Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs, which are the primary respiratory organs located in the chest. Medically, it is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue, which can lead to metastasis, invading adjacent tissue and spreading to other parts of the body. It is typically classified into two main types: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common and more aggressive, often associated with heavy smoking, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which encompasses several subtypes and accounts for the majority of cases. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood, but early stages of the disease may not produce noticeable symptoms.

The development of lung cancer is influenced by various risk factors, with smoking being the predominant one, although non-smokers can also be affected due to factors such as secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, or other carcinogens, as well as genetic susceptibility. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging procedures like chest X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies. Treatment modalities are based on the cancer stage and type and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these, aiming to remove or kill cancerous cells and manage symptoms.