Breakthrough Lung Cancer Treatments for 2024 (see below)

Lung cancer is a disease that begins in small lung tissues. In many cases, it first forms in the cells of a person's airways. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for both female and male cancer patients. However, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. These are the newest FDA-approved lung cancer treatments that have doctors most excited:

Causes of Lung Cancer

Most cases of the disease are linked to smoking. In fact, about 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Lung cancer can even be caused by passive smoking. An estimated 3,000 people die each year in the United States from secondhand smoke. There are other causes of lung cancer besides tobacco. For example, air pollution is known to be linked to the disease. The risks of air pollution are similar to those of passive smoking. Exposure to asbestos fibers and radon gas can also cause lung cancer. Scientists also suspect that genetics may play a role in the disease.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Most people do not have symptoms of lung cancer until the disease progresses. Many patients are diagnosed unintentionally. This often happens when a chest X-ray is done for other medical reasons. When people do develop symptoms, they are a direct effect of the primary tumor. According to research on lung cancer, these symptoms can also be caused by malignant diseases of the blood or hormones.

Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. A new cough in smokers and former smokers should be a cause for concern. In this case, it is best for the doctor to run a battery of tests. People should also see a doctor if they experience a persistent cough – this is especially important if the cough becomes worse over time. People with lung cancer often cough up blood. Therefore, coughing up blood is another lung cancer symptom to be concerned about. Some people with lung cancer do not have chest pain. Those who have this symptom describe it as a dull, stabbing pain that never seems to go away. Shortness of breath is another common symptom because it occurs when there is a blockage in the lungs.

Overview of Lung Cancer Treatment

The treatment of lung cancer depends on whether it is small cell cancer or non-small cell cancer. The treatment of each type of lung cancer is different. Doctors take many factors into consideration when developing a treatment plan. Therefore, they consider the person's overall health as well as the stage of the cancer. The most common treatments for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment of secondary symptoms such as chest pain also varies from patient to patient.

Surgical Treatment

During surgery, the surgeon removes the cancerous part of the lung. However, the surgeon must also remove a margin of healthy tissue. Some patients need to undergo another surgery called a pneumonectomy, which is the removal of an entire lung. Lung surgery carries some serious risks. Therefore, it is not always the best option for treating lung cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. For this purpose, medications may be given intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy is often used as a first-line treatment. Treatment cycles usually last about a month and can be physically demanding. Therefore, this approach is generally not recommended for patients who are in particularly poor health.

Radiation

During radiation therapy, doctors use high-energy rays. These rays are designed to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy -- especially when doctors cannot remove the tumor with surgery.