Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and most often occurs in people who smoke.
Like said people who smoke are at greater risk of developing lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. If you quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer can develop if a person has a history of exposure to inhaled chemicals or other toxins. Even if this exposure to chemicals and other toxins was a long time ago, it could cause changes in lung cells that lead to cancer.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer typically doesn't cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced.
Symptoms may include:- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
Tumors at the top of the lungs can affect facial nerves, leading to drooping of one eyelid, small pupil, or lack of perspiration on one side of the face.
Stages of lung cancer
Cancer stages tell how far the cancer has spread and help guide treatment. The chance of successful or curative treatment is much higher when lung cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
Stage 1: Cancer is found in the lung, but it has not spread outside the lung.
Stage 2: Cancer is found in the lung and nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3: Cancer is in the lung and lymph nodes in the middle of the chest.
Stage 3A: Cancer is found in lymph nodes, but only on the same side of the chest where cancer first started growing.
Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest or to lymph nodes above the collarbone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to both lungs, into the area around the lungs, or to distant organs.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Healthy people with an increased risk of lung cancer may consider annual lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans. If there’s a reason to have lung cancer, your doctor can order a few tests to rule out the conditions and look for any cancerous cells.
Imaging Test – X-ray, MRI, CT and PET Scans.
Sputum cytology – Phelgm from your cough can determine if cancerous cells are present.
Bronchoscopy – Your lungs are closely examined through a lighted tube passed down to your throat.
Needle - Using imaging tests as a guide, a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the suspicious lung tissue.
Lung Cancer Treatment
The lung cancer treatment plan is based on a number of factors such as overall health, type and stage of cancer. So it is better to discuss all the treatment options before making a decision. Your doctors will coordinate care and keep each other informed.
Possible treatments include:
Surgery
Removing cancerous lung tissue and tissues from surrounding areas where cancer may have spread. In severe cases, your surgeon may suggest lung transplant or remove a lung entirely.
Chemotherapy
It is used to shrink or eradicate the cancerous cells using drugs. These medications target rapidly dividing cells. However chemotherapy is a powerful intervention and can have side effects including extreme nausea and weight loss.
Radiation Therapy
In this approach a high energy rays are used to kill cancerous cells. This therapy is mainly useful on cancers that occur in one location and have not spread.
Targeted Therapy
This is the use of particular medications that specifically target a particular behavior in cancer cells.
Looking for Lung Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad?
Early diagnostic screening of individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer can help them receive treatment in earlier and more treatable stages. To consult Dr. Pradip Dabhi – for lung cancer related treatments, contact us or drop us a message.