Lung Cancer

Einstein Health Glossary

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is primarily linked to tobacco use, which accounts for 90% of cases. The global incidence of this cancer increases by about 2% per year.

Some studies suggest that people with lung cancer have a higher risk of developing other types of cancer. Additionally, siblings and children of individuals who have had lung cancer have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease. However, it is still difficult to determine how much of this increased risk is due to genetic factors and how much is related to smoking habits.

Lung cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in young people who do not smoke. In these cases, the likelihood of a mutation (i.e., a change in the cell’s DNA) is higher.

Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms usually appear when the disease is at a more advanced stage; however, some may show up in its early phases. Examples include:

persistent cough
frequent shortness of breath
chest pain
unexplained weight loss
frequent fatigue
coughing up or spitting blood

In smokers, the usual pattern of coughing may change, and coughing fits may occur at unusual times for the patient. Recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis can also be early signs of the disease.

These same symptoms can appear in other illnesses. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for developing lung cancer, although there are several others, such as:

exposure to air pollution
age: people aged 50 or older are more likely to develop the disease
genetic factors
exposure to radon gas: a colorless and odorless substance that can be present in construction materials such as gravel, limestone, sand, soil, and marble

Diagnosis

The most common ways to diagnose lung cancer include:

imaging tests: chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT scan)
bronchoscopy: a procedure that provides images of the patient’s airways by inserting a tube with a camera through the nose or mouth. It is used to examine the lungs and may also be used to perform a biopsy
biopsy: removal of a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This test provides the definitive diagnosis

Once the disease is confirmed, staging is performed. This process assesses the extent of the disease, determining whether it is confined to the lungs or has spread to other organs. Staging is done through blood tests and imaging exams. PET-CT (which combines different types of scans) and brain MRI are commonly requested.

Treatment

Lung cancer treatment is recommended based on several aspects of the disease, such as:

the type of lung cell that has transformed
the extent of the disease (staging): whether it is confined to the lung or has affected regional lymph nodes and other organs
the patient’s clinical condition and any pre-existing illnesses

Healthcare professionals will recommend treatment based on this information. The following treatments may be part of the cancer management strategy:

video-assisted surgery: performed with the help of cameras that facilitate the procedure
radiotherapy: the use of radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from multiplying
radiofrequency ablation: the use of high-frequency currents on the tumor
chemotherapy: medications that circulate in the bloodstream to destroy diseased cells
immunotherapy: activation of the patient’s own immune system through specific medications
targeted molecular therapy: treatments aimed at a specific molecular alteration

Einstein's Oncology and Hematology offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. Learn more.

Prevention

Since tobacco product consumption is the cause of 90% of cases, regardless of the type, not smoking is the primary measure to prevent the disease. However, other factors are also important for prevention, such as:

maintaining a high intake of fruits and vegetables: having a balanced diet is important in the fight against cancer
avoiding exposure to certain chemical agents
avoiding passive smoking: inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers
engaging in physical activity