Five frequently asked question about NSCLC and its treatments

There are two main types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which constitutes about 80 to 85 percent of all cases. NSCLC is a condition where cancer cells are formed in the tissues of the lung.

NSCLC causes uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both the lungs.

What are the symptoms of early stages of NSCLC?
In most cases, lung cancer signs and symptoms take years to develop and, in many cases, don’t show up until the condition has advanced. Below are the common early symptoms of NSCLC-

• Change in the color or volume of sputum
• Pain in the shoulders, back, or chest which is unrelated to the pain from coughing
• Persistent or intense coughing
• A hoarse voice or a change in one’s voice
• Coughing up blood, phlegm, or mucus
• Recurring lung problems like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Shortness of breath

What are the symptoms of metastatic NSCLC?
In metastatic NSCLC, the symptoms are experienced not only in the chest but also in other parts of the body like bones, brain, liver, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. The treatment of metastatic cancer also depends upon the organs where cancer has spread. Below are the symptoms of metastatic NSCLC-

• Fatigue
• Cachexia, also known as muscle wasting
• Unexplained weight loss or losing appetite
• Bone fractures that are not related to any accidents
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Feeling weak
• Blood clots
• Headaches
• Joint and bone pain
• Neurological symptoms like memory loss
• Bleeding

What is the neoadjuvant metastatic lung cancer treatments?
Neoadjuvant metastatic lung cancer treatment is where a patient receives chemotherapy before surgery or radiation.

• This pattern of treatment proves to be highly effective as it helps in shrinking the tumor and makes it small enough to be surgically removed. Also, in the case of radiation, chemotherapy increases the effectiveness of the treatment and destroys the hidden cancer cells as early as possible.
• Additionally, some studies show that people with lung cancer are able to cope with the side effects associated with chemotherapy if it is given before the surgery.
• In cases where the tumor does not shrink with chemotherapy, the medications are stopped right away, and other treatment options are considered for treating metastatic NSCLC.

How is immunotherapy different from other treatments for metastatic NSCLC?
Immunotherapy is one of the most popular emerging metastatic NSCLC treatment options. While most cancer treatments can cause side-effects, immunotherapy is generally a well-tolerated treatment due to its mechanism of action.

• The immune system is constantly working to keep the body healthy by recognizing and fighting dangerous viruses, infections, and growing cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps the body use its immune system to fight the cancerous cells.
• Many doctors prefer opting for immunotherapy as the primary treatment for metastatic NSCLC. There are various types of immunotherapy-based treatments used for treating early as well as advanced stages of cancer.

What are the risk factors that may cause NSCLC?
Lungs utilize the air from one’s surroundings, and anything that one breathes in can affect their health. Below are some risk factors that can be the potential causes of NSCLC-

• Smoking tobacco is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking causes nearly 87% of the lung cancer cases in the country. Also, being exposed to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer along with the risk of heart diseases and other ailments.
• Exposure to other environmental factors like radiation exposure, air pollution, and industrial substances may cause lung cancer.

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