Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a tumour formed by mutated cancer cells that grow uncontrollably in the lungs. Lung cancer begins in the lungs or airways (trachea and bronchus) and may spread to the lymph nodes or other organs. This spread of cancerous cells from one organ to another is known as metastasis (metastatic lung cancer).
Types of Lung Cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Accounts for 80-85% of lung cancers
- Subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma (ADC): Most common, typically begins in the outer parts of the lungs in cells that produce mucous.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SQCC): Typically begins in the central part of the lungs near the bronchial tubes.
- Large Cell Carcinoma (LCC): Can occur anywhere in the lungs and tends to grow and spread more rapidly than other subtypes.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
- Accounts for 15-20% of lung cancers
- More aggressive, often starts in the central parts of the lung
- Spreads quickly to other parts of the body
- Smoking is a major risk factor
Lung Carcinoid Tumours
- Less than 5% of lung cancer cases.
- Generally grow slowly
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer does not usually present with any symptoms in the initial stages. Lung cancer symptoms develop as the disease progresses.
- Persistent Cough
- Persistent cough for more than 2-3 weeks
- Chronic cough that gets worse
- Rust-coloured sputum
- Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty breathing even at rest
- Trouble breathing after normal activities (e.g., climbing stairs, moving groceries)
- Pain:
- Pain worsens with coughing, laughing, or deep breaths
- Wheezing
- Whistling sound when breathing
- Continual wheezing requires medical attention
- Voice Changes
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Sudden, rapid weight loss without changes in diet or lifestyle
- Loss of appetite
- Odynophagia
- Dysphagia
Causes and Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
- Smoking
- Family history
- Occupational exposure:
- Asbestos
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Coal
- Silica
- Radon gas
Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
Lung cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, biopsies, and laboratory analyses.
- Imaging Tests
- Chest X-rays: Often the first test done if lung cancer is suspected. It can show a visible mass or nodule
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Shows lung tumours’ size, shape, and position and whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Shows whether cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other areas like the bones or liver.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): to look for possible spread of cancer to the brain or spinal cord.
- Further Diagnostic Procedures
- Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is passed down the throat into the lungs. A small camera allows the doctor to visualise the lungs and obtain lung tissue samples from suspicious areas.
- Fine needle aspiration: A syringe with a thin, hollow needle to extract (aspirate) cells and small tissue fragments to examine small masses or lymph nodes around the lungs.
- Core biopsy: Uses a larger needle to remove small cores of tissue. Core biopsy samples are often preferred because they provide larger tissue samples than FNA biopsies.
- Sputum cytology: A sputum sample may be examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This is particularly useful for detecting cancers in larger airways (such as squamous cell carcinoma).
Treatments of Lung Cancer in Malaysia
In the era of precision medicine, cancer treatment has become highly personalised, with treatments tailored to suit the patient's needs. Currently, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the main treatment options for lung cancer, depending on factors such as disease stage, tumour size, and overall health. A combination of these treatments may be recommended for optimal results to kill cancer cells.
Innovative Lung Cancer Treatments at Prince Court Medical Centre
In terms of effective treatment, Prince Court Medical Centre brings hope to lung cancer patients through cutting-edge solutions tailored to individual needs. Our multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care integrates state-of-the-art technology, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy, featuring the Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator (LINAC) to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is a state-of-the-art medical device used in radiotherapy to treat cancer.
● Target cancer cells precisely and minimise damage to surrounding healthy tissue
● The beam-shaping capability ensures that radiation conforms to the tumour’s shape, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue.
● Rapid treatment, reduce treatment time and enhances patient comfort
● Advanced safety features and integrated patient monitoring system ensure a comfortable treatment experience
With the Elekta Versa HD LINAC, patients receive cutting-edge lung cancer treatment that combines precision, efficiency and safety, enhancing both outcomes and a quality of life.
How to prevent lung cancer?
There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, including:
- Quit smoking or using any other tobacco products.
- Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Limit exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances in the workplace such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and coal.
- Test homes for radon gas.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Advanced Cancer Care with Compassion and Precision
Prince Court Medical Centre's Oncology Department offers comprehensive, compassionate cancer care using cutting-edge technology. Our skilled team provides personalised plans and a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring effective therapies and quality of life.
