Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, caused by the uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells in the healthy lung tissue, which forms a tumor. Over time, this mass grows at its original location, and in later stages, it spreads to surrounding tissues, and then to other distant organs like the liver, bones, brain, and others through the bloodstream.

It’s important to note that advancements in treatments have shown significant improvement in survival rates and the quality of life for patients.

At Al Abdali Hospital, we strive to provide the latest treatments and medical innovations to ensure the health and safety of our patients. We are proud to have a specialized and highly experienced medical team in the field of oncology, including lung cancer, dedicated to closely monitoring each case and providing personalized treatment plans aimed at improving patients’ quality of life and enhancing their chances of recovery.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer may not be clear in the early stages, and some of them can resemble symptoms of other diseases. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may become more apparent.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Persistent cough: which worsens over time.
  • Coughing up blood: producing blood or bloody sputum when coughing.
  • Shortness of breath: feeling difficulty in breathing or breathlessness during daily activities.
  • Chest pain: pain or a sensation of pressure in the chest, which may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
  • Wheezing: a wheezing or whistling sound when breathing.
  • Constant fatigue: feeling extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
  • Swelling in the face or neck: due to pressure from the tumor on blood vessels in these areas.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Shoulder pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms or are at a high-risk group (such as smokers or those with a family history of cancer), it’s important to consult a doctor immediately for early evaluation and diagnosis.

What Are the Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

A persistent cough or recurring pneumonia, even after treatment, can be early signs that may indicate lung cancer (although it could also be a sign of less severe conditions). Among the most common symptoms of lung cancer are persistent or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, or even sudden and unexplained weight loss.

Depending on where the cancer originates in the lung, some of these symptoms may appear early (such as in stages one or two), but they typically only become noticeable once the cancer has progressed to later stages. Therefore, early screening for lung cancer is crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk.

Can a Person Have Lung Cancer Without Knowing?

Yes, it is possible for cancer to grow inside the body for a long time—sometimes years—without the patient noticing any symptoms.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is diagnosed through a series of medical tests to determine the type of cancer and its stage. These include:

  • Medical History and Clinical Examination: Diagnosis begins by evaluating the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The doctor may also inquire about the patient’s medical history and exposure to risk factors like smoking or harmful substances.
  • Chest X-Ray: An X-ray may reveal any abnormal changes in the lungs, such as tumors or masses. However, it may not be sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans are more accurate in detecting small tumors in the lungs and locating them. They can help in planning treatment and deciding whether a biopsy is necessary.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In some cases, doctors may use MRI to detect cancer and its spread, especially if there’s suspicion of it spreading to surrounding tissues or other organs.
  • Biopsy: If a tumor is suspected, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from the tumor to be examined under a microscope.
  • Nuclear Imaging: One of the modern techniques provided by Al Abdali Hospital, this involves using small amounts of radioactive materials to produce images or scans of internal body parts. This helps in obtaining clear images of organs and areas that are hard to view using traditional X-rays.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify certain markers that may indicate the presence of cancer, but they are generally not sufficient to diagnose lung cancer on their own.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

An oncologist determines the treatment plan based on several factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the type of cancer, and its stage, taking into account the patient's preferences. Treatment options typically include one or more of the following:

Surgery

If surgery is an appropriate option, the surgeon will remove the area of the lung affected by the tumor along with healthy tissue around it. This treatment is often suitable for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Surgical procedures include:

  • Removing part of the lung that contains the tumor along with surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Removing an entire lung lobe.
  • In advanced cases, the entire lung may need to be removed.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)

At Al Abdali Hospital, we utilize the latest technologies for lung cancer treatment, ensuring the highest safety and quality standards. We offer advanced treatment options, including endoscopy, which is a modern and safe technique that allows the removal of tumors without the need for open surgery (large chest incisions).

This procedure is performed using an advanced surgical endoscope, which helps reduce pain and results in a faster recovery period compared to traditional methods.

This type of treatment is typically used in the early stages of lung cancer. The procedure usually involves inserting an endoscope, a thin tool with a small camera at its end, allowing the surgeon to view the internal area of the lung on a display screen.

Using small surgical instruments, the surgeon removes the tumor or the affected part of the lung. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed to check if cancer has spread.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be used before or after surgery or alongside other treatments, such as immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

References:

  1. Lung cancer. (2024, December 6). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer
  2. Lung cancer - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620