Lung Cancer

• Lung cancer usually does not present any symptoms in its initial stages, instead tending to do so only once it has already reached an advanced stage and has spread to nearby organs. It is crucial that we keep an eye out for symptoms and physical changes, such as hoarseness, shortness of breath and a sudden loss of weight, any of which should precipitate a visit to the doctor for a diagnosis.
• There are many forms of treatment for lung cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of cancer and the physical health of the patient involved.

Lung cancer is a disease that causes uncontrollable cell division to take place in the lungs, leading to the growth of tumors that can impact breathing. Early detection and diagnosis of irregularities can help ensure patients receive timely treatment. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to detect lung cancer during its initial stages because some patients may merely display symptoms synonymous with a respiratory infection, and others might not display any symptoms at all. The natural life cycle of cells normally ends with them dying off in order to avoid abnormal growth. Cancer cells, however, lead to irregularities as they grow and multiply at an unsustainable rate, with such growth and reproduction ultimately responsible for the development of cancerous tumors.

Patients suffering from lung cancer may not display symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage, by which time it may have already spread to other nearby organs. Nevertheless, we should keep an eye out for the following physical irregularities, being sure to seek medical attention if they become apparent:

• Loss of thirst or not feeling thirsty as often as usual.
• A change in voice tone or hoarseness.
• Symptoms associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Headaches
• A sudden and unexplainable loss of weight.

Some patients may experience more serious symptoms, including chest pain, severe bone pain or coughing up blood.

• A history of smoking or having smoked for a long period of time
• A family history of lung cancer
• Residing in an area that contains high levels of air pollution
• Being over the age of 40

Diagnostic radiology: Computed tomography (CT) of lungs is used to detect areas of lung tissue affected by cancer. Bone scans can detect indicators of the cancer’s spread, and are used throughout treatment to assess progress or to ensure that the cancer has not returned subsequent to treatment.

Tissue sampling: Once doctors have identified the cancer’s location using diagnostic radiology, the next step is to take a sample of lung tissue to analyze its structure. There are many ways to take such samples depending on the location of the tumor. If the cancer is located in a difficult-to-reach location within the lungs, medical staff may turn to thoracoscopic surgery in order to collect the sample.

Laboratory testing: This involves testing the phlegm or blood of patients to detect lung cancer. Doctors can use this information to determine the type of lung cancer present, as well as to analyze the spread of the disease.

Diagnosing lung cancer at an early stage can help save the life of the patient as lung cancer cells have the potential to spread to other nearby organs and tissue before medical staff have been able to diagnose the disease. The greater the spread of the cancer, the more difficult it is to treat. In some cases, doctors may suggest lung cancer screening patients undergo a low-dose CT scan in order to diagnose their condition earlier and accurately.

The method of treatment used for lung cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the health of the patient. Surgery and radiotherapy are the most common treatments but there are other forms of treatment available, including chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Surgery: Doctors may turn to surgery in order to preserve healthy lung tissue while removing cancerous tissue that has the potential to spread. In severe cases, surgeons may consider removing one lung altogether, as patients are able to survive with a single lung. However, the results of surgery are entirely dependent on the health of the patient involved.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to manage or destroy cancer cells. Medication acts against cancer cells that multiply especially quickly. Chemotherapy can play a vital role in halting the cancer’s spread to other parts of the body, although its side effects include severe nausea and loss of weight.

Radiation therapy: High-frequency radio waves can be used to destroy cancer cells. Doctors may utilize radiotherapy to reduce the size of a tumor prior to surgery. This treatment is particularly useful where the cancer is limited to a single area and has not yet spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted therapy: This form of treatment uses cell-specific drugs aimed at destroying and controlling the division and spread of cancer cells. Treating cancer with targeted therapy is most beneficial when it is used accurately. For this reason, it is essential that such care be undertaken by highly experienced medical staff, as the treatment will differ from cases to case. Treatment of this kind is guided by the principles of “Precision Medicine” whereby accuracy and efficiency are the keys to achieving the best results.