Lung Cancer: A cancer of the lung.
What is the Lung Cancer ?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the lungs. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
What are the symptom of Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the location of the tumor. However, common symptoms include:
- Coughing: Persistent cough that doesn’t go away.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion.
- Chest pain: Pain in the chest that worsens with deep breaths.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing.
- Hoarseness: Difficulty speaking clearly.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak.
- Loss of appetite: Decreased appetite.
Who can suffer from Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer can affect anyone, but the risk is significantly higher in people who:
- Smoke cigarettes: Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer.
- Inhale secondhand smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk.
- Work in certain occupations: People who work in occupations that expose them to harmful chemicals, such as asbestos or radon, are at a higher risk.
- Have a family history of lung cancer: A family history can increase the risk.
What are the type of Lung Cancer ?
There are two main types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases. It includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): This is a less common but more aggressive type, often spreading rapidly to other parts of the body
Which diagnostic are available for the Lung Cancer ?
· Chest X-ray: Can detect abnormalities in the lungs.
· CT scan: Can provide more detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures.
· PET scan: Can help determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.
· Bronchoscopy: A procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the lungs using a thin tube with a camera.
· Biopsy: A procedure to remove a sample of tissue from the tumor for testing.
What are the treatment of the Lung Cancer ?
The treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissue.
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Using the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.\
Which diet should I take ,if any ?
A healthy diet can help support the body during and after treatment for lung cancer. It is important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Staying hydrated is also important.
Which speciality of the doctor will Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is typically treated by a pulmonologist, who specializes in lung diseases, or an oncologist, who specializes in cancer treatment.
In Lung Cancer completely curable ?
The curability of lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the effectiveness of the treatment. While some patients with early-stage lung cancer may be cured, the overall prognosis for lung cancer is challenging. However, advancements in treatment have improved outcomes for many patients.