Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops directly in the lung tissue. Smokers in particular have a high risk of developing lung cancer. The first possible symptoms of lung cancer can be a persistent cough, heavy sputum production or hoarseness.
Below you will find further information as well as lung cancer specialists and qualified lung cancer centers.
Lung cancer is also known as lung carcinoma or bronchial carcinoma. The tumor develops in the cells that line the airways (bronchi).
The chances of recovery from lung cancer depend primarily on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. In general, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of a cure.
However, there are no early warning signs of lung cancer and no recognized early detection tests. As a result, the disease is often discovered late.
In lung cancer, a distinction is made between small cell and large cell bronchial carcinomas. The classification of a tumor is based on the removal of a tissue sample and its microscopic examination.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is further divided into limited disease and extensive disease. Limited disease refers to a lung tumor that is restricted to one area or one lung. Extensive disease small cell lung cancer, on the other hand, affects other structures outside a lung.
Lung cancer refers to tumors that arise directly from the lung tissue © SciePro | AdobeStock
Bronchial carcinomas differ in their size and spread within the lung. The so-called TNM classification is available for better classification of lung cancer. This allows a tumor to be classified into a stage when it is first diagnosed.
The designation of the TNM classes is made up of the individual characteristics of the lung tumor:
The TNM classification makes it possible to clearly classify the tumor. Oncologists then use the TNM classification to select further examinations and treatments.
Lung cancer has become one of the most common causes of death worldwide.
In Germany, lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer, after prostate and bowel cancer in men, and breast and bowel cancer in women.
Around 48,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. This includes around 33,000 men and 15,000 women - meaning that men are significantly more frequently affected.
Overall, around one in 15 men and one in 36 women in Germany will develop lung cancer in the course of their lives.
To date, there is no routine early detection for lung cancer, as there is for bowel cancer or breast cancer. As a result, lung cancer screening is not in the public eye.
Unfortunately, lung cancer only becomes noticeable when the tumor has grown significantly and is already impairing lung function. Only then does the patient go to the doctor to have their symptoms examined.
In addition, the symptoms of lung cancer are very varied and unclear. There are no clear symptoms that indicate bronchial carcinoma.
The possible symptoms of lung cancer are
Weight loss in particular is a common symptom of cancer. An existing tumor uses a lot of the body's energy and consumes additional oxygen through its own blood supply.
There are many possible causes of lung cancer, and sometimes no cause can be identified.
What is clear is that
increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Around 91 percent of male and 65 percent of female lung cancer patients are or were active smokers.
Overall, almost 85 percent of all lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking.
During the first visit to the doctor to clarify the cough, the doctor must first rule out other illnesses.
He then often uses an imaging procedure. For example, he will order an X-ray of the lungs. This image can confirm an initial suspicion and leads to further imaging examinations.
This is usually followed by a computer tomography scan before MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) images are taken. These images clearly show the bronchial carcinoma and its spread within the lung.
Further examinations are then carried out to determine the type of lung tumor. For this purpose, a bronchoscopy, i.e. a lung endoscopy, is performed. A tissue sample can be taken from the tumor by means of a biopsy.
This sample is then examined under a microscope to determine the cell type of the bronchial carcinoma. This reveals whether it is a small-cell or large-cell lung tumor. A suitable therapy can then be determined.
If a lung carcinoma has been diagnosed, the treatment options are generally
are available.
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the cell type of the tumor and the current stage of the cancer. Different types of lung cancer respond differently to different forms of therapy.
In addition, at a late stage, lung tumors can often only be treated palliatively. This means that the cancer cannot be cured, but the therapy prolongs life and improves quality of life.
In most cases, lung cancer is treated with chemotherapy. This is often carried out in specialized lung cancer clinics. Small cell lung cancer in particular can be contained with this method.
Chemotherapy consists of a combination of different drugs, the cytostatics. The chemotherapy drugs halt the cell cycle and thus prevent the tumor from growing further.
During radiotherapy, the cells of the tumor are destroyed using X-rays. For this purpose, the tumor is localized precisely within the chest during a CT scan. Its outline is drawn on the outside of the skin so that the radiation can be targeted and only diseased tissue is destroyed.
Surgery is not always possible. Often important surrounding structures, such as the main bronchus or blood vessels, are already infiltrated by the tumor.
It may be possible to reduce the size of the tumor. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of both(radiochemotherapy) are used for this purpose. If the tumor shrinks, surgery can then be performed.
The specialist departments that work together in the treatment of lung cancer include in particular
In addition, there is also close cooperation with the specialist departments
as well as with the nursing service, social services and pastoral care.
The range of services in lung cancer centers is rounded off by the active involvement of self-help groups for lung cancer patients in all phases of their treatment.
Lung cancer is caused and intensified by environmental influences. Particulate matter can also cause bronchial carcinoma. There are therefore external conditions that cannot be influenced.
Nevertheless, it is clear that around 85 percent of all cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Quitting smoking is therefore the best preventive measure against lung cancer. Passive smoking can also lead to lung cancer. You should also bear this in mind.
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