Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is caused by genetic and environmental factors that lead to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lung tissues. Key mechanisms include:
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Genetic mutations
Mutations in genes such as EGFR, KRAS, and ALK drive cancer progression (Herbst et al., 2008).
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Environmental exposures
Prolonged exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, asbestos, radon,
and air pollution damages lung epithelial cells. -
Chronic inflammation
Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may create an
environment conducive to cancer development (Walser et al., 2008).
Tobacco
The leading cause responsible for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases(Siegel et al., 2022).
Age and Gender
Incidence rises with age and slightly differs in manifestation between men and women.
Environmental exposure
Prolonged exposure to asbestos, secondhand smoke, radon, and air pollution increases risk.
Occupational hazards
Exposure to industrial carcinogens like silica, nickel, or chromium.
Diagnosis Methods and Standards
Imaging techniques
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the preferred screening tool for high-risk individuals.
Chest X-rays and PET scans aid in identifying tumors and metastasis
Biopsy
Bronchoscopy, fine-needle aspiration, or surgical biopsy provides tissue for histological examination.
Molecular testing
Determines the presence of mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, ROS1) that guide targeted therapy decisions (Reck et al., 2022).
Staging
Staging with the TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) informs treatment planning.
Treatments
Click the drop down for treatments
Allopathic treatments
Surgery:
Preferred for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including
lobectomy or pneumonectomy.
Radiation therapy:
Stereotactic body radiotherapy
(SBRT) or external beam radiation for localized cancers or palliation.
Systemic therapies:
Chemotherapy:
Platinum-based regimens are common for advanced stages.
Targeted therapy:
EGFR inhibitors (e.g.,osimertinib), ALK inhibitors (e.g., alectinib), and others based on specific mutations (Hirsch et al., 2017).
Immunotherapy:
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab are effective for cancers with
high PD-L1 expression.
Osteopathic and integrative treatments:
Breathing exercises and physical therapy:
Help maintain lung function and quality of life.
Nutritional support:
Managing side effects like cachexia during systemic treatments.
Mindfulness and stress management:
Yoga, meditation, and counseling address psychological burdens.
Homeopathic approaches
Homeopathy lacks empirical support as a primary treatment. However, some patients explore herbal supplements or acupuncture to alleviate side effects (e.g., nausea or fatigue) when used as complementary care.
disclaimer
This website is not a real Oncology Group website. This website is an assignment for an upper division biology course offered at USC entitled"GERO 310 – The Physiology of Aging"