سرطان الرئة (Lung Cancer)

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Lung Cancer

 

On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding lung cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?

  • Lung cancer is a rare disease characterized by abnormal cell growth. It starts in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs; it can also spread from other organs into the lungs. Lung cancer is divided into two main types:
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer: This type involves faster spreading cancer cells and is less common. It mainly occurs in heavy smokers.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: This is the most common type, accounting for 87% of cases. It includes several subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Lung Cancer?

  • There are no symptoms or signs of lung cancer in its early stages. However, signs usually appear as the disease progresses, such as:
  • A persistent cough lasting two to three weeks, possibly accompanied by other symptoms such as:
  • Shortnessofbreath.
  • Coughing upblood.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • Persistent fatigue.
  • Pain and difficulty swallowing.
  • Wheezing.

Swelling in the face or neck.

  • Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer, including:
  • A family history of lung cancer.
  • Smoking.
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke (smoke from other smokers).

Exposure to certain hazardous and carcinogenic materials in certain industries, such as radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel.

  • What are the Causes of Lung Cancer?
  • In most cases, smoking is the primary cause, as it damages the lining of lung cells. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, lung tissue changes immediately.
  • Secondhand Smoke: Smoke from other people’s cigarettes.
  • Radon: Radon is a natural gas formed in rocks, soil, and water. It is invisible, tasteless, and odorless.
  • Other Materials: Examples include substances found in some workplaces that increase risk, such as asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust.
  • Personal or Family History of Lung Cancer.

Radiation therapy to the chest.

What are the Diagnostic Methods?:

    • The doctor takes a medical history and conducts a physical examination, and may request additional procedures when needed, including:X-ray.
    • X-ray.CT scan.
    • CT scan.
  • Sputum examination. 

Biopsy of lung cells.

What are the Treatment Methods for Lung Cancer?

Treatment varies and may include several procedures depending on the type and extent of cancer:

  • Surgery.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiotherapy.
  • Targeted Therapy.

People with small cell lung cancer are usually treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

What are the Prevention Methods for Lung Cancer?

  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid sitting with smokers while they are smoking to prevent secondhand smoke exposure.
  • Avoid exposure to carcinogenic materials at work.
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Undergo preventive CT scans between the ages of 50 to 80 if you are a heavy smoker (at least one pack a day) or if you quit heavy smoking in the last 15 years, as advised by your doctor.

 What are the Complications of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can lead to complications in its advanced stages, such as:

    • Shortness of breath.
    • Coughing up blood.
    • Fluid accumulation in the chest.
  • Cancer spreading to other areas (metastasis): the brain or bones. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see your doctor if you notice an unusual change in yourself or have any of the potential signs and symptoms of lung cancer mentioned above.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

– What is the common age for developing lung cancer?

Most susceptible individuals are aged 55 and above.

– Can lung cancer occur in non-smokers?

Yes, there are other factors that increase the likelihood, such as afamily history or exposure to radon gas and carcinogenic materials at work.

– I am a smoker with a persistent cough. Does this mean I have lung cancer?

No, there are many reasons for a persistent coughin smokers, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and acid reflux. Consult your doctor for a medicalhistory review and clinical examination to determine appropriate stepsto identify the causes of a persistent cough.

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