Common symptoms of Lung Cancer include:
chronic cough, worsening breathlessness, weight loss, constant chest
pain, and coughing up blood. Coughing up blood can also be an early
symptom. And at this point the patient may still be curable. Smokers
over the age of 40 should see a doctor immediately if blood is present
when coughing.
Most people ignore the symptoms of lung
cancer and are diagnosed too late. Over 50% of patients have progressed
too far for treatment. Another lung disease that has similar symptoms
is COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as Smoker's
Lung. Diagnosis of lung cancer can sometimes be missed because of the
similarities of both diseases. Of patients that have COPD only one to
two percent will develop cancer.
An x-ray showing a tumor is needed to
positively diagnose Lung Cancer, unfortunately by the time a tumor is
large enough to be seen on an x-ray it is usually too late. Biopsy is
performed using a needle to obtain a sample for lab testing.
Small cell carcinoma, Squamous cell
carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma are the three most common forms of lung
cancer. It is very important for the correct diagnosis to be made
early. The treatment of each type is different.
Small cell lung cancer is treated with
chemotherapy. You must see an Oncologist for this treatment. Non-small
cell cancer may be treated with radiotherapy. In about 20% of patients
surgery may be the only course of action. Surgery will only be
performed if there is a chance to fully remove the tumor.
With the advances in medicine that we are
achieving everyday, Lung Cancer does not have to have a tragic end.
About 10% of patients are cured of Lung Cancer, and the best way to
increase the odds is through early detection.
