Cancer Types
Common cancer types: symptoms, diagnostic methods and current treatment options.
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Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Current Treatment Options
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Lung cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in lung tissue, and its treatment has changed markedly in recent years. Today the treatment plan is individualised not only by stage but also by the molecular characteristics of the tumour.
Key information
| Definition | A malignant tumour arising from cells of the lung and bronchi |
|---|---|
| Main risks | Smoking, passive smoking, radon, asbestos, air pollution |
| Common symptoms | Persistent cough, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, weight loss |
| Diagnosis | CT, PET-CT, biopsy, NGS and PD-L1 testing |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy |
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is divided into two main groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the great majority of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which tends to progress faster. Within NSCLC, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common subtypes. This distinction directly affects the choice of treatment [2].
What causes lung cancer? Risk factors
The most important risk factor is smoking; the risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking. Passive smoking, occupational exposures such as radon gas and asbestos, air pollution, previous radiotherapy to the chest area and a family history of lung cancer also increase the risk [1][2]. Lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked; in this group, certain targetable genetic alterations such as ALK are found more often [3].
How common is lung cancer?
According to World Health Organization data, lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world in 2024, with about 2.6 million new cases, and is also first among cancer-related deaths [1].
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
In the early stage it often causes no symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following complaints may appear:
- A cough that lasts long or changes in character
- Bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath, chest or back pain
- Hoarseness, recurrent lung infections
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
Most of these symptoms also occur in other diseases; however, persistent complaints, especially in people who smoke, require medical evaluation.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
The diagnostic process begins with a thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan; for a definitive diagnosis, a tissue sample is taken by bronchoscopy, EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) or CT-guided needle biopsy. PET-CT and brain MRI are used for staging; the disease is staged from I to IV according to the TNM system [2].
Why are molecular tests important?
In advanced NSCLC, testing the tumour tissue for alterations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600E, KRAS G12C, MET exon 14, RET, NTRK and HER2 is recommended. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a practical method for screening these alterations together. If tissue is insufficient, a liquid biopsy from blood can help. In addition, the PD-L1 level is assessed when deciding on immunotherapy [4][5].
How is lung cancer treated?
The treatment plan is determined by considering the stage, tumour type, molecular profile and the patient’s general condition together. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul’s approach is to evaluate patient files in a multidisciplinary tumour board attended by specialists in thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, nuclear medicine and pathology.
Early and locally advanced stage
In suitable patients, surgery (most often lobectomy) is the mainstay of treatment. After surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be added to reduce the risk of recurrence, and osimertinib in selected patients with an EGFR mutation; in some patients drug treatment is started before surgery [2][3]. In early-stage disease that cannot be operated on, stereotactic radiotherapy is an option, and in stage III disease chemoradiotherapy followed by immunotherapy [2].
Advanced stage: targeted drugs
If the tumour has a targetable alteration, oral targeted drugs can be used (e.g. osimertinib for EGFR, alectinib or lorlatinib for ALK, sotorasib or adagrasib for KRAS G12C) [3][4].
Advanced stage: immunotherapy and chemotherapy
If there is no targetable alteration, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can be given alone (at a high PD-L1 level) or together with chemotherapy [2][5]. Treatment of small cell lung cancer is planned with separate protocols.
Latest regulatory updates for this cancer type: Lung Cancer: Latest Developments
Side effects and follow-up during treatment
Side effects vary by type of treatment: fatigue and a fall in blood counts with chemotherapy, skin rash and diarrhoea with targeted drugs, and immune-related effects such as inflammation of the thyroid, lungs or bowel with immunotherapy. Reporting side effects early is important so that treatment can be continued safely. After treatment, follow-up is done with regular examinations and CT; stopping smoking is recommended at every stage.
Can lung cancer be prevented?
The most effective measure is never starting to smoke or quitting. Annual screening with low-dose CT is recommended for people aged 50–80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years [6]. Whether screening is suitable should be assessed together with a physician.
Frequently asked questions
No. These drugs are effective only when the relevant genetic alteration is demonstrated in the tumour; therefore molecular testing before treatment is important [3].
Chemotherapy directly targets rapidly dividing cells; immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise tumour cells. The two can also be used together [5].
The aim is to keep the disease under control, reduce symptoms and preserve quality of life. Because the response varies from person to person, expectations should be discussed in detail with the physician.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for lung cancer in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer or would like a second opinion on your current treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your pathology report, imaging results and, if available, molecular test reports.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer – Fact sheet. Accessed: October 2026 (2024 data). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Updated: 16.05.2025. https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/non-small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq
- American Cancer Society (ACS). Targeted Drug Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Last revised: 21.11.2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/treating-non-small-cell/targeted-therapies.html
- Hendriks LE, et al. Oncogene-addicted metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(4):339-357. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.12.009
- Hendriks LE, et al. Non-oncogene-addicted metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(4):358-376. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.12.013
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Lung Cancer: Screening – Recommendation. 2021. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.