Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
11 August, 2023
4 Shares
466 Reads
Share
Cancer occurs when the cells in your body divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours and hampering the normal functioning of that organ. Advancements in medical science and early diagnosis can allow a person to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
As of 2020, of all types of cancers, the three most fatal cancers are lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer. So, let's discuss the causes of lung cancer, symptoms of lung cancer, and lung cancer treatment.
Lung Cancer Causes
Lungs are two pairs of spongy appendages that lie above the diaphragm in the chest cavity and help filter the oxygen from the air we breathe in and exhale the carbon dioxide produced in our body through metabolism. It is one of the vital organs for our survival.
The Common Causes of Lung Cancer are:
1. Smoking
2. Constant exposure to chemical substances like radon, diesel exhausts, and asbestos
3. Air pollution
4. Passive or second-hand smoking
5. Genetics
6. Previous radiation therapy
There are 2 Common Types of Lung Cancer:
· Small cell lung cancer is prevalent among heavy smokers
· Non-small cell lung cancer consists of other categories of lung cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
At its earliest stages, signs of lung cancer are almost absent, which is one reason it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Some Symptoms of Lung Cancer that you should be Aware of are:
1. Shortness of breath or wheezing
2. Constant coughing that doesn’t go away even after 2-3 weeks
3. Chest pain that worsens when the person laughs or takes deep breaths
4. Hoarse voice
5. Spitting phlegm or blood
6. Weakness that doesn’t subside
7. Loss of appetite
8. Weight loss
9. Respirator infections that occur recurrently
These were early stage cancer symptoms, but they can happen at later stages. Below are mentioned some late stages of lung cancer symptoms:
1. Lumps occurring in the neck and collarbone region
2. Pain in back, shoulder, ribs, and hips
3. Headaches
4. Dizziness
5. Finger clubbing
6. Balance issues
7. Swelling in face
8. Lack of perspiration in one half of the face
The tumour can often secrete certain hormones that cause secondary diseases like Paraneoplastic syndrome and Horner syndrome.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. After the initial consultation, the doctor can conduct specific tests like:
· Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, PET Scan or CT-Scan
· Sputum cytology
· Bronchoscopy
· Biopsy
Stages of Lung Cancer
Cancers are divided into stages, depending on the tumour’s spread. Staging helps doctors determine the treatment plan.
Stage 1: It is found in the lung and has not spread to the outside.
Stage 2: Tumours are in the lungs and adjoining lymph nodes.
Stage 3: Cancerous cells in the lung and lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. It is further divided into two steps:
· Stage 3A: Cancerous cells are found in lymph nodes on the side of the lungs where it was first found.
· Stage 3B: Cancerous cells are found in lymph nodes on the other side of the lung from where they started.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to both lungs, areas surrounding the lungs, and even in other organs.
Lung Cancer Treatment
The type and stage of lung cancer determine the treatment method that your oncologist would undertake. Doctors can often use a combination of treatments depending on a person’s overall health, age, and co-morbidity. Those suffering from advanced stages of lung cancer can also be provided palliative care.
Treatment for Non-Small Cell Cancer
As per the American Cancer Society, treatment for NSCLC can be conducted via the following processes:
· Surgery
· Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)
· Radiation therapy
· Chemotherapy
· Targeted Drug therapy
· Immunotherapy
Treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer
· Chemotherapy
· Immunotherapy
· Radiation therapy
· Surgery
Other Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
Apart from treatments suggested by your oncologist and pulmonologist, there are certain home remedies, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications which can provide a certain comfort.
· Massage: It helps relieve pain and related stress and anxiety
· Acupuncture: Provides relief from pain, nausea, and vomiting
· Meditation: Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety
· Yoga: Helps with breathing problems and leads to a better quality of sleep
· Healthy Diet: Have small and frequent meals; drink mint and ginger tea, and avoid spicy food
Niva Bupa Provides a Blanket of Safety for Those Fighting Lung Cancer
Having family and financial support is important when fighting a deadly disease like lung cancer. Cancer treatments are readily available, but it is also costly. Niva Bupa’s CritiCare- Critical Illness Insurance Policy can provide the right economic support. Insurance coverage is available from ₹3 lakhs up to ₹3 crores, and the premium amount starts at ₹12,521 per year.
By getting this health insurance, individuals can safeguard themselves from financial constraints due to lung cancer. Niva Bupa provides direct claim settlement.
