly, quickly spreading to other parts of the body.

In addition to these two main types, there are other less common types of lung cancer such as lung carcinoid and clear cell sarcoma.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF LUNG CANCER

Smoking is the cause of lung cancer. In most cases, tobacco use, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and hookah, is behind the disease. Even passive exposure to smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

In addition, there are other risk factors that may be related to lung cancer, such as:

• Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to substances such as asbestos, radon, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cadmium, nickel, and petroleum products can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
• Family history: The disease can run in families, suggesting the possibility of a genetic factor.
• Exposure to air pollution: Being exposed to air pollution, including smog and smoke from burning wood or burning coal, can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
• Age: The risk of lung cancer increases with age, with most cases seen in people over 65.
• Occupational Exposure: Certain jobs, such as mining, asphalt production, paint, coal gas, rubber, and steel, can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
• Lung disease: People who suffer from chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

It is important to remember that many cases of lung cancer have no symptoms at first, which can make it difficult to diagnose the disease early. Therefore, it is essential to adopt preventive measures, such as not smoking and avoiding exposure to toxic substances, to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER?

Lung cancer can have a variety of symptoms, which can vary according to the stage of the disease. Some symptoms:

• Persistent cough, especially if associated with mucus or blood;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Chest pain that may be intensified by coughing or taking a deep breath
• Hoarseness or change in voice;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Fatigue or weakness;
• Recurrent respiratory infections;
• Swelling of the lymph nodes;
• Difficulty swallowing.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions, and do not always indicate the presence of lung cancer. However, if you are concerned that you may have lung cancer, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Early diagnosis can be essential for successful treatment and to increase the chances of cure.

LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of lung cancer is usually made after a clinical evaluation and complementary tests. Initially, the doctor may order a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest to look for suspicious lesions in the lungs. If a suspicious lesion is found, the doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm that it is lung cancer. The biopsy may be performed using a fine needle aspiration (FNAB), a bronchoscopy biopsy, a transthoracic needle biopsy, or a thoracic surgery biopsy.

In addition, the doctor may order tests to assess the stage of the cancer, such as computed tomography of the abdomen and brain, bone scan, or PET-CT scan. The stage of the cancer is important in determining appropriate treatment and predicting prognosis.

It is important to remember that not all lung nodules are cancerous and that some nodules can be benign. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is critical to determine appropriate treatment.

LUNG CANCER TREATED?

Lung cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of each patient. The main types of treatment include:

• Surgery: This is a curative treatment for some types of lung cancer that are at an early stage. During surgery, the doctor removes the tumor and some of the surrounding lung tissue.
• Radiotherapy: uses to destroy cancer cells. It can be used as the main treatment or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy: uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: uses drugs that focus on specific proteins present in cancer cells. These drugs target cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulates the patient's immune system to fight cancer cells.

Lung cancer treatment can cause side effects, which vary according to the type of treatment. Some of the most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, among others. It is important to discuss side effects with your doctor and healthcare team to manage them properly.

It is important to note that lung cancer treatment can be more effective when the disease is diagnosed early. Therefore, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.