It is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the lung tissue. Smoking is the most important risk factor. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain. It may not cause symptoms in the early stages. Lung cancer Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Early diagnosis can increase treatment success.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
A cough that lasts longer than a few weeks, especially a cough that gets worse or different lung cancer It may be a sign that you are experiencing a heart attack. Coughing with bloody sputum can be a significant symptom and requires medical evaluation. Shortness of breath may occur as a result of tumors in the lungs blocking the airways.
It may be difficult to breathe even when climbing a hill or making light efforts. Persistent pain in the chest, back or shoulders may be a symptom. Attention should be paid especially if the pain increases when taking a deep breath or coughing.
Permanent hoarseness of the voice is caused by the nerves being affected by cancer. Unexplained and rapid weight loss and loss of appetite are seen in this type of cancer, as in many other types of cancer. Constant extreme fatigue is a symptom of the body's fight against cancer. Recurrent respiratory tract infection is caused by airway obstruction.
Lung cancer, when it progresses, it can spread to the bones and cause pain in the back, hips or other areas. These symptoms can also overlap with the symptoms of other diseases. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms are seen. Early diagnosis is of great importance in the treatment process.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Smoking is the most important cause. The chemicals in cigarette smoke cause genetic changes in lung cells. This can cause cancer. Even in non-smokers, passive smoking can increase the risk. Air pollution sources such as exhaust fumes, industrial waste and other pollutants can also increase the risk. Exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos increases the risk.
Additionally, exposure to radon gas and certain chemicals (e.g., arsenic) also increases the risk. Lung disease in the family Genetic predisposition may increase the risk in individuals with a history of cancer. Genetic disorders can make it difficult to repair DNA damage. In addition, individuals with a weak immune system are at higher risk of developing cancer. For these reasons, it is important not to smoke and to protect yourself from air pollution.
How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Lung cancer In case of suspicion, a chest X-ray is first taken. In addition, a computerized tomography (CT) scan is used to obtain more detailed images. These scans are very important in determining the size and location of the tumor. If the patient coughs up phlegm, this phlegm is examined in the laboratory. The presence of cancer cells can be checked. This method can be especially helpful in detecting central lung tumors. A biopsy, which is performed by taking a tissue sample from the area where cancer is suspected, is used to make a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy can be performed using different methods. These include bronchoscopy, fine-needle aspiration, or surgical biopsy. During bronchoscopy, a thin tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and advanced into the bronchi. With this method, the doctor can see the inside of the lungs directly and take a biopsy.
Blood tests are usually done to evaluate general health and rule out other problems. Positron emission tomography is used to evaluate the spread of cancer in the body. Mediastinoscopy is used to examine the lymph nodes between the lungs and the heart. A small incision is made in the chest area to take a sample. A thin needle is used to take a sample of cells or tissue from the abnormal area in the lung under CT or ultrasound guidance. This method can be used if the tumor is located appropriately. Lung cancer More than one test may be needed to make a diagnosis. Early diagnosis can increase treatment options and prolong the patient's life. That's why it's important for people at risk to have regular checkups.
What are the Lung Cancer Treatment Methods?
Surgery is preferred in cases where the tumor can be completely removed. This method is usually used in early stages. lung cancer It is used in cases. Different surgical procedures such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy and segmentectomy can be applied. High energy rays are used in radiotherapy. It is a treatment method aimed at destroying cancer cells. Radiotherapy is used to clean the remaining cancer cells after surgery. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to stop the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
It is usually combined with surgery or radiotherapy. It can also be used as the main treatment method in advanced cases. Immunotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy increases the body's immune response by targeting cancer cells. Especially in advanced stages lung cancer It can be effective in patients. Sometimes more than one treatment method is used together. For example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be applied together with surgery. Such combination treatments are preferred in order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Each treatment method is customized according to the patient's condition. The most appropriate treatment plan is created with the contributions of more than one specialist doctor. Early diagnosis in treatment significantly increases the success of the treatment. Therefore, regular health checks and avoiding risk factors are of great importance.
