What is lung cancer?
In its simplest terms, the lung is the body that expels carbon dioxide from the body and allows oxygen to enter the body. The uncontrolled proliferation of tissues and cells that make up this precious organ is called lung cancer.
Although it is generally thought that the biggest reason is smoking, it can also be seen in non-smokers. But of course, the share of smoking can never be denied in causing the disease. Issues such as the first smoking age of the person, how long they continue to use it, and how often they smoke affect the state of encountering the disease. In addition, since men generally start smoking at an earlier age, the incidence of males is higher in terms of gender. However, it has started to be seen more frequently in women day by day. Since this disease, which is generally noticed at the age of 50 or later, has a rapid spread to the bone, liver, brain and adrenal glands, early diagnosis is of great importance.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
It is an insidious disease. It may take some time to notice cancer because the symptoms may indicate other diseases. If routine checks are not disrupted, it may be possible to be noticed early.
- Continuous shortness of breath and wheezing
- Cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse
- Bloody sputum
- Loss of appetite and slimming
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness of voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Fire
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Shoulder, arm and back pain
- Head and bone pain
- Fatigue, weakness
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
If lung cancer is suspected due to the person’s complaints, an X-ray examination is made to see if any mass is seen. Then, sputum examination may be requested. Sputum cytology is a simple but useful method used to detect lung cancer. It may be necessary to examine the lung tissue in order to be sure of cancer or to determine the type, spread and stage of cancer. The location of the mass is determined by performing computed tomography. As a method, a suitable one is decided from fine needle biopsy or bronchoscopy. After the biopsy is evaluated, the diagnosis is made.
How is lung cancer treated?
The spread of the disease and the stage it is in is a guide in determining the treatment method.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Smart drugs and smart molecule therapy
- Radiotherapy
- Vaccine treatment
