There are several types of lung cancer treatments. They are aimed at controlling the cancer, reducing symptoms, and ensuring quality of life. Treatments may be combined to improve outcomes. Chemotherapy consists of drugs designed to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered through an intravenous catheter, a thin tube placed into a large vein and left there until it is no longer needed. Other drugs may be taken orally.
Imaging tests can show abnormalities in the lungs, such as small lesions. Phlegm cytology is another way to confirm lung cancer. A physician can examine the cancer cells from the phlegm through a lighted tube passed down the throat. The next step is a biopsy. A biopsy can be done in a number of ways. One method is by means of bronchoscopy, which involves passing a thin lighted tube into the lungs.
Small cell lung cancer accounts for 15 percent of lung cancer cases. This type of lung cancer is most commonly caused by tobacco use and typically begins in the central area of the chest. It quickly spreads to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Because of the aggressive nature of small cell lung cancer, surgery is rarely performed for this type of lung cancer. It is important to understand that treatment for cancer in lymph nodes is different from that of non-small cell lung cancer.
Treatments for lung cancer are determined based on how advanced it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Early detection can increase the chances of a cure. In many cases, treatment can be effective even if the cancer is unremarkable. While it is important to note that lung cancer is a life-threatening condition, it is not untreatable and can be treated with the right treatments. If it has spread to other areas of the body, it can lead to lung failure.
NSCLCs comprise about 80 percent of lung cancer cases. There are several types of NSCL, but most of them respond well to early treatment. Squamous cell lung cancer forms in the respiratory tract; SCLC develops in the outer parts of the lung. Adenocarcinomas are less aggressive and develop in a mixture of squamous and mucus-producing cells. The cancers of the lungs are categorized as stage I and stage II.
If lung cancer is detected early, treatment options may include surgery or targeted therapies. Patients with a genetically abnormal tumor profile may be treated with targeted therapies that target only cancer cells. This method eliminates cancer cells without harming healthy cells. It is important to note that patients with lung cancer should not smoke and should not breathe secondhand smoke. A regular checkup is recommended for adults with no symptoms but who are at risk for developing the disease. The treatment options vary.
Treatments for lung cancer include medications and supplemental oxygen. Patients may experience shortness of breath. Treatments may include medications, supplemental oxygen, and relaxation activities. As the disease progresses, the cancer may also spread to other organs of the body, including the esophagus. A person with a tumor in the lungs may be unable to breathe, have difficulty walking, or have trouble swallowing. In addition to medication, treatments may relieve symptoms and increase survival.
