Understanding Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for around 85% of all lung cancer cases diagnosed each year. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. NSCLC refers to any type of epithelial lung cancer other than small cell lung carcinomas. There are three main subtypes of NSCLC – adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Coherent Market Insights delves deep into NSCLC – its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Market.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma starts in the mucus-producing glandular cells found in the outer parts of the lungs. It is the most common type of NSCLC, accounting for around 40% of all lung cancer cases. Some risk factors for adenocarcinoma include smoking, exposure to radon gas, or having a family history of lung cancer.
The symptoms of adenocarcinoma may include a cough that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. It tends to form solid tumors or nodules that are frequently asymptomatic in the early stages. Advanced adenocarcinoma can spread to other organs like the bones or brain.
Diagnosis involves tests like chest x-rays, CT scans, biopsies, and PET scans. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy based on the stage of cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells that line the central part of the lungs. Around 30% of lung cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Smoking tobacco is the leading cause that increases the risk of this subtype.
The symptoms are quite similar to adenocarcinoma and include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood or mucus. Diagnosis involves various scans and biopsies to determine if cancer cells are present.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy depending on how far the cancer has spread. Chemoradiation is frequently used before or after surgery to increase chances of cure. Quitting smoking is important to prevent recurrence after treatment.
Large Cell Carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma accounts for around 10-15% of NSCLC cases. It can develop in any part of the lungs. Not much is known about the exact risk factors, though smoking tobacco remains a strong contributor.
People with this aggressive form of NSCLC often have similar symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnostic methods include imaging tests and tissue biopsies.
Due to its rapid growth rate, large cell carcinoma frequently spreads to distant organs by the time of diagnosis. Treatment options are similar to other NSCLC subtypes based on the stage – surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, or their combination. The prognosis is usually worse than other types.
Symptoms of NSCLC
Some common symptoms of NSCLC may not appear until the cancer has spread beyond the lungs. However, there are a few signs to watch out for which include:
– A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time.
– Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
– Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum.
– Chest pain that is often worsened by deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
– Fatigue and loss of appetite.
– Weight loss and loss of muscle and fat tissue unexplained by diet or exercise.
– Recurring pneumonia or lung infections.
– Bone pain caused by the cancer spreading to the bones.
Persistent cough or chest discomfort should always be checked by a doctor to rule out lung cancer possibility at an early stage.
Diagnosis of NSCLC
To diagnose NSCLC, doctors use a variety of tests which may include
– Medical history and physical exam.
– Sputum cytology to examine cells from coughed up mucus.
– Chest x-ray to detect lung abnormalities.
– CT scan providing detailed images of inside the lungs and chest.
– MRI scan for more information on certain areas like the brain or spine.
– PET scan to identify any cancerous cells or tumors in the body.
– Bronchoscopy exam using a thin, lighted tube to look inside the windpipe and lungs.
– Biopsy of the lung tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.
– Genetic testing of tissue samples to personalize treatment options.
An accurate diagnosis is needed to determine the appropriate stage and develop a treatment strategy in consultation with an oncologist.
Treatment of NSCLC
The treatment plan is customized based on the cancer type, stage, size, and location of the tumor along with the overall health of the patient. The main options include:
– Surgery such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy to remove part or all of a lung.
– Radiation therapy using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
– Chemotherapy administering anti-cancer drugs through intravenous or oral route systematically.
– Targeted drug therapy interfering with specific molecular pathways fueling cancer growth.
– Immunotherapy strengthening the immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively.
– Palliative care to relieve cancer symptoms and improve quality of life without cure intention.
– Multimodal therapy involving a combination of two or more treatment modalities.
Surgery offers the highest chances of cure if the cancer is localized. But even after complete resection, further adjuvant therapy may be needed to prevent relapses. Advanced or metastatic NSCLC has a poorer long-term prognosis with a focus on palliation.
Market Outlook
Factors such as the rising incidence of lung cancer cases, growing geriatric population, new drug approvals, and increasing palliative care needs are propelling the market growth. North America currently dominates due to high awareness, developed healthcare infrastructure, and presence of leading pharmaceutical companies. However, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region owing to growing tobacco consumption, expanding private healthcare sector, and rising healthcare investments in countries like China and India.