What are the causes and consequences of lung cancer, and how does it impact lung function?

Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

Answered

Lung cancer is a serious health condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Understanding its causes, consequences, and impact on lung function is essential for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Causes of Lung Cancer

1. Cigarette Smoking:
   • Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 90% of cases. Tobacco smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens that damage lung cells and lead to mutations. The risk increases significantly with the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
2. Secondhand Smoke:
   • Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases the risk of developing lung cancer, even in non-smokers .
3. Environmental Factors:
   • Radon Gas: This naturally occurring radioactive gas can accumulate in homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It poses a significant risk, especially for smokers .
   • Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air, particularly fine particulate matter, has been linked to increased lung cancer risk.
4. Occupational Exposures:
   • Certain occupations expose workers to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, arsenic, cadmium, and nickel. These exposures significantly increase lung cancer risk, particularly among smokers .
5. Genetic Factors:
   • A family history of lung cancer can elevate an individual’s risk. Genetic predispositions may interact with environmental factors to increase susceptibility.
6. Other Risk Factors:
   • Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and previous lung infections can also heighten the risk of developing lung cancer .

Consequences of Lung Cancer

1. Respiratory Symptoms:
   • Common symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. These symptoms often worsen as the disease progresses.
2. Metastasis:
   • Lung cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands, leading to additional complications and symptoms such as pain and neurological issues .
3. Treatment Side Effects:
   • Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause significant side effects including lung damage, inflammation, loss of lung function, and difficulty breathing. Long-term effects may include chronic respiratory issues and cardiotoxicity.
4. Impact on Quality of Life:
   • The physical limitations imposed by lung cancer symptoms can lead to decreased quality of life, including psychological impacts such as anxiety and depression .

Impact on Lung Function

1. Decreased Lung Capacity:
   • As lung cancer progresses, it can lead to structural changes in the lungs that reduce overall lung capacity and function. This can manifest as decreased forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which is a critical measure of lung function .
2. Obstruction of Airways:
   • Tumors can obstruct airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs effectively. This obstruction contributes to symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
3. Increased Risk of Other Respiratory Diseases:
   • Patients with lung cancer may experience recurrent respiratory infections or complications such as pneumonia due to compromised lung function and immune response .
4. Long-Term Respiratory Issues Post-Treatment:
   • Survivors may face long-lasting effects on lung function due to treatments that damage healthy lung tissue or alter normal respiratory mechanics