NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC) - A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer globally and is the leading cause of cancer death in men and second leading cause of cancer death in women. The frequently seen subtypes of NSCLC in patients are adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Lung cancer, depending on the stage and kind, it may act differently in each individual. The usual symptoms may include cough, hemoptysis, fatigue, SOB, chest pain, loss of weight etc. and these symptoms differ depending on the site of metastasis. Tobacco smoking is known to the main aggravating risk factor of lung cancer. Other factors like occupational exposure to chemicals and ionizing radiation, passive smoking, genetics, air pollution, diet and alcohol may all contribute in developing of lung cancer in the individuals. Different mechanisms are involved in the development of the tumor in the body. Large number of diagnostic procedures are available to diagnose the lung cancer. Appropriate procedure for diagnosis is selected depending on the site, type, metastasis and size of the tumor. The fundamental basis for the management of cancer is the stage classification. Clinical stage in the patients can be determined by their laboratory results, bronchoscopy findings, imaging tests and by physical examination. Subsequently patients are staged between stage-1 to stage-4. Different types of treatment options are available for treating NSCLC which includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care. The main objective of this review is to provide the updated epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, staging and treatments for NSCLC.