Lung cancer screening and treatment

The human body requires oxygen to breathe. Without this basic necessity, our entire system would shut down. But we never notice this breathing process.

Image Source: Medicalnews

It is carried out by our lungs. They work continuously every day to pull the oxygen and push carbon dioxide out. This is a natural cycle that does not require any effort.

However, certain conditions can cause a disturbance in the breathing process. One such medical condition is lung cancer. This is a harmful disease. If left untreated, it can lead to fatal results.

Cancer is a collection of mutated cells that harms our organs. It can also spread into various parts of our bodies. That is why lung cancer causes several problems in our system. This disease can be cured using the right treatment procedure.

An informative guide regarding lung cancer is given below. Using this information, one can understand how to choose the right specialist.

What is lung cancer?

The breathing process goes through several stages. First, we inhale the air using our windpipe called the trachea. The oxygenated air goes inside our lungs. From there, small tubes known as bronchi and bronchioles transfer the oxygen to the alveoli. An alveolus is a part that helps in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Lung cancer occurs near the lining of bronchioles and alveoli. It creates an obstruction and halts the exchange of gases. Soon, cancer spreads to other areas and completely stops the breathing mechanism of the body.

There are two primary types of lung cancers:

Small Cell Lung Cancer: This type of lung cancer is found in a fewer number of people. However, this cancer is highly active and quickly spreads to other organs. It is mainly caused by smoking. If detected at the right time, this cancer can be easily treated.

Apart from that, small cell lung cancer can be cured using radiation procedures and chemotherapy. But there is a high chance of the cancer cells growing back. Therefore, the patient has to undergo several radiation treatments for a long time. Small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma are some of the variants of small cell lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Such type of lung cancer develops in most patients. It can occur with or without any smoking problem. It is less active the small cell lung cancer. But still, the cells can rapidly grow to various parts of the human body.

In some of the variants of non-small cell lung cancer like adenocarcinoma, the cancer cells secrete a fluid-like substance. This substance blocks the airway inside the lungs. Additionally, the cells can appear in any specific area of the lung. In most cases, surgery is performed to remove the cancer cells.

Symptoms

Apart from breathing issues, several other symptoms may arise:

• Coughing blood

• Wheezing sounds

• Pain in the chest area

• Unable to swallow properly

• Feeling tired all the time

• Sudden loss of appetite

• Swelling around the neck and face

• Weight loss

• Confusion and mild seizures

• Vomiting

Factors that cause lung cancer

Smoking: This is the primary cause of lung cancer in almost every patient. Lungs can repair on their own. But frequent inhaling harmful substances, permanently damage your lungs.

Family history: Cancer can be related to the genetic structure of a person.

Radiation therapy: During the treatment of some other cancer, the radiation might have damaged the cells inside the lungs.

Exposure to radon: Radon is a type of radiation gas that can seep through small crevices of buildings. It harms our entire body.

Diagnosis

Lung cancer screening: Lung cancer screening is done to rule out any possible signs of lung cancer. This is done using low-dose computed tomography also known as a low dose CT-scan. Finding any symptom in the early stage can save you from a lot of trouble.

Digital scans: MRI, X-Rays, and PET are some of the digital scans that can display cancer-causing cells.

Biopsy: In this method, a small tissue sample is taken from the lungs. The sample is taken to a lab for further testing.

Blood and fluid samples: Blood coming out of the mouth along with fluid is checked to find the cause of the problem.

Treatment

Two primary methods utilized for the treatment of lung cancer are:

Chemotherapy: It involves the use of certain drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. These chemicals are given to the patient in large amounts. This is done to cure rapidly growing lung cancer.

Radiation therapy: In this process, high-energy beams are passed through the patient. It is one of the crucial steps for clearing out cancer. Radiation is known to kill any living cell. Thus, the entire procedure is one carefully with proper inspection. The success rate of radiation therapy is more than other procedures.

How to find a lung cancer specialist?

Lung cancer screening Singapore provides the right tool and equipment to cure lung diseases. The place has a certified team of experts for the treatment. Using the above guide, you can easily find a medical facility with lung cancer specialist Singapore.