Lung Cancer Treatment

Once considered to be rare, lung cancer treatment has today reached epidemic proportions.In India, it constitutes 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer related deaths in both sexes.

Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can start in one or  both lungs, usually the cells that line the air passages cause lung cancer. As the tumour size increase the lungs ability to provide oxygen to the bloodstream decreases. The tumours that remain in one place are called “benign”.

Tumours and those with a propensity to spread to other parts of the body are the malignant tumours, which are harder to treat . Based on the how cancer look under the microscope it is broadly classified as non-smell cell lung cancer, which account for 80% of lung cancers and small cell cancer almost caused by smoking accounts for 20% of the cases.

The following increase the risk of developing lung cancer:

1: Smoking tobacco remains the top risk factor for lung cancer. Many carcinogenic chemicals are present in tobacco and tobacco smoke which trigger changes in the lung tissue. While the body is able to repair the damage initially, over time the ability to do so decreases. The more frequent and longer the history of smoking, the greater the chances of developing lung cancer.

2: Even if does not smoke but has an immediate family member like a parent or sibling who has or has suffered from lung cancer, or has multiple family numbers who have had lung cancer, the risk of developing lung cancer increases.

3: Increasing age

4: History of a chronic illness that affects the lungs like tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

5: Radiation therapy received for treating other cancers increase the risk of lung cancer, more so if one is a smoker.

6: Exposure to secondhand smoke regularly at home, at work, in bars and restaurants increase the risk for lung cancer by 20 to 30 per cent.

7: A diet devoid of a diverse mix of healthy foods like vegetables and fruits especially if one is a smoker.

The early symptoms of lung cancer may mimic a common cold or other common conditions, resulting in the symptoms being neglected and a delay in diagnosis. Early symptoms may include:

1. A cough thats worsens or lingers on
2. Phelgem or blood in the cough
3. Chest pain that worsens on breathing deeply, laughing, or coughing
4. Hoarseness