Last Updated: Oct 14, 2021
Generally, the body cells die at a certain point in their life cycle to avoid excessive growth. But, cancer disease overrides this condition, and causes cells to replicate faster. This overgrowth of cells leads to various cancers and it depends on the organs where they overgrow. When such cells’ growth occurs in the lung, it is called lung cancer. The Lung is a vital organ for respiration. It is a prevailing condition and leading to many deaths in the United States of America.
When compared to colon, breast and prostate cancer, lung cancer is highly common in men and women. There are two types of lung cancer namely small and non-small cell and they are diagnosed based on how they appear under the microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than the small-cell type. Cigarette smoking, exposure to smokes, and chemicals increase the risk of it.
The survival in the case of Lung Cancer usually depends upon the type and cause of cancer as well as the severity of the disease. There is a 5 years survival rate in Lung Cancer and it varies in both men and women. In men, it is 17% while in women it is 24% and the overall survival rate is 21%. With the advancement in the medical treatment therapies such as targeted treatments and immunotherapies, it has become possible to survive longer in the case of Lung Cancer, even in advanced cases.
Lung Cancer has been a leading cause of death in the world till now. There may be several types of Lung Cancer which are described as follows:
Lung Cancer in its early stages is generally asymptomatic and this is one of the reasons for the high mortality in the case of Lung Cancer. People usually get diagnosed at stage three or four when cancer has already been spread in the body and reached its advanced stage. Symptoms do not occur at early stages or may not be noticed even if they occur.
Cases such as squamous cell carcinoma, remain undiagnosed for about 8 years or so and reach the stage of metastasis. Due to the delayed diagnosis and treatment, there is a poor prognosis of the treatment.
According to the research done by the world’s scientists, it has been proven that Lung Cancer can remain dormant or asymptomatic in a person’s body for a period of over 20 years. It generally gets diagnosed in its advanced stage known as the malignant stage. Prognosis is usually poor in such stages and the disease has already reached its deadly form.
Complications due to Lung Cancer as well its dissemination may be a reason for the sudden death. In case when Lung Cancer invades the surrounding sheath of the heart i.e pericardium, it leads to serious complications.
Bleeding occurs between the heart and the pericardium sheath which compresses the heart to that much extent causing sudden and immediate death. Invasion of Lung Cancer to the liver as well as the nervous system in some cases is also fatal and leads to death.
If your routine physical examination reveals symptoms such as weak breathing, weakness in one arm, abnormal sounds in the lungs, swollen lymph nodes above the collar bone, expanded veins in the neck, arm and chest, droopy eyelids, he may suspect that it may be lung cancer.
Firstly, X-ray will be advised and if nothing is seen, secondly Ultrasound, CT, MRI, Bone Scan and PET scan will be advised. Lung biopsy, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy, thoracentesis, video-assisted thoracic surgery, sputum test, molecular tissue test, and pulmonary function test along with arterial blood tests are advised to confirm lung cancer and its stage.
The doctor will decide the treatment plan based on the stage, age, general health, whether you have a metastatic stage, and your preferences. Surgery will be the best option for non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy will be advised after the surgery. Radiofrequency ablation is an alternative for surgery.
Targeted treatment using drugs like Avastin, Tarceva. Lorbrena, Tagrisso, Zykadia, Alecensa are recommended to control cancer that has already spread. Immunotherapy drugs like atezolizumab, durvalumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab are prescribed as they use the bodys' own cells to attack cancer cells. Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E are prescribed for home care..
Some of the possible home remedies which can help in providing a supportive care during lung cancer are as follows:
The patients should pay special attention to food and they are as follows:
Summary: Lung Cancer is a fatal disease of the lungs that has been a leading cause of death in the world till now. The various types include Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and Sarcamatoid carcinoma. Complications due to this condition as well its dissemination may be a reason for the sudden death. Invasion of Lung Cancer to the liver, heart as well as the nervous system in some cases is also fatal and leads to death. The survival rate is 5 years usually and the prognosis is poor.
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