If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, you will undergo a number of different treatment options. In addition to surgery, your doctor may suggest chemotherapy. Both treatments can relieve some of the symptoms of cancer. These include pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and blockage of the airways. Radiation therapy also has the potential to kill cancer cells. It is usually delivered from a machine. In certain cases, radiation is delivered internally using tubes.
The process for lung cancer diagnosis begins with a chest X-ray or CT scan to identify abnormalities around the lungs. A sample of mucus is collected and analyzed to determine if the substance is cancerous. Biopsy of suspected cancer cells may be performed. The biopsy can be performed in a number of ways. One method is bronchoscopy, which involves passing a lighted tube through the mouth and into the lungs.
Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for lung cancer. Inhaling cigarette smoke, air pollution, and fumes from household products can damage the cells in the lungs. These cells are very sensitive to the environment, so cigarette smoke can harm them. The lungs are tree-like structures that contain many air passages and contain a thin layer of tissue, called alveoli. The lungs are surrounded by lobes of thick spongy tissue. The right lung contains three lobes while the left has two. The lungs are comprised of more than 300 million airways, so the risk of developing cancer is high.
Although both types of cancer are potentially deadly, early diagnosis is key. Early detection and treatment of the disease are the most effective ways to ensure the best outcome for you. While surgery is the standard treatment for lung cancer, non-surgical methods are often the best option for many people. A good way to prevent lung cancer from spreading is to stop smoking. And if you’re still smoking, you may want to consider other treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Non-small-cell lung cancer is made up of two types – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The former is the most common type of lung cancer, making up around 20 percent of cases. However, it’s caused by cigarette smoking and is often aggressive. Despite the fact that chemotherapy and radiation treatments are effective, small cell lung cancer usually recurs in many people. You may also be able to avoid surgery or radiation treatment if you’re diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer.
While it’s still difficult to determine the cause of the delayed diagnosis, it’s important to remember that early detection is key to saving lives. Increasing public awareness of lung cancer symptoms and the availability of information on the disease can help prevent this. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the earlier the patient can begin treatment. It’s also important to make sure that the patient’s family, friends, and doctor are aware of the symptoms. If you do notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.
