By skyforbes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
This is the one most people get. It tends to grow a bit slower. Within this type, there are smaller groups:
- Adenocarcinoma – This often starts on the outer edge of the lungs and can happen even in people who don’t smoke.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – Usually shows up in the middle of the lungs, often in folks who have smoked for a long time.
- Large cell carcinoma – Less common but can pop up anywhere in the lung and tends to grow fast.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
This one’s not as common, but it’s more aggressive. It usually spreads quickly and is mostly seen in people who’ve smoked a lot. Doctors usually treat it with chemo and radiation right away because it moves fast. This one’s not as common as other types, but it’s a lot more aggressive. It tends to grow fast and spread quickly to other parts of the body, like the liver, bones, or brain, before most people even know something’s wrong. It’s almost always linked to heavy smoking over the years.
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Because it moves so fast, doctors don’t wait around. Treatment usually starts right away with chemotherapy and radiation, sometimes both at the same time. Surgery usually isn’t an option because by the time it’s found, it’s already spread too much. Some people respond well to treatment in the beginning, but unfortunately, SCLC often comes back.
That’s why catching it early, though tough, is so important. If you’ve smoked a lot or are still smoking, paying attention to symptoms like coughing that doesn’t go away, chest pain, or sudden weight loss can make a big difference.
What are Pancoast Tumours?
A Pancoast tumour is a rare kind of lung cancer that grows right at the top part of the lung. Because of where it sits, it doesn’t cause the usual lung cancer symptoms like coughing at first. Instead, it presses on nearby nerves and structures, which can lead to shoulder pain, arm weakness, or even tingling in your fingers. Some people also get a droopy eyelid or smaller pupil on one side of the face—that’s called Horner’s syndrome. These tumours can be tricky to diagnose early because they don’t act like typical lung cancers. But spotting those nerve-related symptoms early really matters.
What are Carcinoids?
Carcinoids are also called pulmonary carcinoids if present in the lungs. They are rare tumours found in the respiratory and digestive tracts of the body. They are considered a type of lung cancer because of their potential malignancy. These aren’t like the typical aggressive lung cancers people usually think of—they tend to grow much slower. Some people don’t even notice symptoms until years later.
That said, they can still cause problems. Depending on where they grow, you might get a cough, wheezing, chest pain, or even coughing up blood. Most people with lung carcinoids aren’t smokers, which surprises many.
The good news is that if found early, carcinoids can often be treated successfully, sometimes just with surgery. But even though they grow slowly, they’re still cancer, so regular check-ups and catching symptoms early really help.
Indications of Lung Cancer: Symptoms of Lung Cancer/ How did I know I had lung cancer?
Most of us don’t think much about a lingering cough or getting tired more easily. These things happen in daily life and are usually no big deal. But sometimes, they’re the body trying to tell you something serious, like the early stages of lung cancer. The hard part is, early signs don’t always feel alarming. They can come on slowly or feel like everyday stuff. Still, paying attention to changes can help catch something before it grows worse.
The body has its way of speaking. Lung cancer doesn’t always start loudly, but it does leave clues. If something feels off and won’t go away, don’t wait. Getting it looked at might be the decision that changes everything.
- A Cough That’s Always There
You’ve had this dry or mild cough for weeks now. It’s not going away. No cold, no allergies, just a cough that hangs around—especially if it’s worse in the morning or keeps you up at night. - Trouble Breathing Like You Used To
Walking a bit or climbing stairs leaves you winded, and it didn’t used to. You may not feel sick, but your lungs just don’t feel as strong anymore. - Chest Feels Weird or Hurts
You feel pressure, tightness, or discomfort in your chest. It might come and go or be sharp when you laugh, move, or take deep breaths. - Blood Shows Up in Your Mucus
It’s jarring, but some people notice reddish streaks when they cough. Even a little bit of blood in your spit is not something to ignore. - Voice Goes Hoarse
You’re not yelling or sick, but your voice sounds raspy for days or weeks. If your tone has changed and isn’t coming back, something could be pressing on the vocal nerves. - Losing Weight Without Trying
You’re not dieting or exercising differently, but the number on the scale keeps dropping. That kind of unexplained weight loss should raise eyebrows. - Sick More Than Usual
Getting frequent chest infections—like bronchitis or pneumonia—especially in the same spot, might mean something deeper is going on.
Lung Cancer Statistics Worldwide
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers around the world. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed, and sadly, a large number don’t survive. According to global health data, lung cancer accounts for roughly 1 in 5 cancer-related deaths, making it the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
In 2020, there were over two million new lung cancer cases. Almost two million people died from it that year. Most cases happen in countries where many people smoke, like China, the US, and India. But it’s not just smokers who get lung cancer anymore—more and more non-smokers, including women and younger folks, are getting it, which is worrying.
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The tricky thing about lung cancer is that it often doesn’t show clear signs until it’s already spread. Because of that, the chances of surviving are low—only about one in five people live five years after diagnosis. But if caught early, the chances are better.
Doctors and experts keep saying that if people know more about lung cancer, quit smoking, and get checked earlier, the numbers could improve. For now, lung cancer remains a big problem worldwide.
Lung Cancer Cases in India Vs. Lung Cancer Treatment in India
Lung cancer is becoming more common in India, and it’s worrying. Most people think it only happens to smokers, but that’s not always true here. While smoking is a big cause, many people who have never smoked also get lung cancer. That makes it tricky to spot early.
In India, smoking cigarettes or bidis is still common in many places. On top of that, air pollution is a serious problem in cities. All that dirty air makes lungs weaker and more likely to get sick. So even people who don’t smoke can get lung problems that sometimes turn into cancer.