Lung cancer: takeaway to diagnosis & treatment

In India, lung cancer accounts for 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% cancer-related fatalities. It is the most frequent kind of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Similar to other forms of cancer, lung cancer arises when the normal division of cell division and development mechanisms are interrupted, resulting in rapid, uncontrollable growth. 

The cells become a tumor when they develop into a bulk, becoming "malignant," or cancerous, immediately invading the surrounding organs and tissues to the other regions of the body.

The primary cause of this malignancy is smoking. This cancer is more likely to occur in smokers and individuals exposed to secondhand smoking. On the other hand, this cancer can be treated with therapy, surgery, or medications.

Diagnosis of lung cancer

A lung biopsy is frequently used to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer. The doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube into your nose or mouth and down your airways to the tumor, where he extracts a small tissue sample. This procedure is known as bronchoscopy, and it is frequently combined with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided biopsies. This is beneficial for tumors located around the center of the lung.

However, your doctor might also suspect a lung cancer if any physical exam reveals:

1. Swollen lymph nodes above your collarbone

2. Weak breathing

3. Dullness when your chest is tapped Droopy eyelids

4. Weakness in one arm

5. Expanded veins in your arms, chest, or neck

6. Swelling of your face

7. A mass in your abdomen

8. Unequal pupils

9. Abnormal sounds in your lungs

Further, it should be noted that lung cancer is frequently evident on an X-ray after it starts to produce symptoms. A chest X-ray obtained for another reason may occasionally reveal lung cancer which has not yet started to highlight the symptoms. 

For a more thorough examination, your doctor may arrange a chest CT scan. Once confirmed, your doctor might approach you with the following treatments for your lung cancer. 

Treatments for lung cancer

1. Surgery:

The type of lung cancer you have, how far it has advanced, and your overall health, mainly the function of your lungs, all determine whether or not you should have surgery. 

Many people with lung cancer, especially smokers, have underlying lung or heart problems, making surgery difficult. Previously, cancer that has spread to lymph nodes between the lungs was assumed to be incurable, but survival rates have improved by combining surgery and therapy.

2. Radiation:

Radiation therapy may be required to destroy any leftover cancer cells, although it is generally postponed for at least a month while the surgical site heals. In conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation treatment is used to treat non-small-cell lung tumors that cannot be cured surgically.

3. Chemotherapy & Combination therapy

Small-cell lung cancer is commonly treated with combination chemotherapy, which involves using more than one agent and radiation treatment due to its propensity for spreading broadly. Surgery is used on rare occasions, but only when the cancer is judged to be in its early stages. Further, it should be noted that this is unusual.

4. Other forms of lung cancer treatments 

Researchers are always exploring new and improved ways to treat lung cancer, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life. New chemotherapy combinations, new types of radiation, and the use of medications that make cancer cells more susceptible to radiation are all being researched.

Now you know!

Listed above are some of the most prevalent methods that you can avail yourself of in case of lung cancer. One must remember that prevention is always better than cure! Therefore, ensure that you check on abusive, cancer-causing products for your life choices. You can visit Medipulse hospital in Jodhpur. Stay safe!