Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by hassan abbas
Lung cancer, like other cancers, arises when the normal processes of cell division and growth are hampered, resulting in abnormal, uncontrollable change. The cells develop into a tumour-like mass. The term malignant, or cancerous, refers to any abnormal increase in the body that immediately invades adjacent tissues and organs, spreads to other areas of the body, or has the potential to regrow after removal.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Most lung cancer patients do not exhibit any early warning signs or symptoms. However, the following symptoms are most frequently present when they do:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- A cough that persists produces blood
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Patients with lung cancer may suffer frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia and chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
The symptoms of lung cancer metastasis, or the spread of the disease to other parts of the body, can include bone pain, headaches, weakness, numbness, jaundice, or swollen lymph nodes.
Lung cancer types
Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are the two main subtypes of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is less frequent than non-small cell lung cancer and both terms explicitly refer to the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope.
Stages of lung cancer
Lung cancer can be divided into various stages in addition to small and non-small cell varieties. These stages show the extent of cancer’s spread and the most suitable treatments. The lungs and lymph nodes will be the primary areas of attention for a number of tests and examinations that doctors will do. This vital step will enable medical professionals to decide on a treatment plan.
Tests to diagnose lung cancer
The actual diagnosis of lung cancer is made by looking at lung cells in the lab, although symptoms and the outcomes of specific tests may strongly imply that a person has it.
The cells can be extracted using a needle or surgery from a suspicious location, lung secretions, the mucus you cough up from the lungs, fluid collected from the area surrounding the lung, or lung secretions. The situation will determine the tests to use.
Sputum cytology
A sample of the mucus you cough up from your lungs is examined in a laboratory to determine whether sputum contains cancer cells, . Getting samples three days in the morning is the best way to achieve this. This evaluation has a higher chance of detecting lung tumours such as squamous cell lung cancer, which develop in the main airways of the lungs. Finding other types of lung cancer might be less helpful.
Thoracentesis
Doctors can remove part of the fluid from a pleural effusion around the lungs to determine whether the fluid results from cancer spreading to the lung’s lining. Other problems like heart failure or infection may also be responsible for the buildup.
A hollow needle is placed between the ribs during a thoracentesis to drain the fluid after numbing the skin. The fluid is tested for cancer cells in the laboratory. In some cases, additional fluid testing can help distinguish between benign and malignant pleural effusions. Thoracentesis may be repeated to remove more fluid if a malignant pleural effusion has been identified and prevents a patient from breathing normally.
Needle biopsy
A small sample is frequently taken from lungs by doctors using a hollow needle. The lack of a surgical incision is a benefit of needle biopsies. The disadvantage is that they only remove a small quantity of tissue, which in certain situations may not be sufficient to make a diagnosis and conduct additional tests on the cancer cells that can help doctors select anticancer medications.
Bronchoscopy
The more significant lung airways can contain tumours or obstructions, which the bronchoscopy operation can commonly detect and biopsy.
Diagnosis of Lung cancer
The annual use of low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening is advised for heavy smokers or those who have given up smoking within the last 15 years. If the following are found during a standard medical evaluation:
- Dullness while tapping the chest
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unequal pupils
- Swelling of the face
- Abnormal sounds in the lungs
- Weak breathing
- Expanded veins in the neck, or chest
- Droopy eyelids
- Weakness in one arm
Types of Treatment
There are numerous treatment options available depending on the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread. Patients with lung cancer can be treated with surgery, chemo, radiation, targeted therapy, or a combination of these therapies.
- Surgery: Doctor perform a surgery to remove cancerous cell from the lungs.
- Chemotherapy: Using unique medications to reduce or eliminate cancer.
- Radiation therapy: using X-ray-like high-energy radiation to eradicate cancer.
- Targeted therapy: The use of medication to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Various medical professions frequently collaborate to treat lung cancer. Pulmonologists are medical professionals that specialise in lung conditions. Surgeons are medical professionals who carry out operations. Thoracic surgeons specialise in surgeries on the chest, heart, and lungs. Medical doctors called oncologists to utilise medication to treat cancer. Medical specialists known as radiation oncologists use radiation to treat your cancer.
Why India is best for lung cancer treatment?
One can receive the best cancer treatment by contacting the top cancer hospitals in India. Lung cancer treatment in India is well-known and also affordable. Most of India’s well-known hospitals for treating lung cancer also have cancer research facilities. India has the world’s best thoracic, lung, and cancer surgeons.
Final Thoughts
Lung cancer may cause an issue in your body. Once patient find the symptom then they can directly reach the doctors who handle lung cancer. They will guide you through diagnosing and treating lung cancer in the early stage itself.
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