lung carcinoma

What is Lung Carcinoma?

Lung carcinoma, also known as lung cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the lungs. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lung tissue grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is further divided into several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type. [2]

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of lung carcinoma is unknown, but it is strongly linked to smoking. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, and the risk increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked. [1] Other risk factors include exposure to radon, asbestos, and certain chemicals.

Symptoms

Lung carcinoma can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing, chest pain, weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, lung cancer may not show any symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. [5]

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lung carcinoma is typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and type of lung cancer. [3]

Statistics

Lung carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are 225,000 new cases of lung cancer annually, with approximately 142,000 people dying from the disease each year. [14]

Diagnosing Lung Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Lung carcinoma, also known as lung cancer, can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. The primary goal of these diagnostic tests is to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the lungs and determine the extent of the disease.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosing lung carcinoma. These tests create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, allowing doctors to visualize the location and size of the tumor. The most commonly used imaging tests for lung cancer diagnosis include:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans use X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the lungs.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans: PET scans use small amounts of radioactive material to highlight areas of high metabolic activity, such as cancer cells.

Additional Tests

In addition to imaging tests, other diagnostic procedures may be used to confirm lung carcinoma. These include:

• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the suspicious area using a needle or surgery.
• Thoracentesis: This procedure involves removing fluid from the space around the lungs to check for cancer cells.
• Blood tests: While no blood test can detect lung cancer, certain biomarkers may be used to monitor the disease and guide treatment.

Early Detection

Early detection of lung carcinoma is critical for effective treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors undergo regular screening using low-dose CT scans.

References:

• [1] Tests to diagnose lung cancer Symptoms and the results of certain tests may strongly suggest that a person has lung cancer, but the actual diagnosis is made by looking at lung cells in the lab.
• [2] Imaging tests make pictures of the body. They can show the location and size of the lung cancer.
• [3] Lung cancer is diagnosed through imaging tools, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
• [4] Your doctor might order imaging tests that may help find lung cancer. Imaging tests make pictures of the inside of your body.
• [5] Initial tests for lung cancer. The first test is usually an x-ray, which is often followed by a CT scan.
• [6] Blood tests for lung cancer. Currently, no blood test can detect lung cancer.
• [7] Tests to diagnose lung cancer, such as a chest x-ray, are done when symptoms or routine tests suggest a problem.
• [8] Your GP or specialist might arrange for you to have tests. You usually have a chest x-ray, CT scan and PET-CT scan.
• [9] A complete blood count (CBC); Blood chemistry tests; If lung cancer is suspected, sputum cytology.
• [10] Conventional blood tests are usually normal in the early stages of the disease, but newer biomarker tests could change this.

Treatment Options for Lung Carcinoma

Lung carcinoma, also known as lung cancer, can be treated using various drug therapies, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Here are some common treatment options:

• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted therapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
  • Examples: Erlotinib, Gefitinib, and Afatinib are targeted therapies that can be used to treat NSCLC [4].
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. For lung cancer, chemotherapy is often given in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Examples: Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Pemetrexed, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Gemcitabine, and Vinorelbine are common chemotherapy medications used to treat lung cancer [8].
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs to activate the immune system's natural defenses to fight cancer. For NSCLC, immunotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Examples: Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are immunotherapies that can be used to treat NSCLC [5].
• BRAF Inhibitors: BRAF inhibitors are targeted therapies that block the growth of cancer cells with a specific genetic mutation. For lung cancer, BRAF inhibitors such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib can be used in combination with other treatments.
  • Examples: Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and Dabrafenib are BRAF inhibitors that can be used to treat NSCLC [1].

New Developments

• Sotorasib: Sotorasib is a new drug that has shown promise in improving survival among patients with lung tumors caused by a specific DNA mutation.
  • Example: Sotorasib has been approved for the treatment of NSCLC with a specific genetic mutation [9].
• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are being conducted on prevention and treatment options for lung cancer, including photodynamic therapy and chemoprevention.

References

[1] Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) - FDA.gov [4] Erlotinib, Gefitinib, and Afatinib - Cancer.org [5] Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) - NCI.nih.gov [8] Chemo drugs for lung cancer - American Cancer Society [9] Sotorasib - FDA.gov