What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control within the lung tissue. It is currently the 5th most common cancer type in Australia and the leading cause of cancer death.
There are 2 main types of lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer
Subcategorised into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma
Small cell lung cancer
Some causes of lung cancer could be due to tobacco product smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, second hand smoking, family history and having other lung conditions (i.e. emphysema).
Some lung cancers are caused by changes in genes, called mutations. These cause abnormal cells to grow out of control and become cancer. Follow this link for more information on mutations: Lung Cancer gene mutations
How is it detected?
Lung nodules or masses that may be cancer can be found incidentally whilst investigating another condition or identified via the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (see below for further information on both of these).
Sometimes lung cancer can cause symptoms such as:
- Lingering cough
- Coughing up blood
- Unexpected and unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
If this occurs, it is important to see your GP to have it investigated promptly.
This is particularly important if you have risk factors of developing lung cancer such as:
- Smoking tobacco products (either currently or in the past)
- Family history of lung cancer
- Other lung conditions such as emphysema or COPD
- Possible occupational or environmental exposure either through work, home renovations or extensive passive smoking
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose lung cancer, you need to be referred to a specialist who is experienced in investigating lung conditions. This generally would be a respiratory physician but may sometimes be a cardiothoracic surgeon depending on your location and condition.
The specialist will organise extra tests to get a diagnosis via needle biopsy and investigate if there are any other areas of concern in your body via imaging.
Biopsy
Biopsies can be performed by a needle through the chest wall or via a bronchoscopy (thin tube down the airways whilst you are sedated). The biopsy will provide a diagnosis of the condition and extra information on the ‘make up’ of the lesion such as any genetic mutations that may have caused the cancer.
For more information go to:
https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/conditions/lung-cancer/diagnosis/
Imaging
Further imaging that may be performed could be a PET scan (highlights areas of metabolic activity in the body), bone scan (if there is suspicion of there being lesions in the bones) and brain MRI (this is the most accurate way to see what is happening in the brain). These tests are essential information to have to get more information on the nodule or when lung cancer is highly suspected or confirmed. Other imaging may also be ordered depending on your symptoms.
Further information on imaging can be found:
https://www.mqhealth.org.au/services/find-a-service/macquarie-medical-imaging/services
How is it treated?
There are many more treatment options available for lung cancer nowadays. Depending on the type, location and extent (stage) of the cancer, patients may be offered surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy or a combination of these. There are also many new treatments still being studied in clinical trials.
As mentioned, biopsy samples of the lesion will be tested for any genetic mutations that may have caused the cancer to occur. There are now targeted treatments for some of these mutations both available on the PBS and in clinical trials. Make sure you ask your specialist if you have any mutations identified from your biopsy.
For more information on individual treatments, see:
https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/conditions/lung-cancer/treatment/
What is available at MQRS/MQ Health for patients with lung cancer?
MQRS is linked to MQ Health hospital and clinics. They have a suite of facilities to investigate, treat and support patients with lung cancer.
These include:
- Operating theatres
- Inpatient wards
- Outpatient chemotherapy centre
- Outpatient radiotherapy centre
- Pathology collection centre
- Radiology
- Specialist lung cancer nurses
- Allied health – physiotherapy, speech pathology, dietitians, exercise physiology, social work and clinical psychology
Speak with your specialist should you require any referrals to these allied health professionals.
Where can I read more?
Further information on MQ Health services can be found here:
https://www.mqhealth.org.au/
For more information on lung cancer, you may visit the following sites:
Lung Foundation Lung Cancer Info
https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/conditions/lung-cancer/overview/
Cancer Council Australia
https://www.cancer.org.au/types-of-cancer/lung-cancer
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