There are several different types of lung cancer which are mainly divided into two main groups. Let’s study about them in brief:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This type of lung cancer can be found in individuals at the rate of 80 to 85 percent. They contain subtypes including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. We explain the subtypes below to gain your understanding about it.

• Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent subtype which typically arises in the outer region of the lungs and makes mucus called epithelial cells. This majorly found on the person who smokes and also affects the non smoker. Women are the most affected with this subtype than men and mostly seen in the younger people.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It originates in the lining of the bronchial tubes and is also linked to smoking. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in squamous cells that are flat and situated inside of the lungs where we breathe.
• Large cell carcinoma: It is a less common subtypes of NSCLC. But it can spread and grow very fast other than any subtypes, making it hard to cure. It can show up anywhere in the lungs.

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Small cell lung cancer, which is like a smaller part of all lung cancers, grows really fast and spreads quicker than another kind called non-small cell lung cancer. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to get it, and it usually starts in the breathing tubes called bronchi. This type of cancer is known for being really aggressive, growing fast, and spreading to other parts of the body early on.

Besides the main categories, lung cancer can also be sorted based on tiny changes in certain genes like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF. These changes affect how the cancer is treated and how well someone might do.

There are lots of different things that can cause lung cancer such as genes and stuff that are hazardous around you. It is important for you to understand all the causes, so you can stop it early and prevent it from getting worse. Here are some of the other causes that are related for lung cancer:

• Tobacco Smoking: Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of cases, due to the carcinogens present in tobacco smoke.
• Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, underscoring the importance of smoke-free environments.
• Radon Gas: Inhalation of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the ground, is another significant risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
• Occupational Hazards: Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel in certain occupations like mining, construction, and industrial settings heightens the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
• Air Pollution: Prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide, can contribute to lung cancer development, especially in densely populated urban areas.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations, such as those in the EGFR and KRAS genes, can predispose individuals to lung cancer, though these cases are relatively rare compared to those caused by environmental factors.

Professionals utilise different kinds of tools and techniques to accurately diagnose your lung cancer and their cells inside the lungs. Here are some essential methods which are commonly used in the diagnostic process:

1. Imaging Studies: To provide the detailed picture of lungs doctors used special imaging techniques which includes X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. It enables doctors to find any abnormalities or indications of lung cancer.

2. Biopsy: In biopsy, doctors can remove a small tissue of lung and examine it in a microscope. With the help of this tool, doctors can confirm the presence of cancer cells and know about which type and stage of lung cancer you have.

3. Sputum Cytology: This test can be used for detecting cancerous cells by examining the mucus coughed up from the lungs. Sputum cytology can not be accurate in comparison to biopsy but it can be helpful to find out lung cancer even if it is hard to get tissue samples.
4.  Bronchoscopy: During a bronchoscopy, doctors use a skinny tube with a tiny camera on it. They put it into your nose or mouth and down into your lungs. This helps them see inside your airways and take little pieces of tissue to check for cancer.
5. PET Scan: PET scans  can spot bad cells in your body by showing where they are the busiest. These scans are important because they help doctors figure out how far the bad stuff has spread and if treatments are working.

Lung cancer is still the most prevalent and deadly form of cancer all over the world. To know about its symptoms can help you to detect it early and treat the disease before becoming a major issue. However, you don’t notice the symptoms in its early stage and also depends on what type of cancer you are suffering from, but it is important to know about it to recognise in its early stage:

• Persistent cough: Often chronic and worsens over time.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing or wheezing.
• Chest pain: Persistent discomfort or tightness in the chest region.
• Unexplained weight loss: Dramatic and unintentional weight reduction.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness.
• Coughing up blood: Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood or bloody mucus.

The procedure of cancer immunotherapy for lung cancer can be of three days at Global Regenex. For your knowledge, we will explain the procedure from day 1 to the end.

Day 1

1. Taking you from the airport and dropping you at the hospital.
2. Doctors will ask you about your condition and clarify all your questions regarding the treatment.
3. Your admission procedure will complete.
4. Doctors do some clinical tests and laboratory tests.
5. You will receive supportive therapy.

Day 2

1. Cancer immunotherapy procedure will start.
2. Additional supportive therapies will be provided
3. Undergoes in some counselling sessions

Day 3

1. Supportive therapies will start to continue.
2. Taking part in physiotherapy sessions.
3. Important paperwork will be done before discharge.
4. See you off at the airport from the hospital.

