Overview of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

by MrMed Pharmacy The Best Place to Buy Cancer Medicines in India.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer that originates from the cells lining the bronchi and alveoli (the small air sacs in the lungs). It is called "non-small cell" because the cancer cells are larger than the small cell lung cancer cells.

Stages of NSCLC:

This can be staged using the TNM staging system, which stands for Tumour, Node, Metastasis. This system takes into account the size of the primary tumour (T), whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and whether it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body (M).

Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ, the cancer is located only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages and has not invaded deeper into lung tissue or spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage 1: In the first stage, cancer is small and confined to the lung, without any spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Stage 2: In this stage, the cancer has grown larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but has not yet spread to distant sites in the body.

Stage 3: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby structures such as the chest wall or diaphragm, but not spread to distant sites.

Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, or liver.

Causes:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is caused by changes or mutations in the DNA of lung cells. These mutations can occur in normal lung cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of NSCLC. The risk of developing NSCLC increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.
Secondhand smoke: People who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are also at an increased chance of NSCLC.
Radon exposure: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in some homes and buildings. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can result in lung cancer development.
Exposure to carcinogens: Exposure to certain chemicals and substances, such as asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust, can be the major cause of NSCLC.
Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations can also be the reason for NSCLC, although this is relatively rare.

Symptoms:

Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fatigue

Diagnosis:

Medical history and physical exam: Doctor will review the patient's medical history and perform a physical exam to assess symptoms and overall health.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans are used to detect and evaluate lung abnormalities that may be indicative of cancer.
Biopsy: It is a procedure in which a sample of tissue or cells is taken from the lung and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the type of NSCLC.
Molecular testing: This can be performed with the biopsy sample to identify specific genetic mutations or alterations that can guide treatment decisions.
Staging: Once NSCLC is confirmed, further testing is performed to determine the extent of cancer and the stage of the disease.

Treatment:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy

Crizalk 200mg Capsule contains the active ingredient Crizotinib. It is prescribed to treat patients diagnosed with a type of lung cancer called Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). It works by inhibiting the activity of the ALK protein, which is involved in signalling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival. By blocking the activity of ALK, crizotinib can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that are positive for ALK gene rearrangements, leading to tumour shrinkage. The common side effects of this capsule includes swelling of ankles, decreased appetite, muscle cramps, constipation, difficulty swallowing and abdominal pain.