Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Lung cancer can develop in the lungs or airways, including the trachea and bronchial tubes. Over time, cancer cells may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. This spread is known as metastasis.
Lung cancer is broadly classified into two main types based on how the cancer cells appear and behave.
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80–85% of all lung cancer cases.
Subtypes include:
Adenocarcinoma (ADC): The most common type, usually develops in the outer parts of the lungs and originates from mucus-producing cells
Squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC): Typically develops in the central part of the lungs, near the bronchial tubes
Large cell carcinoma (LCC): Can occur in any part of the lungs and tends to grow and spread more quickly
Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15–20% of lung cancer cases.
Typically develops in the central part of the lungs
More aggressive and tends to spread rapidly
Strongly associated with smoking
Lung carcinoid tumours are rare, accounting for less than 5% of lung cancer cases.
Usually grow more slowly compared to other types of lung cancer
Lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms often develop as the disease progresses.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and unexplained weight loss.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent cough: A cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks, or a chronic cough that worsens over time
Coughing up blood (haemoptysis) or rust-coloured sputum
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even during normal activities or at rest
Chest pain: Pain that worsens with coughing, laughing or deep breathing
Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing that may persist
Voice changes: Hoarseness or changes in voice
Unexplained weight loss: Sudden weight loss without changes in diet or activity
Loss of appetite
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing (odynophagia)
Lung cancer is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances that damage the cells in the lungs.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but environmental and occupational exposures can also increase risk.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Smoking: The leading cause of lung cancer, including long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
Family history: A family history of lung cancer may increase risk
Occupational and environmental exposure: Exposure to harmful substances such as:
Asbestos
Arsenic
Chromium
Coal dust
Silica
Radon gas
Not all individuals with these risk factors will develop lung cancer, and some people without known risk factors may still be diagnosed.
Lung cancer diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging tests and laboratory procedures to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage.
Lung cancer is diagnosed using imaging tests such as CT scans and PET scans, followed by procedures like bronchoscopy or biopsy to confirm cancer cells.
Imaging tests are often the first step in detecting abnormalities in the lungs:
Chest X-ray: Often the initial test if lung cancer is suspected; may show a visible mass or nodule
Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed images of the lungs, including tumour size, shape and spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: Helps determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or liver
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Used to detect possible spread to the brain or spinal cord
If abnormalities are detected, further tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis:
Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the airway to examine the lungs and collect tissue samples
Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to extract cells from suspicious areas or lymph nodes
Core biopsy: A larger needle is used to remove tissue samples for more detailed analysis
Sputum cytology: A sputum sample is examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells, especially in larger airways
Lung cancer treatment is tailored to each patient based on the type and stage of cancer, tumour size and overall health.
Lung cancer is treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, depending on the condition.
Common treatment options include:
Surgery: To remove the tumour when it is localised
Radiotherapy: To target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas
Chemotherapy: To treat cancer cells throughout the body
Targeted therapy: Uses drugs that specifically target cancer cell mutations
Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells
In many cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Prince Court Medical Centre offers comprehensive lung cancer care through a multidisciplinary approach that combines advanced technology with personalised treatment planning.
Our oncology team integrates treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy to deliver care tailored to each patient’s condition and needs.
One of the key technologies used is the Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator (LINAC), an advanced radiotherapy system designed to deliver highly precise and effective treatment.
Key benefits include:
Precise targeting: Delivers radiation directly to the tumour while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Customised beam shaping: Allows radiation to conform to the shape of the tumour for improved accuracy
Efficient treatment delivery: Shortens treatment time and enhances patient comfort
Enhanced safety: Includes integrated monitoring systems to support a safe and controlled treatment experience
This advanced technology supports improved treatment precision while helping to maintain quality of life during care.
While not all cases of lung cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk. The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and reduce exposure to harmful substances.
Ways to reduce your risk include:
Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products.
Avoid second-hand smoke.
Limit exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium and coal dust.
Test your home for radon gas, especially in high-risk areas.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Prince Court Medical Centre provides comprehensive cancer care focused on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and ongoing patient support.
Our oncology team adopts a multidisciplinary approach to develop personalised treatment plans based on each patient’s condition, treatment goals and overall health.
We are committed to delivering care that balances clinical effectiveness with quality of life, supporting patients throughout their cancer journey.
Book an appointment today to speak to our oncology team at Prince Court Medical Centre to better understand your condition and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
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