Non-small cell squamous lung cancer

The diagnosis usually begins with imaging and is confirmed by examining a tissue sample. The report may describe the tumour’s grade, location, and whether the sample contains enough material for additional testing. Symptoms can include cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, coughing blood, tiredness, or a persistent hoarse voice, but some tumours are discovered before symptoms appear.

Staging checks the tumour, nearby lymph nodes, and possible spread. Spread to another organ, such as the brain, is assessed with appropriate imaging when clinically indicated. A diagnosis does not come from one symptom alone; infections and other lung conditions can cause similar changes.

Your team may discuss surgery such as lung lobectomy when the tumour can be removed safely. Radiotherapy can target a tumour or a specific area, while chemotherapy and immunotherapy may treat cancer cells throughout the body. Genomic tumour profiling may add information about tumour biology and whether a particular medicine is worth considering.

Treatment can involve one approach or a sequence of treatments. The plan depends on stage, tumour position, test results, breathing reserve, other health conditions, and what matters most to you. Palliative care can help with symptoms and quality of life at any stage alongside cancer treatment.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, heavy coughing of blood, new confusion, a seizure, fainting, or sudden weakness. Contact your treatment team promptly for rapidly worsening cough, fever, inability to drink, or new neurological symptoms, because these changes need timely assessment.

What did the biopsy show? Has the cancer been staged? Is there enough tissue for genomic profiling? Which treatments are suitable now, and what symptoms should trigger an urgent call?