Lung Cancer: The Definition and Different Ways To Undergo Screening

When it comes to lung cancer, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. According to a survey taken in 2012, 36 percent of respondents believed that you could be cured of lung cancer if you catch it in the early stages. On top of that, 15 percent also thought that people typically developed the disease because they smoked cigarettes.

These assumptions couldn’t be any further from the truth in both cases. Lung cancer is very serious if you are diagnosed with it after undergoing a Hong Kong lung cancer screening.

There’s no telling if or when you’ll die. Treatment options are limited to chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

The history of lung cancer

The first case of lung cancer was documented in the early 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that doctors realized that this type of cancer was different from others. By the 1930s, they had started to treat it with radiation therapy.

The causes of lung cancer

While cigarettes are one of the significant causes of lung cancer, there are other factors that you should know about as well.

1. Secondhand smoke: If you’re exposed to secondhand smoke, you’re at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Secondhand smoke means that you’ve been exposed to the smoke from someone else’s cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
2. Air pollution: If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, your risk for lung cancer is also higher.
3. Asbestos: If you’re exposed to asbestos, your risk for lung cancer increases significantly.
4. Radon gas: This radioactive gas can seep into your home from the ground. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
5. 5. Workplace exposure: If you’re exposed to certain chemicals or radiation at work, your risk for lung cancer increases.

Screening for lung cancer

There are a few different ways to screen for lung cancer. The most common one is a chest x-ray, but other tests can also be used.

1. CT scan: This is a particular type of x-ray that allows doctors to view a cross-section of your body.
2. High-resolution CT scan: This is the most accurate test out there for screening for lung cancer.
3. PET/CT scan: This is a combination CT and positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which means it can help identify abnormalities and tumors.
4. Low-dose CT: This scan is used specifically for patients at a high risk of developing lung cancer, such as those who smoke or have other conditions that increase their risk.
5. Biopsy: If your doctor thinks you might have lung cancer, he likely recommends a biopsy. It is an outpatient surgical procedure that involves removing cells or tissues to test them.
6. Sputum cytology: If you’ve been coughing up blood, your doctor might recommend this screening method. It’s done by having you cough up and spit into a container so that your sputum can be tested for cancerous cells.
7. Bronchoscopy: This procedure is done to take samples of your airways and lungs. A flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to the end of it will be inserted into your mouth or nose so that your doctor can see the inside of your airways.
8. Mediastinoscopy: If you have suspicious lymph nodes in your mediastinum, this is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that will allow your doctor to view the interior of the lymph nodes and take samples.
9. Needle biopsy: This is a quick and simple procedure where a needle is inserted into the suspected area, and some cells are removed for analysis.
10. Thoracentesis: This procedure is done to remove fluid from the space between your lungs and the chest wall. It can help rule out lung cancer or other problems with the lungs.

If you’re worried about lung cancer, it’s vital to undergo a Hong Kong lung cancer screening and talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you need any additional testing done.

Lung cancer treatment

There are a few different options for treating lung cancer, but the most common ones are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

1. Surgery

It is the most common treatment for lung cancer. It involves removing the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue.

2. Radiation therapy

This type of cancer treatment uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy

This type of drug therapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

4. Targeted therapy

It is a newer form of treatment that uses drugs or other therapies to target specific proteins in cancer cells.

5. Immunotherapy

It is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs to boost a patient’s immune system to fight off cancer.

Aftercare after lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

After you’ve been diagnosed and treated, your doctor may recommend that you undergo follow-up tests to screen for cancer recurrence. These can include blood tests and imaging scans such as CT scans or x-rays. It’s essential to follow up with your doctor so that he can find any possible signs of lung cancer reoccurrence.

The support system for lung cancer patients

Support is an essential part of the treatment process for lung cancer patients. There are a few different ways that you can get support, including:

1. Support groups: Meeting with other people who are going through the same thing can be helpful, and it can provide you with information, support, and hope. Look for noble institutions such as Hong Kong Cancer Fund for help.
2. Counseling: This is a good option for those looking to talk about the mental and emotional impact caused by cancer. It can also help you find healthy ways to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
3. Family and friends: Having a strong support system at home can also be helpful during your lung cancer treatment. Encourage your family to be involved in your care so that you can spend more time together. They can also help take care of routine chores, so you have more time for your treatment.

Final Thoughts on Lung Cancer

If you’re concerned about lung cancer, there are a few ways to screen for it. More ordinary methods include a chest x-ray, CT scan, and sputum cytology. If you have any risk factors for lung cancer, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about getting screened.

There are a few different treatment options for lung cancer, but the most common ones are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Aftercare is an essential part of the lung cancer treatment process. Meeting with other patients, having a strong support system at home, and getting counseling can be helpful during this time.