Note: You have to bring some important things with you which are a valid identification card (Passport/Pan Card/Driving License), and a hard copy of a patient’s medical reports for the admission process.

Lung cancer is the common type of cancer that occurs in lungs when cells inside the lungs change and lead to uncontrolled formation of tumours. These tumours can affect the normal functioning property of an individual and make them difficult to breathe. There are mainly two types which are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The treatment can depend on which type of lung cancer you are suffering from. Let’s learn about the treatment which can be helpful for treating lung cancer:

• Surgery: For early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), surgical resection remains the cornerstone, aiming for complete tumour removal and potential cure.
• Radiation Therapy: Employed as a standalone therapy or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, radiation targets cancer cells with high-energy beams, often used for inoperable tumours or palliative care.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment using cytotoxic drugs aims to destroy cancer cells, commonly used in advanced stages, either alone or alongside surgery or radiation.
• Targeted Therapy: Molecularly targeted drugs focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins within cancer cells, offering more precise and potentially less toxic treatment options.
• Immunotherapy: Harnessing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, immunotherapy has revolutionised lung cancer treatment, particularly in advanced stages, with drugs like checkpoint inhibitors.

From those treatment options, cancer immunotherapy can be more beneficial for the treatment of lung cancer. In this therapy, doctors boost your body’s immune system to target and kill the cancer cells. It is becoming the most preferable therapy to enhance the survival rates to improve quality of life.

What are the stages of lung cancer?

Ans: Stage of a lung cancer based on the size and spread of the tumour. The stages range from 0 to IV, with Stage 0 being the earliest and Stage IV being the most advanced. It helps the patient to determine the treatment plan which helps them to cure in its early stage.

Can lung cancer be prevented?

Ans: Not all lung cancers can be stopped, but there are things you can do to lower your chances. Like not smoking or being around others who do, checking your house for radon, staying away from harmful stuff like asbestos, and keeping yourself healthy.

What are the causes of lung cancer?

Ans: The main reason people get lung cancer is smoking. That means cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. But you can also get it if you’re around someone who’s smoking, or if you’re exposed to things like radon gas, asbestos, or bad air. Sometimes, it can even be because of your genes.

What is the best therapy to cure lung cancer?

Ans: There are several treatment options you can take to cure your lung cancer. Some of them are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, etc. But, one of the best ways to cure it with fewer side effects is cancer immunotherapy. This boosts your body’s immune system to find and kill the cancer cells.

What are the different types of lung cancer?

Ans: There are two main kinds of lung cancer: one is called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the other is called small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common, making up about 85% of cases, while SCLC is scarier because it spreads faster.

Cancer immunotherapy becoming the preferable treatment option to cure lung cancer from its root. The therapy shows less side effects than other therapy and shows promising results that is why people are trusting on it. Cancer immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system against lung cancer, and becomes really hopeful. It either changes how certain immune system parts work or makes immune cells stronger to fight the cancer.

• Improved Survival Rates: One of the most striking benefits of cancer immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment is the notable enhancement in survival rates observed among patients.
• Reduced Toxicity: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy has shown reduced toxicity and fewer adverse effects.
• Long-Term Remission: Another remarkable aspect of cancer immunotherapy is its potential to induce durable responses and long-term remission in some patients.
• Combination Therapies: Scientists are checking out how mixing immunotherapy with other treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy can work even better together. 

Cancer immunotherapy is used by professionals to boost your body’s immune system to make it strong enough to find and fight against cancer cells that are originating in your lungs. The primary mechanism for treating lung cancer is through the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lung cancer cells hide itself from the immune system and use a pathway called immune checkpoint to slip past the guards. That’s why a medicine called immune checkpoint inhibitors can be used to block these secret pathways.

Another mechanism of cancer immunotherapy is the use of monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies target specific antigens which are present on cancer cells. When the antibodies attach to these antigens, they signal the body’s defences to attack the cancer cells and kick them out of the body.

Cancer Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight lung cancer seems like a good idea, training our immune system to attack the bad cells while leaving the good ones alone. This could mean better results for people with lung cancer and might help them feel better for longer.