Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. In recent years, with the increase in smoking, it has become more common in women, and the incidence of lung cancer is gradually increasing. The most common known cause of the disease is smoking. Smoking is responsible for 80-90% of lung cancer. 10-20% is related to genetic and environmental
factors. As with other cancers, early diagnosis is very important in lung cancer. In patients diagnosed early, surgical removal of the diseased area is the most effective
treatment method. Unfortunately, despite technical advances today, the rate of patients diagnosed at an early (operable) stage is around 15%.
Why can't lung cancer be diagnosed early?
There are two main reasons for this. There is a reason. Firstly, if the tumor is at the ends of the lung (peripheral), it may not cause symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Another reason for the delay is that in patients who smoke, symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath due to smoking are confused with the symptoms of lung cancer, so the patient cannot be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer. The most important symptom that brings patients to the doctor is bloody sputum. Bloody sputum brings to mind the possibility of cancer in these patients and they consult a doctor. This suggests that the tumor is mostly in the visible areas of the bronchi (centrally located tumor).
Bloody sputum may actually be a sign of lung cancer. It is a warning symptom, especially in smokers
. In such patients, sometimes there may be no evidence of tumor on chest radiography and computed tomography. In this case, the most important early diagnosis method is bronchoscopy.
Bronchoscopy is to examine the inside of the airways by seeing them with a camera with the help of a bronchoscope device
. With this method, a biopsy is taken from the diseased area. It helps to make a definitive diagnosis of the disease
and determine its type. This also guides us in treatment (smart medicine).
2
How is bronchoscopy performed?
Bronchoscopy is performed in two ways. Firstly, local anesthesia is applied to the patient's throat and nose with the help of a spray. bronchoscope during the procedure Local anesthetic medication can be given when necessary
. Since the patient is aware and awake of the procedures, there may be complaints such as cough and feeling of not being able to breathe. It is not a comfortable procedure for the patient. Sometimes, if a second bronchoscopy is required, most patients do not accept it. In the second method, the patient is put to sleep by giving medication intravenously by the anesthesiologist
. However, as in other surgeries, the patient's breathing is not suppressed and he does not need to be connected to a respirator. The patient continues to breathe normally during the procedure. The patient does not have any complaints such as shortness of breath, cough and pain during bronchoscopy. This method is very comfortable for the patient. When the patient is comfortable
as the physician performing the procedure is much more comfortable, as many biopsies are taken as necessary
and a second procedure is often not required. In summary, if the complaint of coughing up bloody sputum continues in smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer, it is premature to perform bronchoscopy for the early diagnosis of lung cancer, even if chest radiography and computed tomography are normal.
>It is very important for diagnosis.
Read: 0
