Lung cancer

Since 98–99% of all lung cancers are carcinomas, lung cancer is also known as lung carcinoma. It is a malignant lung tumour defined by unchecked cell proliferation in lung tissues.

Lung carcinomas develop from epithelial tissues or from epithelial cells that have undergone malignant transformation. Other lung cancers, including the uncommon sarcomas of the lung, are caused by the malignant transformation of connective tissues, which develop from mesenchymal cells and include nerve, fat, muscle, and bone. Rarely, lung cancer can also develop from lymphomas and melanomas (derived from lymphoid and melanocyte cell lineages).

This unchecked development has the potential to metastasis (spread outside the lung) over time by direct extension, lymphatic circulation entry, or hematogenous, bloodborne dissemination into neighbouring tissue or other, more remote areas of the body. The majority of initial lung malignancies, sometimes referred to as lung cancers, are carcinomas. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma are the two primary kinds (NSCLC).

Coughing (including coughing up blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, and chest aches are the most typical symptoms.Lung cancer is mostly caused by long-term cigarette use (85% of cases). Approximately 10-15% of occurrences include non-smokers.

These instances are frequently brought on by a confluence of genetic predispositions, radon gas exposure, asbestos exposure, passive smoking, or other air pollution exposure. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) scans may reveal lung cancer. The biopsy, which is often carried out under bronchoscopy or CT guidance, is used to confirm the diagnosis.