What should you know about the most common lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer includes several tumour subtypes, including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers begin in lung cells and may remain in the chest or spread to other organs. A biopsy identifies the cancer type, while scans help show where it is located. Genomic tumour profiling may look for changes that can guide treatment choices. A hoarse voice can have many causes, but persistent voice change deserves clinical assessment, especially alongside other respiratory symptoms.

Arrange an appointment with a respiratory or oncology team if lung cancer is suspected or confirmed. Ask which biopsy findings and scans are available, whether genomic tumour profiling is appropriate, and whether surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a targeted medicine fits the situation. A lung lobectomy may be considered when disease is confined to a removable part of the lung. Treatment plans can combine local treatment with medicines, depending on stage and tumour biology.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue lips, sudden confusion, coughing up a large amount of blood, or new weakness on one side. Contact your clinical team promptly for worsening chest pain, a rapidly changing cough, fever during cancer treatment, or difficulty keeping fluids down. New neurological symptoms may need assessment for spread to the brain.

Which non-small cell subtype was found? What stage is the cancer, and what did the scans show? Has the biopsy been tested for treatment-relevant molecular changes? Which option is intended to control the tumour, and what side effects should be reported quickly?