Lung Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Lung cancer is the number one cause of death for men. In lung cancer, lung cells become abnormal and cancerous so they grow uncontrollably. Lung cancer usually attacks older people over 40 years.
This type of cancer is often associated with smoking. Most cases (85%) are suffered by smokers. However, people who do not smoke can also suffer from lung cancer.
Lung cancer can be acquired due to primary or secondary cancer. Primary lung cancer originates from lung cells. Secondary lung cancer is the spread of cancer from other organs of the body.
There are two types of primary lung cancer, namely:
- Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)
This is the most common type (80% of cases).
- Non-small-cell lung cancer ( NSCLC)
This type of cancer spreads more quickly than SCLC.
The life expectancy of people with lung cancer varies from the severity of the cancer. Early detection makes a big difference. One in 20 sufferers can live up to 10 years.
Symptom
In the early stages of lung cancer, there will be no symptoms. Usually, symptoms appear along with the course of cancer. Symptoms include:
- persistent cough
- coughing up blood
- frequent lung infections
- often short of breath
- fatigue for no reason
- unreasonable weight loss
- pain when coughing or breathing
- clubbing finger _
- fever
- hard to swallow
- wheeze
- surrender sound
- swelling of the face or neck
- chest pain
Reason
Most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarettes contain 60 different toxic substances that can cause cancer. These toxic substances are known as carcinogenic substances.
If someone smokes 25 cigarettes a day, it means that person has a 25 times greater risk of developing lung cancer than people who don’t smoke. Using other tobacco in a different way, such as cigars or chewing, can also cause lung cancer and other cancers. For example esophageal and mouth cancer.
Smoking marijuana also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Passive smoking also increases the risk of lung cancer. Research has shown that passive-smoking women whose partners smoke have a 25% greater risk than those who live with non-smokers.
Exposure to other toxic substances such as arsenic, asbestos, silica, gas or gasoline odors, NO gas (products from vehicles) and so on also increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of lung cancer from the symptoms and physical examination. Other supporting examinations are also needed. Spirometer examination to check lung function by measuring the amount of air that comes in and out when you breathe. Blood tests are usually done to rule out infection.
Radiological examination is also needed in diagnosing lung cancer. A chest X-ray is usually performed first and may show a grayish-white mass. However, this appearance can also be caused by a lung abscess.
Other radiological examinations such as CT scans, and PET-CT scans can examine lung cancer in more detail. If it is confirmed that you have lung cancer, a bronchoscopy and biopsy procedure will be performed. The tissue sample taken from the biopsy will be examined.
Treatment
Lung cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer and general body condition. If the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and only in a small area it will make a much better difference to the outcome of the treatment.
Surgery to remove lung cancer may be performed. If the patient’s health condition is weak, radiotherapy can be done to destroy cancer cells. If the cancer has spread, surgery and radiotherapy cannot be done. Chemotherapy is usually used for such cases.
Prevention
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid cigarettes and their smoke. Quitting smoking for 10 years reduces the risk of lung cancer by 50%.
Research also proves that a diet low in fat, high in fiber, and consuming lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the risk of lung cancer and other cancers. In addition, regular exercise has also been found to help reduce the risk of lung cancer and other cancers. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week.