There are two main types of primary lung cancer. These are:

• non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Sometimes cancer spreads to the lungs from somewhere else in the body. This is called lung metastases or secondary lung cancer. The symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• a cough or hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more
• a change in a cough you have had for a long time
• a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections
• feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
• coughing up blood
• chest or shoulder pain that does not get better.

Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer. People who do not smoke can still develop lung cancer, but their risk is much lower. People who have symptoms usually begin by seeing their GP. If the GP thinks your symptoms could be caused by lung cancer, they will arrange either:

• a chest x-ray
• a CT scan.

If these tests show anything abnormal, your GP will refer you to see a chest specialist within 2 weeks. Treatment for lung cancer may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy drugs or a combination of these.

For extensive information on lung cancer - click here.