Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung divide uncontrollably and tumors grow. Tumors can affect a person's ability to breathe and spread to other parts of the body.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer type in the world and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is most common in men, and black men are about 12% more likely to develop it than white men, according to research.

Not everyone who gets lung cancer ever smokes, but smoking is an important risk factor. Lung cancer can be fatal, but effective diagnosis and treatment improve the outlook.

This article explains what lung cancer is, how to recognize the symptoms, and treatment options.

Cancer causes changes in otherwise healthy cells. Cells grow rapidly without dying. Healthy body cells usually die at some point in their life cycle to prevent excess cell accumulation. In cancer, on the other hand, cells continue to grow and multiply. As a result, a tumor develops.

There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), depending on how they look under a microscope. Research has shown that NSCLC is more common than SCLC. Anyone can get lung cancer, but smoking, exposure to smoke, inhaling chemicals, and other toxins can increase your risk.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Smokers have the highest risk of lung cancer, but lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the duration and number of cigarettes smoked. Even if you have smoked for years, quitting can greatly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.

Types of lung cancer

There are many types of cancer that affect the lungs, but the term "lung cancer" usually refers to two main types:

Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for over 80% of lung cancers. Common types are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma are two less common types of NSCLC.

Small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is more aggressive and more difficult to treat than NSCLC. It is often found as a relatively small lung tumor that has already spread to other parts of the body. Certain types of SCLC include small cell carcinoma (also called oat cell carcinoma) and combined small cell carcinoma.

Symptoms

People with lung cancer may not develop symptoms until later. When signs of lung cancer appear, they may resemble those of a respiratory infection.

Possible symptoms are:

B. Hoarseness

Frequent chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

swollen lymph nodes in the middle of the chest

A persistent cough that may get worse

chest pain

shortness of breath and wheezing

Over time, a person may also experience more severe symptoms such as:

severe chest pain

bone pain and fractures

headache

vomit blood

thrombus

anorexia and weight loss

Malaise

Stages of lung cancer

Cancer is usually staged based on the size of the original tumor, how deep it has spread into surrounding tissues, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Each types of cancer has its specific guidelines for staging.

Lung Cancer Staging

Each phase has several size and spread combinations that fall into this category. For example, in stage III cancer, the primary tumor may be smaller than in stage II cancer, but other factors lead to a more advanced stage. Common staging systems for lung cancer are:

Stage 0 (field):

Cancer is in the upper layers of the lungs or bronchi. It has not spread to other parts of the lung or outside the lung.

Stage 1:

Cancer has not spread outside the lung.

Stage 2:

The cancer is larger than stage I and has spread to the lymph nodes in the lung, or there are multiple tumors in the same lobe of the lung.

Stage 3:

The cancer is larger than stage II and has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, or multiple tumors in different lobes of the same lung.

Stage 4:

Cancer has spread to the other lung, the fluid around the lung, the fluid around the heart, or a distant organ.

What are the early signs of lung cancer?

A cough or pneumonia that continues to recur after treatment may be an early sign of lung cancer (but can also be a sign of a less serious condition).The most common signs of lung cancer are persistent or A worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss.

Depending on where the lung cancer originates, some of these symptoms may appear early (Stage I or II), but often they don't appear until later stages of the cancer. Therefore, it is important to be screened for lung cancer if you are at high risk.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is caused by cells continuing to divide when they shouldn't. Cell division is a normal process, but all cells have built-in switches that prevent them from dividing further (senescence) and, if necessary, kill them (apoptosis). When a cell divides too many times or changes (mutates) too much, it triggers the off-his switch.

Cancer cells are normal cells in the body that have undergone mutations that remove the off-switch. Cells grow uncontrollably, destroying normal cells. Cancer cells enter the bloodstream and lymph nodes and travel to other parts of the body, spreading damage.

The causes of these changes, which may or may not lead to cancer in some people, are not known, but certain factors, such as smoking tobacco products, increase the risk of damage to cells that can lead to lung cancer. There is a possibility.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing lung cancer can be a multistep process. Your first visit to your healthcare provider will usually include asking about your symptoms, asking about your medical history, and doing a physical exam (such as listening to your heart and lungs). Because symptoms of lung cancer are similar to many other, more common diseases, your doctor may first do blood tests and a chest x-ray.

If a doctor suspects lung cancer, the next step in diagnosis usually involves imaging tests such as CT scans and biopsies. Other tests include using a PET/CT scan to see if the cancer has spread, or examining cancer tissue from a biopsy to determine the best treatment. .

