Lung cancer: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
No edit summary |
||
| (3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Lung cancer''' is a type of [[cancer]] that begins in the [[lung]]s. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and is often caused by smoking [[cigarette]]s or exposure to secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked and in those who have never had prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke. | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lung cancer | |||
| image = [[File:Thorax CT peripheres Brronchialcarcinom li OF.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Thorax CT peripheres Brronchialcarcinom li OF.jpg | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Bronchogenic carcinoma]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Cough]], [[hemoptysis]], [[weight loss]], [[shortness of breath]], [[chest pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Metastasis]], [[pleural effusion]], [[superior vena cava syndrome]] | |||
| onset = Typically in older adults | |||
| duration = Long term | |||
| types = [[Non-small-cell lung carcinoma]], [[small-cell lung carcinoma]] | |||
| causes = [[Smoking]], [[radon gas]], [[asbestos]], [[air pollution]], [[genetic factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Tobacco smoking]], [[secondhand smoke]], [[family history of lung cancer]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Medical imaging]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Tuberculosis]], [[pneumonia]], [[lung abscess]] | |||
| prevention = [[Smoking cessation]], [[air quality control]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[targeted therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally poor, varies by stage and type | |||
| frequency = 2.1 million new cases (2020) | |||
| deaths = 1.8 million (2020) | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Diagram showing a bronchoscopy CRUK Trim.svg|left|thumb|Lung cancer]] | |||
[[File:Lung cancer histology collection.png|left|thumb|Lung cancer]] | |||
[[File:Histopathology of small cell carcinoma, annotated.png|thumb|Lung cancer]] | |||
[[File:External beam radiotherapy NCI.jpg|left|thumb|Lung cancer]] | |||
[[File:Lung diagram - tumor surgeries.png|thumb|Lung cancer]] | |||
'''Lung cancer''' is a type of [[cancer]] that begins in the [[lung]]s. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and is often caused by smoking [[cigarette]]s or exposure to secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked and in those who have never had prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke. | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The primary cause of lung cancer is [[tobacco smoke]], due to the carcinogens present in the smoke. Other causes include exposure to [[radon gas]], [[asbestos]], certain metals, some organic chemicals, radiation, air pollution, and diesel exhaust. There is also a genetic factor, as the likelihood of developing lung cancer can run in families. | The primary cause of lung cancer is [[tobacco smoke]], due to the carcinogens present in the smoke. Other causes include exposure to [[radon gas]], [[asbestos]], certain metals, some organic chemicals, radiation, air pollution, and diesel exhaust. There is also a genetic factor, as the likelihood of developing lung cancer can run in families. | ||
== Types == | == Types == | ||
There are two main types of lung cancer: [[Non-small cell lung cancer]] (NSCLC) and [[Small cell lung cancer]] (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases. SCLC makes up about 10-15% of all cases and is a more aggressive type of cancer. | There are two main types of lung cancer: [[Non-small cell lung cancer]] (NSCLC) and [[Small cell lung cancer]] (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases. SCLC makes up about 10-15% of all cases and is a more aggressive type of cancer. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections. | Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Lung cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, lab tests, and biopsies. Imaging tests such as [[chest X-ray]]s and [[CT scan]]s can reveal abnormal masses or nodules, while lab tests can analyze sputum (spit) or cells from a suspected area to look for cancer cells. | Lung cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, lab tests, and biopsies. Imaging tests such as [[chest X-ray]]s and [[CT scan]]s can reveal abnormal masses or nodules, while lab tests can analyze sputum (spit) or cells from a suspected area to look for cancer cells. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for lung cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. The choice of treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences. | Treatment for lung cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. The choice of treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid tobacco smoke. Other preventive measures include testing for radon in the home and taking measures to reduce exposure if levels are high, avoiding exposure to known carcinogens at work, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. | The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid tobacco smoke. Other preventive measures include testing for radon in the home and taking measures to reduce exposure if levels are high, avoiding exposure to known carcinogens at work, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. | ||
[[Category:Cancer]] | [[Category:Cancer]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Smoking]] | [[Category:Smoking]] | ||
{{Cancer-stub}} | {{Cancer-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:32, 14 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Lung cancer | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Bronchogenic carcinoma |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Cough, hemoptysis, weight loss, shortness of breath, chest pain |
| Complications | Metastasis, pleural effusion, superior vena cava syndrome |
| Onset | Typically in older adults |
| Duration | Long term |
| Types | Non-small-cell lung carcinoma, small-cell lung carcinoma |
| Causes | Smoking, radon gas, asbestos, air pollution, genetic factors |
| Risks | Tobacco smoking, secondhand smoke, family history of lung cancer |
| Diagnosis | Medical imaging, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung abscess |
| Prevention | Smoking cessation, air quality control |
| Treatment | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally poor, varies by stage and type |
| Frequency | 2.1 million new cases (2020) |
| Deaths | 1.8 million (2020) |





Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and is often caused by smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked and in those who have never had prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke, due to the carcinogens present in the smoke. Other causes include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, certain metals, some organic chemicals, radiation, air pollution, and diesel exhaust. There is also a genetic factor, as the likelihood of developing lung cancer can run in families.
Types[edit]
There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases. SCLC makes up about 10-15% of all cases and is a more aggressive type of cancer.
Symptoms[edit]
Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Diagnosis[edit]
Lung cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, lab tests, and biopsies. Imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans can reveal abnormal masses or nodules, while lab tests can analyze sputum (spit) or cells from a suspected area to look for cancer cells.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for lung cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. The choice of treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences.
Prevention[edit]
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid tobacco smoke. Other preventive measures include testing for radon in the home and taking measures to reduce exposure if levels are high, avoiding exposure to known carcinogens at work, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
