Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Lung cancer occurs from the cells of the lung tissue that divide quickly, unusually, and uncontrollably until it becomes a lung tumor that grows and spreads rapidly to nearby or other organs.
Tobacco smoke is made up of thousands of chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. Eighty percent of lung cancer patients are regular smokers who have been smoking for a long period of time. Smoking causes the majority of lung cancers – both in smokers and in people exposed to secondhand smoke. The remaining cases are caused by external risk factors such as inhaling volatile chemicals or substances mixed with heavy metals or continuous exposure to radiation.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
- A cough that does not go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
- Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
- New onset of wheezing
Lung cancer is diagnosed using imaging studies to locate the suspicious lesion and identify the cancer cells in those lesions. Early detection of lung cancer is most effective for reducing mortality. The American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan for certain people at higher risk for lung cancer who meet the following conditions:
- Are aged 55 to 74 years and in fairly good health
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have at least a 30-pack-year smoking history
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve smoked for years. Talk to your doctor about strategies and stop-smoking aids that can help you quit. Options include nicotine replacement products, medications, and support groups.
Medical Oncologist
Oncology Center of Excellence | ฺBangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Monday – Saturday : 08.00 AM. – 04.00 PM.
Sunday : 2.00 AM. – 5.00 PM.
Tel. 052-089-888 or 1719
