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Reviewed by

Dr. Satish Sharma

Consultant - Medical Oncology

Manipal Hospitals, Ranchi

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7 Warning Signs of Lung Cancer You Must Know

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Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious cancers worldwide. Recognising what are the early symptoms of lung cancer can save lives by enabling early diagnosis and treatment. Understanding lung cancer causes and signs of lung cancer helps in better prevention and management. The question many ask is, is lung cancer curable? While challenges exist, early detection and expert care improve outcomes significantly. Our experienced oncologists in Ranchi provide personalised diagnostics and treatments to offer the best chances of survival and quality of life.

Synopsis

What Is Lung Cancer?
How Lung Cancer Develops
Causes and Signs of Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Causes
Signs of Lung Cancer
Treatment and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Is Lung Cancer Curable?
Modern Treatment Approaches
Early Symptoms Versus Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Why Consult Our Oncologists in Ranchi?

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs, impairing breathing and spreading to other organs if untreated.

It primarily falls into two major types:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Understanding what are the early symptoms of lung cancer helps patients seek prompt medical advice, which is critical because lung cancer often manifests subtly in early stages.

How Lung Cancer Develops

Lung cancer develops when genetic mutations cause lung cells to multiply uncontrollably. These cells form tumours that can interfere with lung function and metastasise. Exposure to carcinogens, tobacco smoke, pollution, and genetic predisposition are the main factors. Our oncologists in Ranchi emphasise early screening, especially for high-risk individuals, including smokers and those with a family history.

Causes and Signs of Lung Cancer

Comprehending lung cancer causes helps in prevention and risk mitigation. Tobacco smoking remains the primary cause worldwide, responsible for nearly 85% of cases.

Exposure to secondhand smoke, harmful gases like radon, environmental pollutants, and occupational chemicals such as asbestos significantly increases cancer risk. Genetic predisposition also plays a role in susceptibility. Our oncologists in Ranchi advise individuals, especially smokers and those with occupational exposures, to undergo regular health checkups and lung screenings to catch cancer before it progresses.

Lung Cancer Causes

Smoking tobacco (primary cause)
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Radon gas exposure
Occupational hazards (asbestos, chemicals)
Air pollution
Genetic factors

Signs of Lung Cancer

Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer	Description
Persistent cough	A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens
Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum	A clear warning sign of lung abnormalities
Chest pain	Often worsened by deep breathing, coughing
Hoarseness	Changes in voice due to nerve involvement
Shortness of breath	Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Recurrent respiratory infections	Bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t heal
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue	Systemic effects are common in advanced stages

Our oncologists in Ranchi are trained to distinguish these early symptoms from other respiratory illnesses for prompt intervention.

Recognising what are the early symptoms of lung cancer is critical since early detection greatly impacts treatment success. Early signs can often be subtle and mistaken for common respiratory conditions. Persistent cough or changes in an existing cough lasting more than three weeks should prompt a medical evaluation. Coughing up blood, although alarming, is a less frequent but very important symptom. Shortness of breath or unexplained chest discomfort also warrants immediate attention. Recognising these symptoms early and consulting oncologists in Ranchi can lead to a timely diagnosis, improving survival chances significantly.

Treatment and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Diagnosis

Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans to detect tumours
Sputum Cytology: Examining mucus for cancer cells
Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm cancer type and stage
PET Scan: To check metastasis

Treatment Options

Treatment Method	Description	Suitability
Surgery	Removal of the tumour or affected lung tissue	Early-stage NSCLC
Radiation Therapy	Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells	Inoperable tumours or adjunct
Chemotherapy	Drugs to destroy cancer cells	Advanced-stage or SCLC
Targeted Therapy	Drugs targeting cancer-specific mutations	Specific genetic profiles
Immunotherapy	Boosts the immune system to attack cancer	Advanced or resistant cancers

Our oncologists in Ranchi create individualised treatment plans, combining modalities for optimal outcomes.

Is Lung Cancer Curable?

The answer depends on the cancer stage at diagnosis. Early-stage lung cancer has much better survival rates with curative treatment. Late-stage cancer is more challenging, but newer therapies, including targeted and immunotherapies, have improved prognosis. Our oncologists in Ranchi strive to maximise each patient’s chance of cure or control, focusing on quality of life and innovative care.

Modern Treatment Approaches

Many patients wonder is lung cancer curable? The answer depends on how early lung cancer is diagnosed and treated. Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) offers the best chance for a cure through surgery, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), while more aggressive, is treated with chemotherapy and radiation to control the disease. Breakthrough therapies in targeted treatment and immunotherapy have dramatically improved prognosis even for advanced disease. Our oncologists in Ranchi specialise in customising treatment plans based on the patient’s cancer type, stage, and overall health status to maximise chances of cure or control while maintaining quality of life.

Early Symptoms Versus Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early Symptoms	Advanced Symptoms
Persistent cough	Bone pain and fractures
Coughing up blood	Neurological symptoms (headache, seizures)
Mild chest discomfort	Significant weight loss
Shortness of breath	Swelling in the face, neck, or arms
Hoarseness	Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Recurrent infections	Difficulty swallowing

Why Consult Our Oncologists in Ranchi?

Expert diagnosis using advanced imaging and biopsy techniques
Personalised and multidisciplinary treatment approaches
Cutting-edge therapies tailored to cancer type and progression
Compassionate patient-centric care with psychosocial support
Continuous follow-up ensuring effective disease management

Being aware of what are the early symptoms of lung cancer, understanding lung cancer causes, and knowing the answer to is lung cancer curable empowers patients to seek timely care. Our dedicated oncologists in Ranchi ensure patients receive accurate diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment, and holistic support throughout their journey.