What You Should Know About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can occur within the lungs or in the surrounding tissues. Cancers of the lungs that haven't spread can be treated with chemotherapy or surgery therapy.

A healthcare professional will listen to your lungs with an stethoscope. They will also inquire about your medical history. If lung cancer is suspected then a biopsy will be conducted.

Symptoms

Lung cancer can develop in the lungs for years before a person starts to notice symptoms. The symptoms and signs of a lung cancer are dependent on the location and size of the tumor in the lungs.

The most frequently reported indication of lung cancer is a cough that won't go away. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness and weight loss. In rare cases, cancer could spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). In many instances, there aren't any symptoms.

Adenocarcinoma and Railways squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoids are the most frequent types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The majority of these cancers are found in the outer parts of the lung. This type of cancer is often found in people who smoke or have been exposed tobacco smoke.

NSCLC can also result in an abnormal brain tumor, known as a lentigomalignant neoplasm, or atypical carcinoid tumor. These cancers are generally more serious than other types of NSCLC. They can cause headaches, blurred vision or problems with speech. In certain instances, cancers that have spread to the bones or liver can cause bone pain in the ribs and spine (metastasis). If the cancer has developed to the adrenal glands it can cause increased blood pressure and swelling of the feet and hands. It may also affect the brain and cause seizures, headaches and numbness of the arms and legs.

Diagnosis

The doctor diagnoses lung carcinoma by taking an in-situ sample (biopsy) of cells taken from the lymph nodes or tumor on the chest. The doctor will also look at the form of tumors and the size, color and appearance of the cells. A biopsy of the lungs is only done by sedating the patient or general anaesthetic.

The test results tell your doctor how much cancer has spread in your lungs and to other parts of the body. This is called staging. The information is used by doctors to decide on the best treatment.

A CT scan can reveal the size and shape of the tumor. It can also reveal whether it has encroached into the bones or into the airways. It can also find out if the cancer has spread to other areas of your body, for instance the adrenal glands, your liver kidneys, brain or kidneys.

Other tests include an electrocardiogram, blood test and an ultrasound. The doctor may also suggest an MRI of the chest which is more precise than CT to detect Apical (Pancoast) tumors and cancers close to the diaphragm. MRI could also identify paraneoplastic syndromes.

Certain lung cancers are more aggressive than others. The way a lung cancer grows can help the doctor Railways decide what type of treatment to give you.

Treatment

The doctor will use a variety of tests to determine whether cancer has been able to spread to your lungs or other areas of your body. This is known as staging. The results aid your doctor plan treatment.

You might be prescribed medication to kill cancer cells or to stop their growth. The majority of times, medicines are administered in combination with radiation or surgery. It can also be used to improve the quality of life and decrease symptoms when cancer has already spread.

Lung cancer treatments are usually given in cycles. Each treatment is followed by a period of rest to allow your body to recover from the drug effects. Your doctor will decide on how you will receive chemotherapy based on the type of cancer you have and stage.

If you have early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, you may receive chemotherapy prior to surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor and reduce the likelihood of it come back. You could also be treated with an adjuvant chemotherapy drug after surgery to lower the risk of the cancer returning or to treat other symptoms.

If you have metastatic cancer of the lung The doctor you see may prescribe immunotherapy or targeted therapy to eliminate cancerous cells that have spread throughout the body. These kinds of medicines are typically administered via the vein or intravenously. The medications are administered in the hospital or cancer center.

Follow-up

Once the treatment is finished After treatment, your doctor will continue to be on the lookout for cancer coming back (recurring) and long-term adverse effects. This is called follow up care. This can include regular physical exams or medical tests as well as chest x rays. Your doctor will determine the follow-up treatment according to your requirements. Certain cancer treatments can trigger problems that don't become apparent until years or months after your treatment ends. These are called late side effects. They can affect anyone treated for cancer.

Lung cancer treatment often leaves you feeling exhausted and weak and it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you eat healthy, get enough rest and regularly exercise. Regular breathing exercises, railways such as walking, can help keep your lungs in good shape and help prevent blood clots. Speak to your doctor to determine the best exercise for you.

It's normal to feel worried about your upcoming appointments and tests. If you are worried you are worried, talk to your health medical professional or call the Cancer Council at 13 11 20. Talk to your doctor if notice any new symptoms between appointments. Some symptoms can be an indication of cancer returning. For instance, some people experience difficulty sleeping or feel depressed following chemotherapy. Your doctor may refer you to specialists who can help.