Lung cancer remains among the leading causes of deaths associated with cancers worldwide. It generally occurs when the abnormal cells of the lungs begin their growth excessively to form tumors, which may interfere with normal lung function.
The only way one can ensure a better survival rate is through early diagnosis and management. This blog will discuss the various ways of diagnosing lung cancer and the available treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis of lung cancer begins with an investigation of one’s history and the symptoms presented. Symptoms usually associated with lung cancer include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.
If a doctor suspects lung cancer, a variety of diagnostic tests can be recommended to confirm the condition.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT, and PET scans are some of the common imaging tests used in the diagnosis of lung cancer. These studies can outline the tumor location, size, and extent of tumor spread within the lungs and lymph nodes.
- Biopsy: If the tumor is seen on these imaging studies, a biopsy is performed to confirm whether the growth is malignant. A biopsy involves taking a small amount of tissue from the tumor using either a needle or the procedure called bronchoscopy, in which a small tube is inserted through the airways and used to retrieve the tissue sample. Ultra sound and CT guided biopsy’s are also done for diagnosis.
- Blood Tests: Although blood tests cannot diagnose cancer, they go a long way in determining your general health and detect the presence of certain biomarkers associated with cancers. These tests are often done in conjunction with an imaging test and biopsy.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
Once lung cancer is diagnosed, a number of factors go into consideration in deciding the course of treatment: the kind and stage of the cancer involved, the general health of the individual, as well as personal preferences. Major treatments for lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
1. Surgery
Surgery is generally the treatment of choice for early-stage lung cancer, when the cancer is confined to a patient’s lung or lungs and has not spread to any other parts of the body. Surgery is performed with the aim of removing the tumor or the whole affected lung. There are several surgical options:
- Lobectomy: This involves the removal of the lobe of the lung containing the cancer.
- Pneumonectomy: Resection of an entire lung.
- Segmentectomy or wedge resection: A smaller amount of the lung is removed.
Surgery is most effective if the tumor is localized and the remaining pulmonary tissue is sufficient to maintain life after resection.
2. Chemotherapy
The general term describing treatments that use chemicals to destroy cancer cells or prevent further growth is chemotherapy. It is generally used when surgical intervention is impossible or when the cancer has already metastasized to other parts of the body.
This can be given either orally or intravenously and is usually administered in cycles. Though it is able to shrink tumors, common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and lowered immune function. New forms of chemotherapy, including targeted therapy, focus more on the cancerous cells and limit the damage to healthy ones.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy makes use of high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. It is often combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery. Radiation therapy can be effective in the treatment of tumors that are too large to be removed surgically or in cases where surgery is not an option. It is also used to shrink tumors before surgery in order to make the procedure easier and more successful. Newer techniques allow very precise targeting of tumors, sparing as much tissue as possible; stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is one such approach.
Conclusion
Lung cancer treatment has evolved over time, and with the great advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes for many patients have considerably improved. Survival rates depend on early diagnosis, but newer therapies can afford hope even to more advanced diseases.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, it is important to seek medical advice from experts who can guide you through treatment options suitable for your needs.
At Mythri Hospital, we offer comprehensive care for cancer, including state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities and individualized treatment protocols for lung cancer.
Our team of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff strives to deliver the best services with the aim of achieving the finest outcomes. If you seek expert care in the management of lung cancer, Mythri Hospital will guide and assist you every step of the way.