Lung cancer
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is one of the most common oncological pathologies. It is characterized by malignant degeneration of bronchial mucosal cells or alveoli. It is believed that 80% of lung cancer cases occur in smokers with a long smoking history. The prognosis for the patient depends on the type of cancer and the moment of diagnosis of the disease.
Despite advances in medicine, particularly in oncology, lung cancer is considered the leading cause of death in cancer patients. The mortality rate varies between 70-90%. Only 12.5% of patients cross the five-year survival threshold. Lung cancer is more often detected in men in the older age category (50-80 years).
Depending on the histological structure of the tumor, there are four types of lung cancer:
- small cell cancer (progresses rapidly, actively metastasizes);
- large cell cancer (transient, metastasizes by hematogenous and lymphogenous pathways);
- squamous cell cancer (slowly developing, rarely metastasizes in the early stages);
- glandular cancer (progresses slowly but metastasizes early).
Approximately 70% of cancers are central, where the large branches of the bronchi are affected. The remainder is peripheral or lung cancer, which initially comes from the alveoli.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Manifestations of lung cancer depend on the localization of the pathological process, the period of its development, and the involvement of nearby and distant internal organs.
The biological period begins from the moment of lung cell degeneration into malignant cells and lasts until the appearance of radiologic signs. As a rule, the clinical picture is entirely absent at this stage.
In the asymptomatic period, there are either no symptoms, or they are so nonspecific that a person does not associate them with the disease. These include drowsiness, weakness, decreased efficiency, lack of appetite, and weight loss.
During the clinical period, symptoms appear and gradually increase. The most common signs of lung cancer are considered to be:
- Unsystematic cough (often with discharge of mucopurulent sputum);
- hemoptysis;
- hoarseness of voice (due to vagus nerve compression);
- subfebrile;
- chest pains;
- shortness of breath.
Secondary manifestations are associated with complications (cancer, pneumonia, pleuritis, pulmonary bleeding, etc.) The severity of the clinical picture directly depends on the localization of the tumor. Central cancer grows in large bronchi and causes obstruction and hypoventilation of a significant volume of the lung. In the peripheral position, prolonged asymptomatic development is possible up to the spread of metastases.
Causes of lung cancer
Cancer can be genetically determined, so people whose close relatives have had this pathology are at increased risk. A more significant role in the development of lung cancer is attributed to the impact of unfavorable external factors. The most dangerous is considered to be smoking (including passive smoking).
Ionizing radiation, such as radon radiation, can trigger the disease. In the risk zone are employees of gas stations and repair facilities, as they constantly have to inhale vehicle exhaust fumes, which are saturated with particles of heavy metals and other harmful compounds. There is also a high risk of epithelial cell mutation in people engaged in harmful production (contact with chromium, asbestos, and synthetic dyes).
Diagnosis of lung cancer
The doctor may suspect lung cancer after studying the results of fluorography or X-rays. A CT scan is ordered to confirm the diagnosis. According to the results of studies conducted in the United States, this approach reduces the mortality rate of patients with lung cancer by 20%.
Laboratory diagnostics (general clinical blood and urine tests, blood biochemistry, tests for oncomarkers) are performed to obtain comprehensive information about the state of the body. In some cases, fibrobronchoscopy, biopsy, diagnostic thoracotomy and other measures are prescribed.
Lung cancer treatment
Treatment of lung cancer is most effective in its early stages. In practice, this happens quite rarely. More often, patients come to specialist in the clinical period (at the 2nd or 3rd stage).
Modern oncology pays special attention to individual treatment selection after collecting the most detailed information about the tumor and the state of the patient’s body. The most common treatments for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiofrequency therapy. Due to the high aggressiveness of lung tumors, these techniques have to be combined.
Treatment starts with chemotherapy or immunotherapy to shrink the tumor and prevent metastases. During surgery, the tumor itself and nearby tissues are removed. Irradiation of tissues immediately after surgery helps to reduce the risk of recurrence. After the surgical stage, chemotherapeutic treatment is continued. Complete remission is rarely achieved. With a significant tumor size, lesions of other internal organs, and cardiovascular pathologies, patients are prescribed palliative treatment. It is aimed at improving the quality of life of an inoperable patient.
All these treatment options are available in more than 890 hospitals worldwide (https://doctor.global/results/diseases/lung-cancer). For example, bilobectomy is performed in 22 clinics across Turkey for an approximate price of $8.7 K(https://doctor.global/results/asia/turkey/all-cities/all-specializations/procedures/bilobectomy).
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies based on the treatment:
- Post-surgery recovery includes hospitalization and managing complications.
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, like fatigue and nausea, need management.
- Ongoing support and palliative care are crucial for advanced cases.
Challenges in Treatment
The aggressive nature of lung cancer, late diagnosis, and managing side effects of treatments are significant challenges.
Prevention
Prevention strategies include smoking cessation, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, and regular health check-ups for high-risk individuals.
Advancements in Treatment
Recent advancements in lung cancer treatment include the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Living with Lung Cancer
Living with lung cancer involves ongoing management, coping with the emotional and physical impact, and maintaining a supportive network.
Conclusion
Lung cancer remains a major health challenge, but advancements in early detection, surgical techniques, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have improved outcomes. Patient education, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures are key to reducing the burden of this disease.
