Lung cancer is one type of cancer that is dangerous and can cause death. As the name implies, this cancer attacks the respiratory organs, ie lungs. A smokers and people who frequently inhale pollutants such as textile factory workers have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with time and the number of cigarettes that had been spent.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer usually originates from cells in the lung itself. But in a few cases, there is also a cancer originating from other organs that spread and invade into the lungs. Recognizing early symptoms of this cancer is very important in order to be dealt with quickly.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer usually does not cause signs and symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer occurs only when the condition has worsened.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
Persistent cough
Changes in chronic cough
Chest pain and the pain when coughing or laughing
Shortness of breath and wheezing like an asthmatic
Bloody sputum, change colors and more
Often experience recurrent infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
Voice hoarse / husky.
Fingertip enlarged and sore
Weight loss and loss of appetite
The growth of abnormal chest in men
Emotional instability, mood swings, lethargy, depression
Pain in the bones
headache
What treatments are offered?
Depending on the stage / stage lung cancer that is, toward the goal of treatment may be to complete healing, cancer control, or an extension of the age or maintenance of symptoms and prevention of complications to improve the quality of life.
The following treatment modalities may be used singly or in combination.
surgery
Surgery is performed for lung cancer involves removal of the affected tissue tumors and lymph tissue around it.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This method only kills cells in the treated area.
chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs in order to reduce / kill cancer cells. Drugs put into the bloodstream and can affect cancer cells throughout the body.
therapeutic target
Targeted therapy using drugs to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drug enters the blood stream will be about all the cancer cells in the body. Some people with lung cancer non-small cell that has spread may use this therapy.
1. Stages of Lung Cancer Small Cell
Doctors divide lung cancer small cell into 2 stages:
Limited stage: Cancer is found only on one side of the lung and its immediate network.
Extensive stage: Cancer is found in breast tissue outside the lungs where the initial point spread. Or cancer is found in a fairly distant organs.
2. Stages of Lung Cancer Non-Small Cell
Occult stage: Lung cancer cells are found in sputum or water samples obtained from bronchoscopy, but the tumor itself can not be seen in the lungs.
Stage 0: Cancer cells are found only in the innermost lining of the lungs. The tumor has not grown through this lining. Tumor stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ. Tumors that there is not an invasive cancer.
Stage I: Cancer cells are confined to the area of the lungs only. Tissue surrounding the lungs remained normal.
Stage II: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, chest wall, diaphragm, lung lining, or outer layer that surrounds the heart.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest area between the heart and lungs. Blood vessels in this area may also be infected. Possible cancer had also spread to the lower part of the neck.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the lungs or other parts of the body and can not be removed surgically.
