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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. It is strongly linked to smoking, and outcomes are much better when it is found early.
Causes & risk factors
- Smoking (by far the biggest risk)
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Air pollution and biomass smoke
- Workplace exposure (asbestos, radon, some chemicals)
- Family history in some cases
Common symptoms
- A cough that will not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Tiredness
Tests & diagnosis
- Chest X-ray
- CT chest scan
- Biopsy (tissue sample)
- PET scan for staging
Treatment & management
- Treatment depends on the type and stage
- Surgery to remove the tumour where possible
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in suitable cases
- Supportive care to manage symptoms
When to see a doctor urgently
- Coughing up blood — see a doctor urgently
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Unexplained weight loss with breathlessness or chest pain
- New or changing symptoms in a current or former smoker
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about lung cancer. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-smokers get lung cancer?
Yes. While smoking is the main cause, non-smokers can develop it from pollution, radon, workplace exposures or other factors.
Why does early detection matter so much?
Lung cancer found early is more likely to be treatable, sometimes with surgery, giving much better outcomes than late-stage disease.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.