Secure your Health with comprehensive insurance plans from Niva Bupa
Health Insurance - Health Insurance | Medical Insurance | Best Health Insurance Plans | Health Insurance Plans | Health Insurance Policy | Best Health Insurance Plans | Best Family Health Insurance | Best Mediclaim Policy | Best Health Insurance In India | Best Medical Insurance In India | Best Health Insurance Plans In India | Best Health Insurance Policy In India | Mediclaim | Best Health Insurance For Senior Citizens In India | Best Health Insurance | Health Insurance With Opd Cover | Mediclaim Insurance | Medical Insurance Plans | Best Health Insurance Company in India | Critical Illness Insurance | Personal Accident Insurance | Mediclaim Policy | Individual Health Insurance | Pregnancy Insurance | Maternity Insurance | Best Family Health Insurance plans in India | Best Health Insurance company | Family Health Insurance | Best Health Insurance plans for Senior Citizens | Mediclaim Policy for Family
Health Insurance Schemes - Chief Ministers Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme | Employee State Insurance Scheme | Swasthya Sathi Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna | Government Health Insurance Scheme | Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna | Health Insurance Deductible | West Bengal Hcovealth Scheme | Third Party Administrator | Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana | In Patient Vs Out Patient Hospitalization | Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Yojna | Arogya Sanjeevani Health Insurance | Copay Health Insurance | Cashless Health Insurance Scheme | Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojna
Travel Insurance - Travel Insurance | International Travel Insurance | Student Travel Insurance | Travel Insurance USA | Travel Insurance Canada | Travel Insurance Thailand | Travel Insurance Germany | Travel Insurance Dubai | Travel Insurance Bali | Travel Insurance Australia | Travel Insurance Schengen | Travel Insurance Singapore | Travel Insurance UK | Travel Insurance Vietnam | Malaysia Tourist Places | Thailand Visa for Indians | Canada Visa for Indians | Bali Visa for Indians | ECR and Non ECR Passport | Qatar Visa Status | USA Visa | Vietnam Visa | USA H1B Work Visa
Become an agent - Insurance Agent | Insurance Advisor | Licensed Insurance Agent | Health Insurance Consultant | POSP Insurance Agent
Group Health Insurance - Startup Health Insurance | Commercial Health Insurance | Corporate insurance vs personal insurance | Group Personal Accident Insurance
Top Hospitals - Best Hospitals in Chennai | Top Hospitals in Delhi | Best Hospitals in Gurgaon | Best Hospitals in India | Top 10 Hospitals in India | Best Hospitals in Hyderabad | Best Hospitals in Kolkata | Best cancer hospitals in Bangalore | Best cancer hospitals in Hyderabad | Best cancer hospitals in Mumbai | Best cancer hospitals in India | Top 10 cancer hospitals in India | Top 10 cancer hospital in Delhi | Multi Speciality Hospitals in Mumbai | Multi Speciality Hospitals in Chennai | Multi Speciality Hospitals in Hyderabad | Super Speciality Hospitals in Delhi | Best Liver Hospitals in Delhi | Best Liver Hospitals in India | Best Kidney Hospitals in India | Best Heart hospitals in Bangalore | Best Heart hospitals in India | Best Heart hospitals in Kolkata | Best Heart hospitals in Delhi
Others - Top Up Health Insurance Policy | Corporate Health Insurance | Health Card | Section 80d of Income Tax Act | Ayushman Bharat | Health Insurance Portability | GoActive Family Floater Plan | Health Companion Family Floater Plan | Health Premia Family Floater Plan | Health Pulse Family Floater Plan | Health Recharge Family Floater Plan | Heartbeat Family Floater Plan | Money Saver Family Floater Plan | Saral Suraksha Bima Family Floater Plan | Senior Citizen Family Floater Plan | Super Saver Family Floater Plan | Corona Kavach Family Floater Plan | Hospital Cash Insurance | Cashless Health Insurance | Health Companion Price revision | Heartbeat Price revision | ReAssure Price revision
Health & Wellness - PCOD | PCOD Problems Symptoms | Stomach Infection | Stomach Infection symptoms | Home remedies for Stomach Infection | Hypertension definition | How to Control Sugar | Typhoid in Hindi | Blood sugar symptoms | Typhoid symptoms in hindi | Low sugar symptoms | ब्लड शुगर के लक्षण | pregnancy me kya kare | Open heart surgery cost | Blood infection symptoms in hindi | BP badhne ke karan | Khansi ka gharelu upay | Omicron | Coronavirus Health Insurance | Covid XE Variant | Norovirus
www.nivabupa.com
+91 11 41743397
1860-500-8888
3rd Floor, Capital Cyberscape, Sector 59, Gurgaon
- Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation. Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited) (IRDAI Registration Number 145, Category:Health), 'Bupa' and 'HEARTBEAT' logo are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are being used by Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited) under license. CIN: U66000DL2008PLC182918
- 1 Niva Bupa processes pre-authorisation requests within 30 minutes for all active policies, subject to receiving all documents and information(s) up to Niva Bupa’s satisfaction. The above commitment does not include pre-authorisation settlement at the time of discharge or system outage.
- 2 Since Inception refers to claim data from 2010 till December 2023.
- 3 ReAssure 2.0 Premium: The premium is including taxes and for Bronze Variant, for a 25-year-old individual living in Delhi.
- 4 Aspire Premium: The premium is including taxes and for Gold+ Variant, for a 25-year-old individual living in Delhi.
- 5 Senior First Premium: The premium is including taxes and for Gold Variant, for a 65-year-old individual living in Delhi.
- 6 Health Premia Premium: The premium is including taxes and for Silver Variant, for a 25-year-old individual living in Delhi.
- 7 SmartHealth + Disease Management Premium: The premium is including taxes and for Disease Management Gold Variant rider when bought with ReAssure 2.0 Bronze variant with Base Sum Insured of 5 lacs, for a 25-year-old individual living in Delhi.
- Beware of spurious / fraud phone calls! Do not share your confidential information like Debit / credit card number, Internet Banking User ID/Password, Pin, CVV, OTP, etc. with anyone. Avoid clicking on attachments / payment link received in mails / message from unknown sources. IRDAI is not involved in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investment or premium. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint. Do not respond to unsolicited and attractive offers received through unidentified calls, emails, SMSs, and other social media platforms. Beware of misleading telephone calls from people posing as Niva Bupa officials, agents, IRDAI Officials, Officials from ECI (Office of the Executive Council of Insurers) etc. and offering alluring benefits or sharing false information on your policy or on Niva Bupa. Niva Bupa shall not be responsible for any loss or damages whatsoever for any acts or omissions arising out of such spurious calls, and all customers are advised to contact our customer care at 1860-500-8888 and verify any representations or promises made by any such spurious callers before acting upon the same.