Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. This growth can spread beyond the lung by the process of metastasis into nearby tissue or other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in the lung, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas. The two main types are small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The most common symptoms are coughing (including coughing up blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, and chest pains. Causes: The development of lung cancer is strongly associated with cigarette smoking – approximately 90% of lung cancers are attributable to tobacco use. Pipe and cigar smoking can also cause lung cancer, but the risk is not as high as with cigarette smoking. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which are cancer-causing (carcinogens).  Passive smoking, i.e. the inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers who live or work with smokers, is also an established risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Although the majority of lung cancers are linked to tobacco smoking, not all smokers go on to develop lung cancer suggesting that genetic susceptibility (i.e. indicated by a family history of the disease) may play a role in the development of lung cancer.  Other causes of lung cancer include air pollution (from vehicles, industry, and power generation) and inhalation of asbestos fibres (usually in the workplace).  Signs, symptoms, and diagnosis: Symptoms of lung cancer are varied and warning signs are not always obvious. Some people who get lung cancer display no symptoms until the cancer is discovered during a routine chest x-ray or CT scan. In people who do display symptoms, these may include the following: Persistent cough and hoarseness Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain Blood-streaked sputum Chest pain Frequent episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia Weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. A wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures are used to diagnose lung cancer, including: taking a patient history physical examination blood tests imaging tests (chest x-rays; CT, PET and bone scans) bronchoscopy (to look inside the airways and take biopsies) cytological studies of sputum and bronchial washings (to detect cancer cells in phlegm and lung fluids)  biopsy (sampling of lung tissue with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to see if it is cancerous). Prevention: The most effective measure that can be taken to prevent the development of lung cancer is to quit smoking. Reducing exposure to passive smoking is also an effective method of prevention.

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ournal of Clinical Trials

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