Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer, often going unnoticed in its early stages. The symptoms vary depending on the stage and type of lung cancer. Early-stage lung cancer may not present noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis difficult until the cancer has progressed. Lung cancer can affect various parts of the lungs and can spread to other areas of the body. Awareness of the symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment.

The symptoms of lung cancer depend largely on how advanced the cancer is. Early stages may not cause any symptoms, but as the tumour grows, more obvious symptoms begin to appear. The most common symptoms include:

1. Persistent Cough:

• A long-lasting cough, or a change in a chronic cough, such as increased intensity or pain.

2. Coughing up Blood (Haemoptysis):

• In some cases, people may cough up blood or blood-stained mucus.

3. Shortness of Breath:

• Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless during daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.

4. Fatigue:

• Constant tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep, and feeling unusually fatigued during normal activities.

5. Chest Pain:

• Localized pain in the chest or shoulder area, which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing.

6. Recurrent Chest Infections:

• Frequent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia that don’t seem to improve.

7. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss:

• Unexplained weight loss without changes to diet or exercise, and a decrease in appetite.

8. Unexplained Weight Loss:

• Losing weight rapidly without any obvious reason is a common symptom in advanced cancer.

9. Rare Symptoms:

• In some cases, lung cancer can cause hormonal changes leading to numbness, dizziness, blood clots, or even pins and needles.
• Pancoast Tumour Symptoms: This rare type of lung cancer causes intense shoulder pain radiating down the arm, and can cause drooping of one eyelid with a constricted pupil.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical for effective treatment. When someone experiences symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, they should consult a doctor immediately. The following steps are commonly taken during diagnosis:

1. Initial Examination by a GP:

• A general practitioner (GP) will ask questions about the history of symptoms, including the cough's duration, pain characteristics, and any history of smoking.
• Basic tests, such as checking blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, will be performed. Weight loss will also be monitored.

2. Spirometry Test:

• This test measures lung function by asking the patient to exhale forcefully into a tube, providing insight into the lung's performance.

3. Referral to a Specialist:

• If lung cancer is suspected, a specialist appointment is typically arranged within two weeks, especially for individuals over 40, smokers, or those with a history of certain symptoms like coughing and chest pain.

4. Chest X-Ray:

• A chest X-ray is one of the first diagnostic steps, used to detect abnormalities or tumors in the lungs.

5. Advanced Diagnostic Tests:

• CT Scan: A detailed imaging test to provide a more comprehensive view of the lungs and chest.
• Bronchoscopy: A small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the lungs to directly view airways and potentially take tissue samples.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the lung is collected for analysis to determine the presence of cancerous cells.
• Ultrasound: This can be used to examine lymph nodes or the abdomen for signs of cancer spread.
• MRI Scan: To check for the spread of cancer to other organs, such as the brain.
• Bone Scan: Used if there is concern that cancer may have spread to the bones.