Lung Cancer
Department of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. Your lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you’ve smoked. If you quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.
Types
1. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):
- SCLC is less common than NSCLC, accounting for about 10-15% of all lung cancers.
- It is often strongly associated with cigarette smoking and tends to grow and spread rapidly.
- SCLC is more likely to be centrally located in the lung, often originating in the bronchi.
- This type of lung cancer is more responsive to chemotherapy but may have a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body.
2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
- NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85-90% of cases.
There are three main subtypes of NSCLC, each with its own characteristics:
- Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common subtype of NSCLC and often occurs in the outer regions of the lung. It is more common in non-smokers and women.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This subtype usually arises in the central chest area, often in the bronchi. It is strongly associated with a history of smoking.
- Large cell carcinoma: This is a less common subtype and can occur in any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly.
Diagnosis
1. Imaging Tests:
- Chest X-ray: This is often the initial imaging test to detect abnormalities in the lungs.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide more detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures, helping to identify the size, location, and extent of any tumors.
2. Biopsy:
- If suspicious areas are found on imaging tests, a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the presence of cancer.
- Different types of biopsies include fine-needle aspiration, core biopsy, or surgical biopsy. The choice depends on the location and size of the tumor.
3.Sputum Cytology:
- In some cases, a sample of sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) may be examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
4.Bronchoscopy:
- This procedure involves using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (bronchoscope) to examine the airways and take a biopsy.
5.Molecular Testing:
- Testing for specific genetic mutations or alterations in the tumor cells may be performed to guide treatment decisions.
6.Staging:
- Once a diagnosis is confirmed, further tests such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans and bone scans may be conducted to determine the stage of the cancer.
Treatment
1.Surgery:
- Surgical removal of the tumor is often an option for early-stage lung cancer. The extent of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor.
- Procedures may include wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy (removing a lobe of the lung), or pneumonectomy (removing an entire lung).
2.Radiation Therapy:
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as a primary treatment for inoperable tumors.
- External beam radiation and brachytherapy are two common types of radiation therapy.
3.Chemotherapy:
- Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used for both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
- Chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic lung cancer.
4.Targeted Therapy:
- Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target certain molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- These therapies are often used for non-small cell lung cancer with specific genetic mutations or alterations, such as EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements.
5.Immunotherapy:
- Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, are used in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
- Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Lung Cancer Overview
- Surgery Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Stay in the Country: 3 to 6 weeks
- Rehabilitation Duration: 2 to 3 months
- Price: €20,000 to €50,000
- Initial Consultation: Diagnosis through imaging (CT, PET) and biopsy, followed by consultation with a thoracic surgeon or oncologist.
- Pre-Surgery: Pre-operative tests, including pulmonary function tests and staging to determine the extent of the disease.
- Surgery: Procedures such as lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), or wedge resection, lasting 3 to 6 hours.
- Post-Surgery: Hospital stay for 5 to 10 days to monitor recovery and manage any complications.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery with physical therapy to improve lung function and manage post-surgical care.
- Final Recovery: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and check for any recurrence of cancer.
