These mutations disrupt the normal regulation of cell growth and division, leading to the formation of tumors. Lung cancer can manifest in various types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.
Primarily afflicting older individuals, the majority of lung cancer diagnoses occur in individuals aged 65 or older, with a negligible proportion under the age of 45.
Emphasizing the importance of early detection, screening methods like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are recommended for individuals deemed high-risk, particularly current or former smokers aged 55 to 80 years with a history of smoking equivalent to 30 pack-years or more.
Encouragingly, the incidence of new lung cancer cases exhibits a declining trend, partially attributable to increased smoking cessation efforts. Additionally, advancements in early detection and treatment modalities contribute to the decreasing mortality rates associated with lung cancer.
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Persistent cough
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Chest pain
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath & hoarseness
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Coughing up blood
- Lung cancer spreads through a process called metastasis, where cancer cells break away from the primary tumor in the lungs and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, such as the brain, bones, liver, or other lungs. Symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue.
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Diagnosis involves imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans, along with biopsies to confirm cancer presence. Sputum cytology may also be used.
Alternatively, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may be utilized, employing small incisions and specialized tools. Various types of surgeries include segmental or wedge resection, which removes a small lung portion; lobectomy, eliminating an entire lung lobe; pneumonectomy, removing a whole lung; and sleeve resection, where a bronchus section is excised and the lung is reattached to the remaining bronchial part.
Advances in treatment options offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. By raising awareness, promoting preventive strategies, and supporting research initiatives, we can work together to combat lung cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Advances in treatment options offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. By raising awareness, promoting preventive strategies, and supporting research initiatives, we can work together to combat lung cancer and improve patient outcomes.
SOURCES:
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Chan, J. M., et al. (2005). Diet After Diagnosis and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression, Recurrence, and Death. JAMA.
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World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Prostate Cancer.
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Ahmed, H. U., et al. (2017). Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study. The Lancet.
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Kantoff, P. W., et al. (2015). New England Journal of Medicine.
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U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Colorectal Cancer: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
- Murphy, N., et al. (2018). World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project. International Journal of Cancer.
- Chan, A. T., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2010). Primary prevention of colorectal cancer. Gastroenterology.
- Le, D. T., et al. (2015). PD-1 Blockade in Tumors with Mismatch-Repair Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine.