Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. The damage caused by lung cancer is severe and can lead to death, as lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. It is important to seek medical care early at the best place for lung cancer treatment to avoid the effects of lung cancer. Treatments at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in Iraq are based on the individual's medical history and the stage of the disease. Early treatment can prevent the progression of lung cancer and its spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of lung cancer:

The underlying cause of lung cancer is an abnormal change in the DNA within lung cells or a mutation that causes the cells to multiply. These mutations can result from various factors, the most common is smoking. Tobacco smoke (from cigarettes, cigars, or passive smoking) contains thousands of carcinogenic chemicals that damage cells and cause immediate changes in lung tissues. Although this damage can initially be repaired, repeated exposure over time will lead to cancer.
Thus, smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 85% of all cases. For non-smokers, causes of lung cancer include exposure to passive smoke, occupational hazards (such as certain chemicals), air pollution, hereditary cancer syndromes, and previous chronic lung diseases. The causes of lung cancer in women are multiple, resulting in a higher number of women dying each year from lung cancer compared to breast and colorectal cancers combined.

Types of lung cancer:

Several types of cancer affect the lungs. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type of lung cancer and grows slowly, accounting for more than 80% of lung cancer cases.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type grows more rapidly and is harder to treat compared to NSCLC, and it is less common. SCLC often presents as a relatively small tumor in the lung and may spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is the most dangerous type of lung cancer.

Stages of lung cancer:

• Stage 0: Cancer is present in the upper lining of the lung or bronchi and has not spread to other parts of the lung or outside the lung.
• Stage I: Cancer has not spread outside the lung.
• Stage II: Cancer is larger than in stage I, may have spread to the lymph nodes in the lung, or there are multiple tumors in the same lobe of the lung.
• Stage III: Cancer is larger than in stage II and may have spread to lung nodules or nearby lymph nodes, or there are multiple tumors in different lobes of the same lung.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the other lung, to the fluid surrounding the lung, to the fluid surrounding the heart, or to distant organs. This stage represents the final stages of lung cancer.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Symptoms of lung cancer in children and adults indicate a problem with the lungs. The most serious and common symptoms of lung cancer include:
• A persistent cough that does not go away.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cough up blood.
• Hoarseness.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Shoulder pain.
• Frequent pneumonia infections.
Early lung cancer symptoms may be mild or dismissed as common respiratory issues, leading to delayed diagnosis, as most early lung cancer symptoms resemble those of less serious conditions. Many people do not show symptoms of early lung cancer until the disease reaches an advanced stage, but some individuals may exhibit symptoms in the early stages.

Symptoms of advanced lung cancer:

• Shortness of breath.
• Pain.
• Coughing.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Confusion.
• Severe weakness and fatigue.
• Lack of interest in eating or drinking.
• Insomnia.
• Gurgling sounds in the throat or upper chest when breathing.
• Rapid breathing or pauses between breaths.

Symptoms of lung cancer in women:

Just as heart attack symptoms differ in men and women, lung cancer signs can vary. This is because men and women are prone to different types of lung cancer, each causing its specific symptoms.
Since men are more likely to develop central airway lung cancer, the initial symptoms of lung cancer in men often include chronic cough or hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Early symptoms of lung cancer in women often do not include cough, as their tumors tend to grow in the periphery of the lungs rather than in the large airways.

What are the first signs of lung cancer?

A persistent cough or recurrent pneumonia after treatment is an early sign of lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer in smokers may include a continuous or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss. Depending on where the cancer starts in the lungs, some of these symptoms can occur early (in stages I and II), but they often do not appear until the cancer has progressed to later stages.

Lung cancer prevention:

Prevention aims to prevent the initial onset of lung cancer. Therefore, not smoking tobacco or quitting smoking is the best way to prevent lung cancer. Other risk factors to avoid include:
• Passive smoke.
• Air pollution.
• Occupational hazards, such as chemicals.
Preventive measures include quitting smoking, promoting smoke-free environments, tobacco control, addressing occupational hazards, reducing air pollution levels, and raising awareness about lung cancer.

Early detection of lung cancer:

After the establishment of a specialized clinic providing free early screenings for lung diseases at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI)  in Karbala, a program for free early detection of lung cancer was launched with the support of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine and under the supervision of a specialized team from the University of Liverpool, following direct guidance from the representative of the supreme religious authority, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalaei.
The early detection program for lung cancer includes screening methods aimed at identifying the disease in its early stages before symptoms appear. It can be recommended for individuals at high risk. For this high-risk group, early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and improve outcomes. The primary screening method for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).
Genetic predisposition to lung diseases varies from family to family; therefore, the staff at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) advises individuals with relatives diagnosed with lung cancer to undergo regular screenings, similar to recommendations for smokers.

The difference between pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer:

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by damage and scarring in the lung tissues, making them thick and stiff, which impairs their normal function. In contrast, lung cancer involves abnormal cell growth within the lung tissues, often occurring in the cells lining the airways. Lung cancer is marked by the uncontrolled spread of cancerous cells, leading to the formation of tumors that obstruct the breathing process.

