What is lung cancer, tumors that occur when cells and tissues in the lung divide and multiply in an abnormal way.
Like all other organs, the lung is made up of cells and these cells divide and multiply. But a lung with lung cancer divides and multiplies in an excessive, uncontrolled and abnormal way. This tumor grows at the point where it is located and in later stages begins to spread to other organs.
When we look at what lung cancer is and which type of cancer is more common, lung cancer ranks first. This shows us that individuals smoke too much. What is lung cancer, although it is known that lung cancer is more common in older ages, the early onset of smoking brings the age of cancer forward.
There are two types of lung cancer. The first of these is small cell lung cancer and the other is non-small cell lung cancer.
In lung cancer, which we refer to as non-small cell lung cancer; when examined with a microscope, the type and cell are determined and a decision is made at this point. In small cell lung cancer, the general average is around fifteen percent in the percentile and this cancer is generally more common in smokers.
What is lung cancer, what are the causes and risk factors?
What is lung cancer, lung cancer can occur for many reasons. The same causes are also risk factors. Environmental exposure, especially smoking, is among the risk factors and causes of lung cancer.
- Excessive use of cigarettes and other tobacco products ranks first among the causes of lung cancer.
- Passive smoking is as much a cause of lung cancer as smoking.
- Long-term exposure to asbestos mineral irritates the lungs.
- Air pollution directly affects the respiratory tract and lungs.
- Family history is an important cause and risk factor for lung cancer.
- Long-term exposure to certain inhaled chemicals (such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium) causes lung cancer.
- Breathing in this radioactive Radon gas, which is an odorless gas and found in nature, can be a risk factor and cause of lung cancer.
- Receiving radiotherapy can cause lung cancer in individuals who have previously had lung cancer or another type of cancer.
- Tuberculosis is another risk factor and cause.
- It should also be known that lung cancer can sometimes occur without any cause.
What is Lung Cancer? Is Lung Cancer Genetic?
What is lung cancer, it should be known that an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer in his/her family is at risk of developing cancer. This applies not only to lung cancer but also to all other types of cancer. If there is a person with cancer in the family, screenings should be done to prevent cancer and early diagnosis should be ensured.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
What are the symptoms of lung cancer are the symptoms seen during the formation and development of lung cancer and provide information during the diagnosis phase.
Lung cancer has many symptoms. These symptoms are often not symptoms that progress insidiously. They are symptoms of a type of cancer that causes the patient to suffer from chronic pain, suggesting that a specialist should be consulted, and thus can usually be diagnosed early. If we list the symptoms of lung cancer
- A painful cough that does not go away and is now chronic
- Cough with blood and bloody sputum
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Rapid and excessive weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Body aches, especially pain in the back
- Symptoms such as recurrent and persistent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Various tests and examinations are required to diagnose lung cancer. It will be more accurate to diagnose lung cancer after various examinations and examinations are performed.
Some of the imaging methods used in the diagnosis of lung cancer;
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Chest X-ray
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Bone Scintigraphy
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
In addition to the imaging methods used, a biopsy is absolutely necessary for a clear diagnosis. The biopsy sample taken from that area can be examined in a laboratory environment to determine the diagnosis and stage of cancer.
Some of the methods used during biopsy;
- Sputum Cytology Application in Lung Cancer
- Bronchoscopy in Lung Cancer
- Thoracotomy in Lung Cancer
- Thoracentesis in Lung Cancer
