Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world. In India, every year, more than half a million people face death because of cancer, and early 7% of them are lung cancer. Specific symptoms and signs imitate other medical conditions, and people fail to diagnose them early. If you find any symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention at the earliest. In this blog, will you learn to pick up the early signs and get treatment at the initial stages of cancer?

Do you want to consult an oncologist? Dr. Suresh Advani is the best lung cancer doctor in India. Call now to book an appointment.

Lung Cancer – An Overview

Cancer, in general, begins when the cells in the body multiply out of control. If it occurs inside the lungs, it is called lung cancer. As the growth of the abnormal cells surges, they result in lung tumors. And, when cancer cells fill the entire lungs to spread to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic cancer.

Our lungs are 2 sponge-like organs in the body. When you inhale, the air reaches the lungs through a tube called the trachea (windpipe). The windpipe splits into two tubes called bronchi. The bronchi enter the lungs to form tiny bronchioles. At the tip of these bronchioles, small air sacs known as alveoli are present. These alveoli supply oxygen to the blood cells and exhale carbon dioxide out. Cancer cells can grow in any part of the lungs.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Smoking is the primary reason for lung cancer. Studies indicate, 90% of lung cancer traces back to smoking and other tobacco use. The other common risk factors of lung cancer are:

  • Genetic mutations
  • Age factor
  • Ethnicity
  • Gender

Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the following commonly observed symptoms:

  • Chronic coughing that remains for a prolonged period
  • Blood in the mucus
  • Chest discomfort that becomes severe while laughing or coughing
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Trouble in breathing
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Poor appetite
  • Prolonged lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Wheezing issues
  • Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids
  • Enlarged veins in neck or face

Do you experience these symptoms? Contact Dr. Suresh Advani, the best lung cancer doctor in India, for an early diagnosis.

What Conditions Imitate Lung Cancer?

Some medical conditions imitate lung cancer. Such as:

  • Communicable diseases like histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, or actinomycosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Foreign body
  • Pulmonary infarction
  • Halitosis
  • Benign tumor
  • Vasculitis

These conditions can mirror the symptoms of lung cancer but not do not cause lung cancer.

How To Reduce The Risk Factors?

Lung cancer can occur due to various reasons. However, the risk factors can be reduced if you:

  • Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking
  • Include more greens and fruits in the diet
  • Avoid exposure to environmental carcinogens like asbestos, radon, and arsenic.
  • Workout moderately for at least half an hour every day

How To Diagnose Lung Cancer In The Early Stage?

Lung cancers mostly do not show any significant signs and symptoms in the beginning stages. However, on the onset of substantial symptoms like prolonged coughing, you should check with the doctor immediately. An early diagnosis increases the chances of survival and improves the efficacy of the treatment method. The early symptoms of non-smokers may differ from smokers. Non-smokers may experience dizziness or difficulty breathing with activity.

What Are The Diagnosis Methods Of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can be diagnosed with:

  • X-rays or a CT scan
  • Sputum cytology to detect cancer cells in your mucus
  • Biopsy: examines your tissue taken from lungs to find if there are any abnormalities

The tests will indicate the cancer type, and treatment is given based on it. Based on the type of malignant tumor, the stages are determined. Cancer can be a tumor, lymph node, and metastasis. The stages range from I to IV. The lower the stage, the lesser the spread of cancer.  Is Lung Cancer Curable? Yes, at the earliest detection, it is easily treatable.

What Are The Treatment Methods For Lung Cancer?

The treatment primarily depends on the type and stages of the disease. Patients get combined treatments of:

  • Surgery to remove the cancer cells
  • Radiation therapy–uses x-rays to shrink the size of enlarged lymph nodes, reduce the tumor size, and destroy the cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy–medication to destroy tumor cells by intravenous infusion or oral medicine.
  • Brachytherapy- radiation therapy to treats cancer cells

When diagnosed early, lung cancer can be easily cured. Survival rates depend primarily on early detection. So, consult an oncologist in case you find any abnormal symptoms in your body. With the advancements in treatment, lung cancer is easily treatable, and early treatments can ensure a prolonged life with no future complications.