Early stage lung cancer

Lung cancer typically develops in your airways or lung tissue, but it can remain asymptomatic (cause no symptoms) until it reaches more advanced stages. Early stage lung cancer is when lung cancer develops in your lung tissue but hasn’t spread to other body parts.

Early detection of lung cancer is critical, so being aware of possible symptoms means you can access treatment sooner rather than later – potentially saving your life.

Early stage lung cancer does not always cause symptoms. However, as it becomes more advanced, it can cause symptoms like:

• A persistent cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time – could signal irritation or an obstruction in your airways
• Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity – this can suggest tumour growth
• Chest pain especially when coughing, laughing or breathing deeply – could indicate problems with your lungs or chest wall
• Unexplained fatigue – could be a result of your body’s response to cancer or decreased oxygen levels
• Unintentional weight loss – may be a sign of cancer affecting your metabolism
• Coughing up blood (haemoptysis) – you should never ignore even small amounts of blood as it could suggest damage to your airways
• Hoarseness – changes to your voice may be due to tumours pressing on the nerves controlling your vocal cords

Several investigations can help diagnose lung cancer. First, it’s vital to have an initial specialist consultation with a member of our team. We’ll assess your symptoms, medical history and risk factors in detail to determine if you need any further diagnostic tests.

The next step is imaging tests, which can include:

• Computerised tomography (CT) scan – identifies abnormalities in your lungs by creating detailed images
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan – detects cancer activity and determines if and how far the cancer has spread
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – assesses your brain and spine to check if cancer has developed

We’ll sometimes take a lung biopsy (tissue sample), too. The three types of biopsy are:

• Imaging–guided biopsy – we collect tissue samples using a CT or ultrasound scan to guide us in locating the tumour
• Endoscopy techniques – we use a bronchoscopy or endobronchial ultrasound to sample tissue from your airways or lymph nodes
• Video-assisted thoracoscopy – we use minimally invasive techniques to capture images of your lungs and collect biopsies

We may suggest molecular profiling, where we check the tumour to identify genetic mutations or markers that can help guide us when deciding on targeted therapies or immunotherapy treatments.

Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists will review our findings carefully to provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment strategy tailored to your needs.

The cause of lung cancer is abnormal cells in your lungs growing out of control. The reasons why cancer cells develop can vary, but smoking is the leading cause. Tobacco contains carcinogens (a substance that can cause cancer) and damages your lungs progressively.

Other causes of lung cancer can include:

• Secondhand smoke – exposure to smoke from others increases your lung cancer risk, even if you don’t smoke
• Radon gas – this naturally occurring radioactive gas can be present in homes and workplaces, increasing your risk of lung cancer
• Asbestos exposure – asbestos is a natural mineral, but its fibres settle in your lungs and can lead to mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura). It’s typically found in occupational settings
• Air pollution – exposure to pollutants in the air increases your lung cancer risk
• Genetics – a family history of lung cancer can elevate your risk of lung cancer
• Radiation therapy – previous radiation therapy on your chest can increase your risk of lung cancer

Some age groups and genders may have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Generally, it’s more common in those over 50, with the risk significantly increasing in those over 65. Historically, lung cancer was more prevalent in men, but the rates of disease in women have been climbing.

Different lifestyle factors can also affect your risk of lung cancer, some of which are preventable. Smoking is the most common but also the most preventable.

Poor diet and lack of exercise may also contribute to an increased lung cancer risk, as it can cause a weakened general wellbeing.

If you’re worried about your risk of lung cancer, then attending early lung cancer screenings and awareness of the symptoms can help improve your treatment outcome.