Lung cancer is a cancer that occurs in the lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs in the chest that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide when you exhale. When the cells in the lungs start growing abnormally, they form a mass or a tumor that can interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs.
This blog will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer.
Lung cancer is a complex disease that various factors, including environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors, can cause. Here is a systematic overview of the primary lung cancer causes:
Lung cancer diagnosis typically involves several tests and procedures to confirm the presence of the disease and determine its severity. Here is a systematic overview of the lung cancer diagnosis process:
Lung cancer treatment may involve one or a combination of the following options: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery is often the primary lung cancer treatment for early-stage cancer. It involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue from the lungs. There are different surgical approaches to removing lung cancer, depending on the size and location of the tumor. For instance, a wedge resection may be performed if the tumor is small and localized, while a lobectomy may be necessary if cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is a primary treatment for early-stage lung cancer or palliative treatment to relieve symptoms in the advanced stages of the disease. External beam radiation therapy involves directing radiation to the tumor from outside the body, while internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the tumor.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments for lung cancer, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally or intravenously. The side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and an increased risk of infections.
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It blocks the proteins that help cancer cells evade the immune system. Immunotherapy is typically used in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer who have not responded to other treatments.
Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations or proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells. It is often used in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer with specific genetic mutations.
Lung cancer is a complex and serious disease that affects millions of people around the world. The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking, but environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing the disease.
While lung cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, early detection and effective treatment can greatly improve a patient's chances of survival and quality of life. It is essential to understand the causes and risk factors of lung cancer and the diagnostic and treatment options available to make informed decisions about prevention, screening, and care.
If you think you might be at risk of lung cancer, consult a Lung Specialist at Medanta Medicity Hospital immediately!
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