Although there are some types of cancer that have a faster and worse clinical course, lung cancer has become the cancer that kills the most today. Although it was also encountered in ancient times, it is largely a disease of modern people. While it did not have much importance before the 1900s, in the mid-20th century, with the widespread use of mass-produced cheap cigarettes, lung cancer increased and became the leading cause of cancer-related death.
WHO HAS LUNG CANCER?
Although lung cancer occurs at different rates, it does not discriminate between men, women, old or young people. It has become the cancer that kills the most in both genders.
Lung cancer is rare in people younger than 40 years of age, but incidence rates rise steadily until age 80, decreasing again after age 80. The predicted lifetime probability of developing Lung cancer is estimated to be approximately 8% in men and approximately 6% in women. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
In the vast majority of lung cancers (80%), the cause is smoking. It has been suggested that smoking causes the onset of a genetic mutation in every 15 cigarettes smoked. Numerous studies have shown that the risk of this cancer increases 10-fold or more among smokers compared to never-smokers. A study conducted by the American Cancer Society on more than 1 million Americans showed that the risk of lung cancer is 20 times higher in men who smoke. On the contrary, even with the longest and most intense exposure to asbestos, which is the most well-known occupational cause of lung cancer, the increase in the risk of lung cancer is not more than 5 times.
Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer in smokers who quit is less than half that of those who continue to smoke.
According to the research of the American Cancer Society, the risk of cancer in smokers is 9 times higher than in never-smokers, and 20 times higher in those who continue to smoke. DO NON-SMOKERS ALSO GET THIS DISEASE?
Unfortunately yes. It's less likely to get caught. Genetics play an important role. That is, people with a familial history of cancer. Passive smoking also causes cancer It increases the risk.
Some other risk factors for lung cancer have been identified. Occupational exposure to asbestos is significant. Other workplace agents: Arsenic, mustard gas, nickel, etc..
Numerous studies suggest that those with low consumption of vegetables and fruits in adulthood have a slightly higher risk of this cancer, therefore diet and nutrition are related to cancer risk. However, the current consensus regarding diet and lung cancer is not clear. Radiation increases the risk of some chronic lung diseases, asbestosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THE DISEASE?
There are many different types of lung cancer. However, it is divided into two main groups: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancers are the most common. These are divided into three main groups such as squamous epithelial cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Among these, the most common type in total is adenocarcinoma.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS?
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness and coughing up blood. In the presence of metastasis, these are bone pain, neurological symptoms, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss
HOW IS LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS?
In case of clinical and radiological "signs of lung cancer", the patient's health history, smoking history, Exposure to environmental toxic substances and family history are investigated. In addition to a chest x-ray, chest computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) bronchoscopy and other diagnostic tests are performed. Diagnosis is made through procedures such as sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or thoracoscopy.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO A PATIENT DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? WHAT IS STAGING?
After the diagnosis of lung cancer is made, staging determines whether the cancer is at an early stage or to what extent it is advanced. Staging is a guide in predicting which treatment method will be applied and survival. Whether the tumor can be removed or what size of surgical treatment will be applied is determined by its stage. Chest (CT), Positron Emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance if necessary s imaging (MRI), bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy and thoracoscopy provide staging as well as diagnosis.
Direct surgical treatment is applied to stage I and II tumors. Once it is decided that the tumor can be removed surgically, tests are performed to determine whether the patient can handle the planned surgery. Only age is not an obstacle to surgery. The patient should not have a very serious disease that could prevent surgery. Lung reserve (Respiratory capacity) and Heart reserve must be sufficient, the benefits of surgery must outweigh the risks.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
The best known treatment method for lung cancer is surgery in suitable cases. The most important criterion in surgical treatment is the stage of the disease. In stages I-II, the first method of choice is usually surgical treatment. Surgical treatment is usually curative at these stages. In other words, healing or healing can be achieved. The role and effectiveness of chemotherapy in stage I are unclear; chemotherapy is recommended only for patients with tumor size larger than 4cm. In Stage II patients with good performance, postoperative chemotherapy prolongs life.
In advanced stages, the first treatment option in 85 percent of patients is chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is of great importance to determine whether the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or distant organs and whether the patient can tolerate treatment.
WHO CAN HAVE Lung CANCER SURGERY?
Almost all patients in the early stages who are suitable for surgery can be operated on. Very few patients cannot undergo surgery due to very serious accompanying diseases. Patients with shortness of breath and low respiratory reserve can be operated on by removing less lung tissue or by choosing closed surgery methods. Patients with serious diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure or cirrhosis can be operated on by providing optimal treatment of their accompanying diseases and taking adequate precautions before surgery.
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