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. As a general rule, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery. However, there are no early warning signs for lung cancer and no established screening tests for early detection. As a result, the disease is often not discovered until it is at an advanced stage.
Lung cancer is classified into small-cell and large-cell bronchial carcinomas. A tumor is classified based on a tissue sample and its microscopic examination.
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is further classified into limited-stage and extensive-stage disease. Limited disease refers to a lung tumor that is confined to a single area or one lung lobe. In contrast, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer affects other structures outside of a single lung lobe.
Lung cancer refers to tumors that arise directly from lung tissue © SciePro | AdobeStock
The Classification of Lung Cancer
Bronchial carcinomas vary in size and extent of spread within the lung. The TNM classification system is used to better categorize lung cancer. This allows a tumor to be staged at the time of initial diagnosis.
The TNM class designations are based on the individual characteristics of the lung tumor:
- T (Tumor): Size or extent of the tumor. Here, a distinction is made between stages T1 through T4.
- N (Nodes): Whether and to what extent surrounding lymph nodes are affected. Lymph node involvement is described as N0 through N3.
- M (Metastases): Metastases may be present (M1) or absent (M0). M1 is further subdivided into M1a through M1c. These designations indicate the extent and location of metastatic spread. Distant metastases can occur, for example, in the liver or brain.
The TNM classification system makes it possible to clearly classify the tumor. Oncologists then use the TNM classification to select further tests and treatments.
Lung cancer has now become one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
In Germany, bronchial carcinoma is the third most common type of cancer, following prostate and colorectal cancer in men, and breast and colorectal cancer in women.
Approximately 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Of these, about 33,000 are men and 15,000 are women—meaning men are affected significantly more often. Overall, about one in every 15 men and one in every 36 women in Germany will develop lung cancer during their lifetime.
To date, there is no routine screening for lung cancer, as there is for colorectal or breast cancer. As a result, lung cancer screening is not a focus of public attention.
Unfortunately, lung cancer often does not become noticeable until the tumor has grown significantly and lung function is already impaired. Only then does the patient go to the doctor to have their symptoms examined. Furthermore, the symptoms of lung cancer are very varied and unclear. There are no clear-cut symptoms that indicate bronchial carcinoma.
Possible symptoms of lung cancer include
Weight loss, in particular, is a common symptom of cancer. A tumor draws a great deal of energy from the body and, due to its own blood supply, also consumes additional oxygen.
There are many possible causes of lung cancer, and sometimes no cause can be identified.
What is clear is that
- active and passive smoking,
- inhaling asbestos or benzene, and
- particulate matter
increase the risk of developing lung cancer. About 91 percent of male and 65 percent of female lung cancer patients are or were active smokers. Overall, just under 85 percent of all lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking.
During the first doctor’s visit to investigate a cough, the doctor must first rule out other conditions.
They often resort to imaging tests. For example, they may order a chest X-ray. This image can confirm an initial suspicion and lead to further imaging tests.
This is usually followed by a CT scan before images are obtained via an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). On these images, the bronchial carcinoma and its spread within the lung can be clearly identified.
Further tests are then conducted to determine the type of lung tumor. For this purpose, a bronchoscopy—an examination of the airways—is performed. During this procedure, a tissue sample can be taken from the tumor via a biopsy.
This sample is then examined under a microscope to determine the cell type of the bronchial carcinoma. This reveals whether the lung tumor is small-cell or large-cell. Based on this, an appropriate treatment plan can be established.
If lung cancer has been diagnosed, the treatment options generally include
are generally available as treatment options.
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the tumor cell type and the current stage of the cancer. Different types of bronchial carcinoma respond differently to these forms of therapy. Additionally, in advanced stages, treatment for lung cancer is often limited to palliative care. This means that while the cancer cannot be cured, treatment can prolong life and improve 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 controlled with this approach. Chemotherapy consists of a combination of various drugs, known as cytostatic agents. Chemotherapy drugs halt the cell cycle, thereby preventing the tumor from growing further.
In radiation therapy, the tumor cells are destroyed using X-rays. To do this, the tumor is precisely located within the chest cavity using a CT scan. Its outline is marked on the skin so that the radiation can be targeted accurately and only diseased tissue is destroyed. Surgery is not always possible. Often, important surrounding structures—such as the main bronchus or blood vessels—have already been infiltrated by the tumor.
In some cases, it may be possible to shrink the tumor. This is achieved through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both (chemoradiotherapy). Once the tumor has shrunk, surgery can then be performed.
The medical departments that collaborate in the treatment of lung cancer include, in particular,
In addition, there is also close cooperation with the specialized departments
as well as with the nursing staff, social services, and pastoral care.
The services offered at lung cancer centers are complemented by the active involvement of self-help groups for lung cancer patients at all stages of their treatment.
Lung cancer is caused and exacerbated by environmental factors. Fine particulate matter can also cause bronchial carcinoma. There are, therefore, external conditions that cannot be influenced.
Nevertheless, one thing is clear: Approximately 85 percent of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Quitting smoking is therefore the best preventive measure against lung cancer. Secondhand smoke can also lead to lung cancer. You should keep this in mind as well.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer, or lung carcinoma, is a malignant disease of the lungs. The tumor usually develops from cells in the bronchi or the trachea. There are different forms of lung cancer, including NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Typical symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In the early stages, however, lung cancer often causes few symptoms. Symptoms such as a cough, weight loss, or blood in the sputum often do not appear until the cancer has progressed.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis and treatment begin with modern diagnostic procedures such as CT scans, bronchoscopy, and lymph node examinations. Tissue samples are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, screening and early detection help identify lung cancer in its early stages.
What treatment options are available for lung cancer?
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the type of tumor and the stage of the disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Diagnosis and treatment differ significantly between non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer.
What is the prognosis and what are the chances of recovery for lung cancer?
The prognosis depends heavily on the stage of the disease. Stage I lung cancer has significantly better chances of recovery than advanced stages or Stage IV with metastases. Other key factors include age, overall health, and whether the tumor has already spread or formed metastases.
