What is Lung Cancer?
The term Lung Cancer refers to cancer that begins in the windpipe (trachea), in the main airway (bronchus), or in the tissue of the lung. Lung Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. There are two main types of primary Lung Cancer; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). If cancer spreads to the lungs from another part of the body, this is known as secondary Lung Cancer.
This video below from Cancer Research UK explains Lung Cancer in more detail.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages, however, the symptoms of Lung Cancer may include:
- having a cough most of the time (for over 3 weeks)
- having a change in a cough you have had for a long time
- recurrent chest infections or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
- getting out of breath doing your normal activities
- feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
- coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
- having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder that doesn’t get better
- having a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more
- loss of appetite
- feeling tired all the time
- unexplained weight loss
There are a number of the above symptoms that can also be caused by other medical conditions, but finding lung cancer early can make it easier to treat. Make sure you see your doctor if you notice any symptoms or changes in your health.
Treatment Options
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you, however, treatment options for Lung Cancer may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy drugs or a combination of treatments. Treatment options are dependent on:
- where in the lung your cancer is
- the size and stage of the cancer (e.g whether or not your cancer has spread)
- the type of lung cancer you have
- your general health