Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, usually in the cells lining the air passages. It is one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to certain occupational hazards (such as asbestos and radon), and a family history of lung cancer. While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, non-smokers can also develop the disease.
Common symptoms of lung cancer may include persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed.
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Prognosis varies, and early detection significantly improves outcomes. Efforts to quit smoking and lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals can contribute to prevention and early diagnosis.