All about the causes, symptoms and prevention of lung cancer

Oncologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Chief Physician of the European Clinic

Malignant tumor in the lung: what is it and who gets it

Lung cancer, or, as it is also called, bronchogenic cancer, is a malignant neoplasm that develops from the glands and mucous membrane of the lung tissue and bronchi. In women, such a tumor develops eight times less often than in men. But recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of malignant neoplasms in the lungs in women. Presumably, this trend is due to the prevalence of smoking.

Lung cancer can develop in 15 years. The average age of people with this pathology is about 70 years. More often, cancer occurs in the elderly, but in recent years its rejuvenation has been observed.

Lung cancer types

Distinguish small cell и non-small cell lung cancer (MRL and NSCRL). The first is a special form, which accounts for 15% of all cases. It is characterized by rapid growth of the primary tumor and early metastasis. Usually occurs in active smokers. 

The remaining 85% of cases are non-small cell cancer… Depending on the localization of NSCLC and the structure of atypical cells, its subtypes are distinguished.

• Adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of NSCLC. This form of tumor develops from cells of the glandular epithelium, which lines the mucous membrane of the bronchi and alveoli, therefore it is also called glandular lung cancer.

• Squamous cell lung cancer – a malignant neoplasm (carcinoma) formed from squamous epithelial cells that surround the lung tissue.

• Large cell carcinoma can be found anywhere in the lungs. He has an extremely negative prognosis due to early and massive metastasis with a rather slow growth of the primary tumor.

Causes of Lung Cancer

The main reason for the development of a tumor process in any organ is damage to DNA cells due to the influence of various unfavorable factors. Which ones cause lung cancer?

1. Smoking remains a key trigger, of course. According to a number Research, about 90% of deaths from lung cancer are caused precisely by carcinogens contained in tobacco smoke. These constituents irritate the lining of the trachea and bronchi, which in turn causes inflammation and increased mucus production (bronchitis). Then chronic disorders of blood supply and cell division develop, which leads to their deformation and the subsequent degeneration of healthy cells into cancerous ones.

Also, the likelihood of getting cancer does not depend on the fact of smoking itself, but on its duration. A guaranteed tumor process in the lungs develops in smokers with a smoking experience of 30 years, provided they smoke one pack of cigarettes a day.

2. Often, smokers do not realize that their addiction can harm not only them, but also those around them. Passive smoking can also cause cancer. It increases the likelihood of lung cancer in non-smokers by a quarter and increases the likelihood of malignant tumors of the larynx and pharynx. It is enough for a person to stand close to the smoker, and his body will receive the same amount of toxic substances as the “pest” itself. Children, parents and loved ones of those who are addicted to cigarettes suffer the most.

Important: if someone from home smokes, you need to go out to the street or balcony. Note that smoking by an open window does not help to avoid toxic tobacco smoke. Cigarette smoke and small particles still spread throughout the apartment and enter the rooms, making their inhabitants passive smokers.

3. Those who work in adverse conditions are also susceptible to lung cancer. – with asbestos, arsenic, various resins or exhaust gases.

4. Bad environmental situation also has a similar negative effect.

5. The likelihood of developing cancer increases and Наследственность: Family history may indicate a predisposition for you.

6. Another reason – chronic diseases of the broncho-pulmonary systemsuch as tuberculosis.

Symptoms of the tumor process in the lungs

Unfortunately, things are not going well with the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Firstly, this disease is insidious – it can develop asymptomatically for a long time. Secondly, since the pathology develops in the tissue of the lungs and bronchi, its symptoms are similar to those of a cold.

The main symptoms are:

• a persistent cough that gets worse over time;

• persistent intense chest pain (in the later stages it is permanent);

• sudden unreasonable weight loss and loss of appetite;

• severe fatigue and muscle weakness that occurs for no apparent reason;

• as the disease progresses, the symptoms of lung cancer become more pronounced. A person may notice an increase in lymph nodes above the collarbones, an increase in body temperature, a violation of the swallowing process, and a cough may be accompanied by sputum with pus or blood;

• it should be borne in mind that the tumor process in the lungs makes them vulnerable to other infections and diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Diagnosis of the disease

Since cancer can develop against the background of other chronic diseases of the respiratory system, in order to obtain an accurate diagnostic conclusion, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination:

• examination by a therapist;

• chest x-ray;

• computed tomography (CT). Allows you to identify even small tumors and metastases, as well as accurately determine whether they can be removed surgically;

• bronchoscopy (allows the condition of the walls of the bronchi with an optical probe and takes tissue samples for analysis);

• molecular genetic research to select the optimal treatment tactics.

disease prevention

1. It is possible to minimize the risk of developing cancer by quitting smoking. In former smokers, the lungs are gradually cleared and restored, but, unfortunately, they still do not return to their original state. Once diagnosed with cancer, quitting the addiction increases the chances of recovery.

2. People working in hazardous industries with high dust content should use masks and respirators. 

3. Rational nutrition and reasonable physical activity keep the body in good shape. Exercise in the morning and walk at a moderate pace for at least half an hour every day. This will strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation.

4. Regularly and thoroughly ventilate the premises, because pathogenic microflora can accumulate in the air, which can cause inflammation and the subsequent growth of malignant cells. And timely and correct treatment of diseases of the bronchi and lungs allows you to prevent their transition to chronic forms. 

Treatment

It is quite difficult to treat lung cancer, since its cells are very aggressive and poorly sensitive to drug therapy, but scientists continue to develop new methods of combating pathology.