Lung Cancer Causes and Symptoms

Cancer of the lungs is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed worldwide. This type of cancer has the highest rate of mortality (number of deaths) than any other type recorded so far. There are many underlying factors that leads to a person developing lung cancer. Smoking is, by and large believed to be the main reason that leads to lung cancer. Even though medical science has advanced incredibly and many path-breaking milestones have been achieved, there is still no proper treatment for people with stage 3 or stage 4 lung cancer.

Fortis Healthcare is one of the leading cancer care center in India. With a team of fine oncologists and pulmonologists- we provide the best lung cancer diagnosis in the country. Some of the most popular preventive measures for the disease are- not smoking or consuming tobacco in any form, eating a diet full of fruits and veggies and watching out for the earliest of symptoms.

Lung cancer is characterized by an uncontrollable growth of cells that initially begins in the lungs and then gradually spread to other parts of the body. The diseased cells keeps the lungs from functioning normally and thereby interrupt the organ’s job of distributing blood and other nutrients to the body.

There are three main types of lung cancer:

Non-small cell lung cancer: This is the most common type of lung cancer. About 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell type. Subtypes of non-small lung cancer include Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer: This type of cancer spreads very fast. It is also known as oat cell cancer. About 10%-15% of cancers are of this type.

Lung carcinoid tumor: This type of cancer grow slowly and rarely spread. It is also called lung neuroendocrine tumors. About 5% of lung cancers are of this type.

Some of the leading causes of lung cancer are:

Smoking: Consumption of tobacco and smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Doctors say, quitting at any age can significantly lower your risk of developing lung cancer.

Passive smoking:  This is no less harmful than active smoking. Smoke from other people's cigarettes, pipes, or cigars also causes lung cancer.

Radon gas: This is a type of gas that comes out from rocks and dirt. Studies show, prolonged and continuous exposure to this toxic gas causes lung cancer.

Asbestos and other chemicals: Breathing in too much of industrial chemicals like asbestos, arsenic and polycyclic hydrocarbons is also linked to lung cancer.

The first few signs of this killer disease often goes unnoticed. But not every patient is the same. Everybody has a different manifestation. Since lung cancer is a dangerous disease with a high mortality rate, it is best to be alert and try to nip the disease in its bud.

Symptoms of lung cancer include:

Coughing up Blood

Chest Pain

Loss of Appetite

Weight loss and general fatigue

Shortness of breath and change in the voice

The oncology department at Fortis offers innovative services within your affordability. Being a premium cancer treatment center in India, we are equipped with cutting-edge radiation and chemotherapy services to provide comprehensive cancer treatment to patients. Supported by an experienced team of doctors and having years of excellence in medical practices- Fortis is one of the best cancer hospitals in the country.