Images of Lung Cancer: Various Diagnostic Imaging Techniques
Lung cancer is a serious health concern, and its outlook depends on various factors such as the stage at diagnosis, type of cancer, age, and overall health. In the UK, lung cancer accounts for around 13% of all cancer diagnoses, with two main types: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1].
### Symptoms
Both SCLC and NSCLC share similar symptoms, including persistent or worsening cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fatigue, hoarseness, weight loss and loss of appetite, and bloody mucus. However, SCLC may also cause symptoms linked to hormone secretion (paraneoplastic syndromes) due to its neuroendocrine nature, which is less common in NSCLC [3][5].
### Diagnosis
Both types require imaging scans (such as CT or PET scans) and biopsy of lung tissue or fluid to determine the cancer type. NSCLC is staged based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis to distant organs, with stages ranging from 1 to 4. SCLC is often staged more simply as either limited or extensive due to its rapid spread and aggressive behavior [1][3][4]. Molecular and genetic testing is often done specifically in NSCLC to identify targets for newer treatments; this is less common in SCLC [4].
### Treatment Options
NSCLC treatment depends on the stage: early stages (1 and 2) may be treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Later stages involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to control spread and symptoms [1][4].
SCLC is more aggressive; it usually grows and spreads faster, so treatment is typically systemic from the start. Chemotherapy and radiation are the main treatments. Surgery is less common because SCLC is often widespread at diagnosis [3][5].
It's essential to note that quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help prevent lung cancer from starting or progressing. Online products are available to assist with quitting smoking [7].
In summary, SCLC is less common but more aggressive and rapidly metastatic, often requiring systemic chemotherapy and radiation, while NSCLC is more common, has a slower growth pattern, and offers more treatment options including surgery and targeted therapies, especially in earlier stages. Both share similar lung-related symptoms, but SCLC may present additional hormone-related effects [3][4][5].
Other types of lung cancer include large-cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma and pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma), which first develops in the layer of cells surrounding the lungs (the pleura) [2].
References: [1] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Lung cancer statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/lung-cancer [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-pleural-mesothelioma.html [3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/hp/small-cell-treatment-pdq [4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/hp/non-small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq [5] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/small-cell-lung-cancer.html [6] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer.html [7] NHS. (2021). Stop smoking. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/stop-smoking/
- Lung cancer is a chronic disease that belongs to the category of respiratory conditions and medical-conditions, accounting for nearly 13% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK.
- Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the two main types of lung cancer, with SCLC being less common but more aggressive and more likely to metastasize rapidly.
- The treatment options for NSCLC depend on the stage of cancer, with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy being possible treatments for early stages, while later stages might involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- For SCLC, treatment is typically systemic from the start and usually consists of chemotherapy and radiation, with surgery being less common due to the aggressive nature of the cancer.
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help prevent lung cancer from starting or progressing, with online products available to assist with quitting smoking.
- In addition to SCLC and NSCLC, there are other types of lung cancer such as large-cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma and pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the layer of cells surrounding the lungs.
- Mental health, nutrition, sports, and fitness-and-exercise are crucial components of overall health-and-wellness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can contribute to better health outcomes in patients dealing with chronic diseases like lung cancer.
