Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
سرطان الرئة
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor arising in lung tissue, with smoking its leading cause. Symptoms such as persistent cough and coughing up blood often appear late, so quitting smoking and early screening of high-risk groups are the most important defenses. Treatment combines surgery, radiation, and modern drug therapies.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in lung cells, often in the lining of the airways. It is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, mainly because its symptoms appear late in many cases after the tumor has grown or spread.
Smoking — in all forms including waterpipe and secondhand smoke — is the leading and most important cause of lung cancer and is linked to the vast majority of cases. However, it can also affect non-smokers due to radon gas exposure, occupational pollutants, air pollution, or genetic factors. Quitting smoking at any age is therefore the single most powerful preventive measure.
Lung cancer falls into two main types (non-small cell and small cell) that differ in behavior and treatment. Modern therapies — such as targeted treatment by genetic mutation and immunotherapy — have markedly improved outcomes. High-risk people (heavy smokers) are advised to undergo low-dose CT screening programs, because detecting the tumor early raises the chance of effective treatment.
Symptoms
- A persistent cough that worsens or changes.
- Coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum.
- Shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Chest pain and hoarseness.
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Causes
- Smoking (the leading cause) and secondhand smoke.
- Exposure to radon gas, asbestos, or occupational pollutants.
- Air pollution.
- Genetic factors in some cases.
Risk factors
- Heavy, long-term smoking.
- Older age.
- Occupational exposure to carcinogens.
- A family history of the disease.
Diagnosis
- Chest X-ray and CT scan.
- A tumor biopsy to confirm the type.
- Molecular tests to identify mutations and targeted therapy.
- Imaging to determine the stage and spread.
Treatment
By type and stage
- Surgery to remove the tumor in early stages.
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy by genetic mutation and immunotherapy in suitable cases.
The plan is set by a multidisciplinary team. This content is educational and does not replace consulting an oncologist.
Complications
- Spread of the tumor to the brain, bones, and liver.
- Fluid buildup around the lung.
- Airway obstruction and breathing difficulty.
Prevention
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
- Early low-dose CT screening for high-risk groups.
- Occupational protection from carcinogens.
- Home radon testing when suspected.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for a cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, especially if you smoke. Book an appointment with a pulmonologist or oncologist on ClinicsJo for evaluation.