The main risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking, and the sooner a person begins smoking, the more likely they are to develop it. However, air pollution and workplace exposure to chemicals also increase their risk. The signs of non-small cell lung cancer include a persistent cough and shortness of breath.
Treatment options for non-small-cell lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment options for NSCLC vary depending on the type of cancer and the risk factors. Wedge resection removes a tumor and some surrounding normal tissue. Segmental resection removes a large portion of lung tissue. Pneumonectomy removes the entire lung, while sleeve resection involves removing part of the bronchus, the air passage leading to the lung. Radiation therapy also kills cancer cells.
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer may benefit from targeted therapy, which uses drugs to attack the cancer’s DNA and cause minimal harm to healthy cells. These treatments may be able to help patients with lung cancer and are more effective than existing treatments. Some trials may even be available to patients who haven’t begun treatment. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Patients with lung cancer should seek advice from a health care provider before deciding on a treatment option.
Non-small cell lung cancer often recurs. If you experience recurrence, you should consult your doctor immediately. Treatment for this type of cancer is extremely complex. It is a rare and aggressive disease that can be life-threatening. In addition to chemotherapy and radiation, non-small cell lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body. During this stage, imaging and bronchoscopy are not able to reveal the tumor’s presence. A patient may have symptoms in the sputum or bronchial washings.
When the diagnosis of lung cancer has been made, tests are done to determine whether the cancer cells have spread. Some of these tests include an MRI. The MRI uses a computer, magnet, and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the internal organs. The MRI is also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. But there are many factors to consider before choosing treatment for lung cancer. So, when you’re facing the challenge of determining the correct treatment for your cancer, don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider.
The response rate of cancer medicines to Iressa and Tarceva varies greatly between individuals. One factor is whether the cancer was undifferentiated or differentiated. A non-smoker with a certain mutation may respond to the drug more quickly than a smoker who smoked for 40 years. The response rate was highest in women. Those who did not smoke and Japanese people tended to have better outcomes than others. The median survival time of non-smokers doubled when undergoing treatment with Iressa and Tarceva.
Although never-smokers may feel shocked by the news that they developed lung cancer, they must be reassured that it is not the result of smoking. A history and physical examination will provide important insights into the cause and progression of the disease. A chest X-ray is another important test, as it looks for masses in the lungs. Additionally, sputum is a blood sample, and may be used to diagnose cancer cells.
