Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the lung, originating from the trachea, bronchial mucosa, or glands. Based on histopathological characteristics, it is primarily classified into non-small cell lung cancer (including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.) and small cell lung cancer. The disease is not contagious but exhibits a certain degree of familial aggregation and genetic susceptibility. Common causes include smoking, occupational exposure, and air pollution.

Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer remain high and are continuously rising. Among male malignant tumors, both its incidence and mortality rank first.

The clinical symptoms of lung cancer are closely related to the tumor size, type, stage of development, location, presence of complications, and metastasis. Common manifestations include cough, blood-streaked sputum, wheezing, and chest pain. In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, and some patients are diagnosed incidentally during routine health check-ups.

Treatment methods for lung cancer mainly include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis varies depending on factors such as tumor type, stage, patient age, and gender. In terms of prevention and control, key measures include smoking cessation, avoidance of relevant occupational and environmental exposures, and regular health check-ups.

With the advancement of biomedical technology and in-depth research, significant progress has been made in understanding the etiology of lung cancer and in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. For example, genetic testing can identify driver gene alterations such as EGFR mutations, ALK and ROS1 gene fusions, facilitating personalized targeted therapy. Meanwhile, the application and promotion of early screening technologies, such as low-dose spiral CT, are of great significance for improving the early diagnosis rate of lung cancer and enhancing patients' quality of life.