Lung Cancer
Cancer arises when cells change (mutate) and proliferate uncontrollably. The abnormal (modified) cells often grow into a tumor, a lump, or a mass. Cancer cells can also infect nearby areas and spread to other bodily areas, a process known as metastasis.
Lung cancer starts in the cells of the lungs, which are organs in the chest that resemble sponges. The lungs are responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the body and bringing in oxygen. When you breathe in, air enters the lungs through the windpipe or trachea.
Lung cancer is classified into two types:
1. NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer)
2. SCLC Lung cancer with little cells
Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer
Although several factors might raise your chance of developing lung cancer, the largest risk factor is smoking tobacco products of any type, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. According to experts, smoking is responsible for 80% of lung cancer fatalities.
Other risk factors consist of:
- Being close to tobacco smoke.
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals such as coal products, silica, diesel exhaust, uranium, asbestos, radon, and air pollution.
- having received radiation therapy to the chest in the past (for example, for lymphoma or breast cancer).
- Lung cancer running in the family.
Symptoms and Signs of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer often shows no signs in its early stages. while the infection is little and hasn't spread. Many lung cancers don't show any signs until they've spread.
The symptoms of early-stage lung cancer are often comparable to those of smokers. For instance, coughing and shortness of breath are early signs of lung cancer.
These are a few of the most common signs of lung cancer.
- Cough that persists or becomes worse over time
- soreness in the chest
- Coughing up rust-colored mucous or blood
- Breathlessness
- The quality of hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
- Unexpected reduction in weight
- Weakness or fatigue
- Inflammation of the face or neck
Numerous of them may be brought on by other medical conditions. However, you should speak with your doctor if you encounter any symptoms. The only person who can diagnose you with cancer is a doctor.
Lung Cancer Diagnosed
Lung cancer diagnosis may involve several steps. A medical professional will often listen to your symptoms, ask you about your medical history, and do a physical examination (such as listening to your heart and lungs) during your initial appointment. A chest X-ray and blood tests may be the first things your doctor does since the symptoms of lung cancer might be confused with those of many other, more prevalent conditions.
A biopsy and other imaging tests, such as a CT scan, are often the following stages in the diagnostic process if your doctor believes you may have lung cancer. Additional tests include examinations of malignant tissue from a biopsy to assist in establishing the best course of therapy and a PET/CT scan to check for the spread of cancer.
Medications/treatments for lung cancer
- Surgery For the early stages, surgical options include lobectomies, which involve removing a portion of the lung.
- Radiation Treatment is used either alone or in conjunction with other therapies for localized cancer.
- Chemotherapy is frequently applied after cancer has progressed or spread.
- Immunotherapy and targeted treatment concentrate on stimulating the immune system and certain chemicals.
- Palliative care is used to control symptoms and enhance quality of life in the latter phases.
Prevention of lung cancer
The only way to avoid most cancers is to lower your risk because we don't know for sure what causes them. Here are a few strategies to lower your risk:
- Avoid smoking, or if you already smoke, stop. Within five years of stopping, your risk of lung cancer begins to decline.
- Steer clear of chemicals that might damage your lungs, such as secondhand smoke.
- Eat well and keep your weight within a healthy range. According to some research, consuming two to six and a half cups of fruits and vegetables daily may help lower your chance of developing cancer.
- Get checked for lung cancer if you’re at high risk.
