Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the highest fatality rate among malignant tumors. Individuals who smoke are highly susceptible to the development of lung cancer. However, individuals who have no history of tobacco usage are also susceptible to lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer is correlated with the duration and frequency of tobacco use. Specifically, the longer and more frequently a person smokes, the greater the risk for the development of lung cancer. Therefore, it is feasible to mitigate the hazards of lung cancer by ceasing smoking tobacco, irrespective of the duration of tobacco use.   

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?    

In the primary phases of lung cancer, there are commonly no discernible signs and symptoms. The manifestation of signs and symptoms appears upon the advancement of the disease. Possible signs and symptoms may include cough, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, abrupt decrease in body mass, pains in the bones, and headache.

When is screening necessary?   

Lung cancer screening and consultation with a doctor are necessary where:  

• An individual exhibits apparent symptoms that induce discomfort
• An individual is over 50
• An individual is a tobacco user
• At present, one does not use tobacco; however, during the past 15 years, he/ she has ceased smoking

Etiology of lung cancer 

Approximately 90% of cases of lung cancer can be attributed to the consumption of tobacco products. Non-smokers are also susceptible to developing lung carcinoma. In instances where lung cancer is diagnosed, the etiology of this condition may remain indeterminate.

The inhalation of tobacco leads to detrimental alterations in the functionality of pulmonary cells. The inhalation of tobacco smoke, which is replete with carcinogenic compounds, inflicts harm and changes pulmonary tissue. During the initial phase, the human organism manages to withstand the effects of such damage. However, with continued exposure, numerous healthy pulmonary cells are substantially impaired, ultimately resulting in cellular degeneration and the development of cancer. 

What are the potential risk factors associated with the development of lung cancer?

There exist various risk factors associated with the development of lung cancer, some of which may be managed through lifestyle modifications including the cessation of smoking. However, certain risk factors are inherent, such as genetic predisposition.

Risk factors identified as leading to the development of lung cancer:

Tobacco smoking

The risk of lung cancer increases in direct proportion to the quantity of cigarettes consumed on a daily basis and the length of smoking. Cessation of tobacco use at any stage of life is a highly effective means of reducing the risk of developing lung cancer.

Second-hand/ passive smoking

Despite not being a tobacco user, individuals may face an increased risk of developing lung cancer if they are subjected to the inhalation of tobacco fumes commonly known as second-hand tobacco smoke.

Poisoning with radon gas, asbestos and other carcinogens

Radon is a radioactive element that results from the process of uranium decay and is prevalent in the outer crust of the Earth as well as in water.  Radon may accumulate in buildings, houses, and water sources, ultimately leading to its infiltration into the human body. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing lung cancer is heightened by exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel, particularly in combination with tobacco smoking.

Genetic load

Individuals with a family history of lung cancer involving their parents, siblings, or children exhibit an elevated susceptibility to the development of lung cancer.

Complications

Lung cancer may cause several complications such as:

• Shortness of breath

Individuals afflicted with lung cancer commonly endure dyspnea owing to the obstruction of their airways that ensues from the progressive growth of malignant tumors. Lung cancer may entail the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, leading to impaired lung expansion when breathing in air.

• Bloody sputum

Lung cancer has been observed to induce hemoptysis, a clinical manifestation characterized by the coughing up of bloody sputum from the airways. In certain instances, bleeding may increase, notwithstanding the availability of pharmaceutical products.

• Pain

Advanced stage lung cancer has the propensity to metastasize to other parts of the body and induces pain. If pain is present, its management and mitigation can be achieved through available methods.

• Fluid in the chest

Lung cancer has the potential to induce the accumulation of fluid within the chest region, i.e. pleural cavity. The accumulation of fluid within the pleural cavity stimulates respiratory failure; however, a treatment approach exists wherein the fluid is extracted, and the potential for subsequent accumulation is mitigated.

• Metastasis - the spread of cancer in the body

Metastatic lung cancer disseminates within the body, frequently affecting the body such as the brain and bones. Metastases elicit a range of physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, headaches, etc. In the majority of instances, the curative treatment of lung cancer becomes unfeasible if the cancer has disseminated to other parts of the body. Various therapeutic interventions exist to mitigate the pathological manifestations and symptoms of cancer, thereby augmenting the longevity of the afflicted individual.

Prevention

Although a definitive method to completely prevent lung cancer has yet to be established, it is feasible to potentially mitigate the likelihood of its development:

• Cessation of tobacco use
• Avoiding second-hand smoking
• Checking the level of radon, asbestos and other carcinogens in residential houses and workplace
• Healthy diet – the consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Regular training
• Diagnosis
• Screening of healthy individuals

Individuals with an increased susceptibility to developing lung cancer are advised to undergo low-dose computed tomography (CT) imaging for the early detection of this disease. This type of screening is deemed necessary for individuals who do not have any type of health complaints, but are above 50 years old and possess a considerable background of tobacco usage

Lung cancer diagnosis

In instances where the presence of lung cancer is suspected, a range of diagnostic tests are conducted to detect and evaluate malignant cells within the affected tissues. A potential method of evaluation could be:

• Radiological studies
• Sputum cytology
• Biopsy (tissue sampling)
• Upon the diagnosis of lung cancer and an assessment of its stage, the physician should formulate the most appropriate and efficacious therapeutic approach. 

It is recommended to undergo lung cancer screening if:

• an individual is over 50
• an individual is a tobacco user
• At present, there is no active use of tobacco, but the cessation of smoking occurred within the past 15 years

• At present, there is no manifestation or indication of the presence of lung cancer

In order to register for a low-dose screening, please contact us at the following telephone number: 2 190 190. 

Treatment

The surgical intervention for the treatment of lung cancer. The determination regarding the method of therapy is established in accordance with the overall well-being of the individuals, the malignancy’s progression, and the patient’s preferences.

During the course of surgical intervention, it is imperative to enlist the aid of a multidisciplinary team, such that specialists are involved in each of the relevant domains. The medical team may comprise various specialists, including but not limited to oncologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, thoracic surgeons, and other relevant healthcare professionals, whose participation is crucial in enhancing the overall health status of the patient. 

During lung cancer surgery, it is common practice for the surgeon to perform a resection of the cancerous tissue as well as a segment of healthy tissue. Also, there exists a medical practice wherein the lymph nodes are excised in order to examine the presence of indications of malignancy.

In addition to the surgical intervention, it may be deemed necessary for the patient to undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Pre-operative therapeutic interventions may be required in order to decrease the size of the cancer prior to surgical intervention. It may be a requisite postoperative measure to mitigating the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

Gain insight into the professional background of Davit Giorgadze, the expert in thoracic surgery, and the head of the thoracic surgery service.