Having talked about non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its types, now we are focusing on the causes and symptoms of NSCLC. A number of factors are responsible for developing lung cancer. Among the various causes, the most prominent one is smoking cigarettes or being exposed to secondhand smoke.
Here, we list the main causes of NSCLC:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Exposure to asbestos and certain paints
- Exposure to chemical radon
Though one may not be able to completely prevent NSCLC, but taking certain precautions can reduce it. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent it. Get your tests done and consult your doctor.
Symptoms of NSCLC:
NSCLC does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms can include these:
Chest Pain- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathing Problems
- Weakness
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
When it gets spread to distant organs, one may face:
- Bone pain
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Lumps near the surface of the body
Diagnosis of NSCLC
For diagnosing NSCLC, a variety of tests are done by doctors. Some of the these may include:
- Bone scan
- MRI, CT Scan
- Microscopic examination of sputum
- Biopsy of lung
Depending on the diagnosis of cancer, cancer is staged. NSCLC has five stages from Stage 0 to Stage IV and Stage IV is typically not curable.
Treatment of NSCLC
Based on the stage of disease, your health, stage of cancer, and other factors, treatment of NSCLC varies. You should talk to your doctor to find out the best treatment option for you. early stages may be treated with surgery. Chemotherapy is another way to treat lung cancer. It uses medications to kill cancer cells. Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
To wrap up, some people with NSCLC are successfully treated and live on their normal lives. On the other hand, late detection and delayed treatment can make it difficult to recover from NSCLC. So, it’s crucial to early detect and treat NSCLC.