Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body.

Two Main Types of Lung Cancer

  1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    • Represents 80-85% of cases

    • Includes subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell carcinoma

    • Generally grows slower than SCLC

  2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

    • 10-15% of cases

    • More aggressive with faster spread

    • Strongly linked to smoking

Key Risk Factors

✔ Tobacco use (90% of cases)
✔ Radon gas exposure (2nd leading cause)
✔ Asbestos/chemical exposures
✔ Air pollution & secondhand smoke
✔ Family history/genetic factors

Warning Signs & Symptoms

  • Persistent cough (lasting >2 months)

  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

  • Chest pain that worsens with breathing

  • Unexplained weight loss (>10 lbs)

  • Recurrent lung infections (pneumonia/bronchitis)

Note: Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms, making screening vital for high-risk patients.

Diagnostic Approaches

  1. Low-Dose CT Scan (recommended for high-risk patients)

  2. Biopsy (needle or surgical)

  3. Molecular Testing (identifies targetable mutations)

  4. PET/CT Scan (staging evaluation)

Modern Treatment Options

🔬 Precision Medicine Approaches

  • Targeted Therapies: For EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF mutations

  • Immunotherapy: PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (Keytruda®, Opdivo®)

⚕️ Conventional Treatments

  • Surgery (lobectomy/pneumonectomy for early-stage)

  • Radiation (SBRT for inoperable tumors)

  • Chemotherapy (platinum-based regimens)

Breakthroughs Improving Survival

  • 5-year survival increased from 15% to 25% since 2010

  • Immunotherapy combinations doubling survival for some metastatic cases

  • Liquid biopsies enabling non-invasive monitoring

Prevention & Early Detection

  • Annual LDCT screening for high-risk patients (55-80 yrs, 30+ pack-year smokers)

  • Radon testing for homes

  • Smoking cessation programs

Survival Rates by Stage

Stage5-Year Survival
Localized63%
Regional35%
Distant7%

Source: American Cancer Society 2023 Data

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Helaleh Khoshbakht

Helaleh Khoshbakht

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Helaleh Khoshbakht is a highly respected radiation oncologist in Tehran with extensive expertise in treating various cancers, including breast, […]

Iran, Tehran
Monir Mirai

Monir Mirai

Radiation Oncologist

From Personal Experience to Professional Passion Dr. Monir Mirai is a dedicated radiation oncologist in Tehran whose career path was […]

Iran, Tehran
Anis Fard Mousavi

Anis Fard Mousavi

Internist

Dr. Anis Fard Mousavi is a highly experienced lung specialist and internal medicine physician based in Tehran, with over 24 […]

Iran, Tehran
Arda Kiani

Arda Kiani

Internist

Dr. Arda Kiani is a highly accomplished pulmonologist in Tehran with extensive expertise in interventional pulmonology and bronchoscopy. He completed […]

Iran, Tehran
Atefeh Abedini

Atefeh Abedini

Internist

Dr. Atefeh Abedini is a highly respected pulmonologist and an associate professor specializing in lung diseases in Tehran, Iran. She […]

Iran, Tehran