Diseases
lung cancer
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. About 85% of cases are related to cigarette smoking. Symptoms can include cough, chest discomfort or pain, weight loss, and, less commonly, hemoptysis; however, many patients present with metastatic disease with or without any clinical symptoms.
Symptoms
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- a new cough that doesn't go away
- coughing up blood, even a small amount
- hoarseness
Causes
- smoking causes the majority of lung cancers — both in smokers and in people exposed to secondhand smoke.
Risk factors
- smoking
- exposure to secondhand smoke.
- previous radiation therapy.
Diagnosis
- imaging tests.
- sputum cytology.
- tissue sample (biopsy).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is lung cancer?
Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. About 85% of cases are related to cigarette smoking. Symptoms can include cough, chest discomfort or pain, weight loss, and, less commonly, hemoptysis; however, many patients present with metastatic disease with or without any clinical symptoms.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
shortness of breath, chest pain, a new cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, even a small amount, hoarseness
What causes lung cancer?
smoking causes the majority of lung cancers — both in smokers and in people exposed to secondhand smoke.
Which medicines are used for lung cancer?
atezolizumab, bevacizumab, crizotinib, docetaxel, durvalumab, erlotinib, etoposide, gemcitabine, ipilimumab, lorlatinib, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pemetrexed, ramucirumab, topotecan, vinorelbine
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