The difference between benign and malignant lung tumors:

Several points clarify the difference between benign and malignant lung tumors, including:
• The smaller the nodules, the more likely they are to be benign.
• Benign nodules often do not grow, and if they do, they grow very slowly. Cancerous nodules, on the other hand, double in size every four months or less on average.
• Another distinction between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules is the presence of calcium within them. If calcium is present, it appears white on a CT scan. Benign nodules may contain calcium, while malignant nodules typically do not.
• Additionally, benign lung tumors are generally smoother and have a more regular shape. Malignant nodules often have irregular shapes and rougher surfaces.

Symptoms of benign lung tumors:

Most people with benign lung tumors do not exhibit any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Mild cough that persists for a long time.
• Shortness of breath.
• Discomfort in the chest.
• Wheezing.
• A crackling sound in the lungs.
• Coughing up blood.

Lung cancer diagnosis:

Methods for diagnosing lung cancer include:
• Physical examination.
• Lung imaging (such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI).
• Bronchoscopy to examine the interior of the lung.
• Tissue biopsy for pathological examination to determine the specific subtype (NSCLC or SCLC).
• Lung cancer test, which involves tumor markers that are typically present at very low levels in healthy adults but found in higher concentrations in lung cancer patients. These are often used for early diagnosis of recurrence and monitoring treatment.
• Immunostaining is used to diagnose malignant lung tumors (both primary and secondary).
• Genetic testing in the laboratory at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) to identify specific genetic mutations, including EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, to determine responsiveness to lung cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapy. This aids in guiding the best treatment options and accelerating the healing journey from cancer. Warith International Cancer Institute provides the first-of-its-kind NGS device in Iraq, which conducts a genetic analysis package for lung tumors, consisting of 16 genetic tests.

Lung cancer treatment in Iraq:

The best doctors for lung cancer treatment in Iraq work together to provide care and treatment for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage of progression, and the patient's medical history. Early detection of lung cancer can lead to better treatments and outcomes. The leading institution in Iraq for cancer treatment offers the latest therapies for lung cancer.
Lung cancer treatments include:
• Surgical treatment for lung cancer.
• Radiotherapy for lung cancer.
• Chemotherapy for lung cancer.
• Targeted therapy for lung cancer.
• Immunotherapy for lung cancer is known as biological therapy.
• Palliative care for lung cancer is essential and aims to control symptoms, alleviate pain, and provide psychological support, thereby improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Stages of care for lung cancer patients:

1. Early-stage disease:

The primary treatment for early-stage lung cancer (i.e., when the tumor is confined to the lung and has not spread to distant organs or lymph nodes) is surgical resection through procedures such as lobectomy or segmentectomy. Adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery) can help reduce tumor size, making surgical removal more successful. Adjuvant therapy is often recommended after surgery to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. In cases where surgery is not possible, radiotherapy can be used as the primary treatment. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy may also be considered based on specific tumor characteristics discussed with the specialized team at the best cancer treatment institution in Iraq.

2. The final stages of lung cancer:

• The treatment for metastatic lung cancer, where the cancer has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes, depends on various factors, including the patient’s overall health, the extent and location of metastases, tissue characteristics, genetic profile, disease status, and individual preferences.
• The primary goal of treatment at this stage is to prolong survival, alleviate symptoms, and improve the quality of life. Various treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, play a critical role in managing metastatic lung cancer.
• Chemotherapy is often the first-line treatment for the majority of patients and involves the use of lung cancer drugs that circulate throughout the body to kill cancer cells. Combined chemotherapy regimens are commonly used. The choice of drugs depends on factors such as the histological type of cancer and the patient's overall health conditions.

Symptoms of chemotherapy for lung cancer:
The side effects of chemotherapy for lung cancer include:
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Severe fatigue.
• Increased risk of infections.
• Easy bruising and bleeding.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Hair loss.
•Targeted therapy, designed to block the signaling pathways that drive cancer cell growth, is the best lung cancer treatment for patients with specific genetic mutations or biomarkers in their tumor.
• Recent advancements in immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. These drugs help stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Local treatments, such as radiation therapy and surgery, can be used to control specific metastatic sites or relieve symptoms caused by tumor growth.

Is lung cancer a fatal disease? Are there cases that have been cured of lung cancer?

Many people wonder if lung cancer can be cured. Achieving recovery from lung cancer is possible when seeking treatment at the best cancer hospital in Iraq, which has top medical staff. The lifespan of a lung cancer patient varies based on:
• The stage of cancer at diagnosis, which includes its size and whether it has spread.
• The type of cancer, meaning the kind of cell from which the cancer originated.
• Overall health and fitness. The fitter a patient is, the better he or she can cope with and respond to treatment.
Warith International Cancer Institute provides the latest global treatments as a free service for children under 15 years old, as the cost of lung cancer surgery can be prohibitively high.

My experience with lung cancer:

• Wilms tumor, also known as kidney cancer in children, is a type of kidney cancer that occurs in childhood. It is characterized by the formation of a malignant tumor in the kidney, which can spread to other areas, such as the lungs.
Although the spread of kidney cancer to the lung can be an additional challenge, this does not mean losing hope; especially within the best oncology treatment facility in Iraq.
• This patient had intermediate-stage lung cancer. Treatment was performed with radiotherapy, in addition to chemotherapy. The success of the treatment was documented by imaging the patient's results, where the PET-CT scan showed a complete response to the treatment. Immunotherapy was also recommended for a full year after achieving a complete response to the treatment to reduce the risk of the disease recurrence.