How Long Does It Take To Clear Your Lungs

Lung Cancer: All You Need to Know

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Lung cancer is a serious illness which none of us wish to face. Here we look at some of the key symptoms of this disease to watch out for. We also explore how it is diagnosed and the many treatment options now available should you be unfortunate enough to find out that you are suffering from lung cancer.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Cancer is the development of abnormal cells. In the case of lung cancer these abnormal cells develop in the lungs, generally in the walls of the bronchi. There are several distinct types of lung cancer. The main two are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and the more common non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The three main types of NSCLC include adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Smoking causes most of cases of lung cancer. Smoking damages the cells in the lungs causing the abnormal cells to grow. Second hand smoking can also cause lung cancer. In some cases, however, where smoking is not involved, the cause may be unknown.

What Are the Key Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

The type of treatment will depend on the type of lung cancer and how advanced the disease is. Some of the options include: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy and immunotherapy.

Surgery is commonly used in early-stage NSCLC cases where the surgeon will remove the tumor, sometimes using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, in advance of using some of the other types of treatment.

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment where particular drugs (carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel or Topotecan) are either injected into the blood stream or taken by tablet. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent the cancer returning (adjuvant chemotherapy).

Radiotherapy can also be used to treat lung cancer. It involves directing high energy waves at the tumor and can also be used in conjunction with other treatment options.

Biological therapy uses the bodies' own immune system to treat the tumor. Testing of the tumor will be carried out to see if this is a feasible treatment option. If it is a feasible option, there are several biological drugs that can be offered such as Afatinib, Bevacizumab and Cetuximab.

A more recent development is the use of immunotherapy. Like biological therapy this type of treatment uses the patient's own immune system to treat the tumor. Many of the drugs are still at clinical trial stage but include monoclonal antibodies and adoptive T-cell transfer.

How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects a case of lung cancer they will order diagnostic tests such as X-ray or CT scan. If the patient is coughing up sputum it can be analyzed under a microscope and finally if a tumor is discovered a biopsy can be taken and analyzed to determine if it is cancerous and which type of cancer it is.

Key Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

The type of treatment will depend on the type of lung cancer and how advanced the disease is. Some of the options include: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy and immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment where particular drugs (e.g. carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel or Topotecan) are either injected into the blood stream or taken by tablet. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent the cancer returning (adjuvant chemotherapy).

Radiotherapy can also be used to treat lung cancer. It involves directing high energy waves at the tumor and can also be used in conjunction with other treatment options.

Alternative Methods of Treating Lung Cancer

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer consider treatments such as acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga, massage and meditation. While these treatments will not cure the cancer, they can help to maintain a healthy mind and general sense of well-being.

Maintaining a healthy diet will also help in any battle against lung cancer. Some foods to include are those high in omega-3 oil, high in carotenoids and high in vitamins C and E.

In Summary

Lung cancer is a serious illness most often caused by smoking. There are several types of lung cancer which cause breathing issues as well as fatigue and weight loss. There are many treatment options where there is a diagnosis of lung cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy and the more recent immunotherapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, can help general well being while living with and fighting lung cancer.