Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer?

Cancer claims many lives each year across genders. Cancerous cells, if left untreated, spiral out of control within the body. Patients undergoing lung cancer treatment are on the rise because it is the second most common form of cancer disease.

Typically this type of cancer develops in the lung tissue, within cells that line air passages. CT screening rather than x-rays prove effective in detecting lung cancer, especially in its initial stage. Fortunately, the disease is treatable when detected early.

Below is more information on lung cancer:

Warning Signs

Based on how advanced your condition is, a qualified medical specialist can advise you correctly on a lung cancer treatment that is appropriate for you. Should you experience any of these identifiable symptoms, you must approach your doctor immediately:

Coughing up blood while battling a chronic cough
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent shortness of breath
Wheezing
Pain in your bones and chest region
Hoarse voice

Risk Factors

Consistently smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or hookah does increase your chances of developing lung cancer 25 times more than non-smokers. Despite smoking for decades, quitting this dangerous habit lowers your risk of contracting the disease.

However, people with lung cancer can also be non-smokers. Non-smokers having significant exposure to passive smoking are susceptible to lung cancers. Even high exposure to air pollutants and carcinogens like diesel exhaust and asbestos can trigger lung cancer despite being a smoker. In addition, if there is any history of lung cancer in your family, you are at risk.

Lung Cancer Types

There are two types of lung cancers, and both demand a unique course of treatment.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most standard found type of cancer.
Small cell lung cancer, although less common, spreads faster than its non-small counterpart. Most often, at the time of diagnosis, this type of lung cancer would have applied rampantly. It responds well to radiation and chemotherapy.

Treatment Options

The treatment suggested depends on the type and stage of cancer you have. If your non-small cell lung cancer has been detected early, radiation therapy instead of surgery is recommended to attack the tumour.

For advanced stages, either radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both is prescribed. Recommended treatment options stall the progress of cancer development. Cutting-edge research is responsible for identifying and developing new treatment approaches. These include targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Therefore, always discuss your treatment options and their side effects with your trusted oncologist, who can enlighten you further. Consult specialists in the field of cancer treatment who can advise you correctly. It pays to seek second opinions to help you finalize a treatment plan most suitable in your case. The additional inputs you receive give you the required confidence to begin your treatment.

Support Services are at Hand

Social workers, caregivers, and other support groups play a critical role in uplifting your spirits. Supportive friends are always welcome as you attempt to cope with your treatment and make the necessary lifestyle changes. You will respond better to the therapy administered when you are mentally at peace.

Reference Links:

https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blog7-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lung-cancer/

https://brighamhealthhub.org/lung-cancer-five-things-you-need-to-know/

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treating-non-small-cell.html