Does a chest x-ray show lung cancer?

X-rays are not as good as CT scans, especially for showing early-stage lung tumors. Tumors may be too small to see on x-rays or may be hidden by other body structures (such as ribs). X-rays cannot diagnose lung cancer. It can only be shown to a doctor if there is something suspicious that needs further investigation.

Test to diagnose lung cancer

Tests ordered or performed by a healthcare provider include blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies of body fluids or tissues.

Blood test

Blood tests alone cannot diagnose cancer, but they can help donors find out how organs and other parts of the body are functioning.

Imaging

Chest X-rays and CT scans provide doctors with images that may show changes in the lungs. A PET/CT scan is usually done to evaluate disturbing findings on a CT scan or to determine if cancer has spread after a cancer diagnosis. biopsy

There are several procedures a doctor can use to get a closer look at what's going on in the chest. During the same procedure, your doctor may take a sample of tissue or fluid (a biopsy) and examine it under a microscope to look for cancer cells and identify the type of cancer. Samples may also be tested for genetic alterations (mutations) that may affect treatment.

Techniques to initially diagnose lung cancer or to learn more about its spread include the following:

Needle biopsy. During this procedure, doctors use a needle to take samples of body fluids or tissues for testing. Bronchoscopy, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Providers use these procedures to examine a section of the lung and take a tissue sample.

Thoracentesis. Your provider uses this procedure to take a sample of the fluid around your lungs for testing.

Endobronchial ultrasound. Providers use these procedures to view and biopsy lymph nodes.

Mediastinoscopy or mediastinotomy. Providers use these procedures to examine and sample the area between the lungs (mediastinum).

Best Diet For Lung Cancer

There is no single “best diet” for lung cancer patients. Your ideal diet depends on:

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Lung Cancer Treatment Plans and Side Effects You're Experiencing

Environmental setting

Load

other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

The goals of the lung cancer diet are:

Provides enough calories to prevent weight loss

Provides essential nutrients your body needs including vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates

Helps relieve treatment side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and constipation

Talk to your doctor and a dietitian (+2348137323444) who specializes in cancer. Meals can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.

Keto Diet

A ketogenic or keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet. Some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may be effective in treating advanced cancers, including lung cancer.

However, studies have shown that it is difficult for lung cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation to follow the keto diet. May lead to decreased caloric intake.

Research in this area is ongoing. It is important to consult your doctor before making any dietary changes. Your medical team will work with you to determine the best diet for you based on your overall health and outlook.

Role Of Food

Diet is important for health. Whenever possible, it's important to choose nutritious foods to keep your body energized and strong.This can help improve treatment outcomes and promote overall health. . A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods can reduce the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cancer.

Whenever possible, choose foods that contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and try to choose a balanced diet and protein-rich snacks.Muscle wasting is common, especially in patients with advanced cancer. protein is very important for cancer patients because it is

However, the most important thing is to maintain your nutrition and consume enough calories to prevent weight loss.Seek advice from your medical team if you are not consuming enough calories.

Nutrition And Prevention

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Causes approximately 80% of deaths from lung cancer.

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate lots of whole grains and fruits were less likely to develop lung cancer than those who ate a diet containing these healthy foods.

Replacing red meat and other foods high in saturated fat with unsaturated fat sources such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. Fruits and vegetables are important additions to an anti-cancer diet, especially for smokers. Nutrients such as beta-carotene and vitamin A found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and honeydew melons may help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active throughout life can help prevent cancer.

Studies also suggest that high levels of vitamin D in the blood may protect against lung cancer.

Your body generates vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D is also added to certain fortified foods. However, if vitamin D levels are low, vitamin D supplementation is necessary.

Ask your doctor or dietitian about a vitamin blood test to determine your levels.

Diet And Treatment

Treatment for lung cancer can affect:

your appetite

your ability to eat

how much nutrients your body absorbs from food

Both the cancer itself and treatments such as chemotherapy can cause weight loss. Eating a healthy diet can prevent you from losing too much weight and becoming malnourished.

Eating a balanced diet and fueling your body can help you stay healthy while undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Helps reduce the risk of treatment-related side effects, such as weight loss.

Proper nutrition can help give you more energy and strength and improve your quality of life during treatment.

Other Foods To Avoid

In certain situations, as determined by your doctor, you may need to avoid or reduce certain foods and drinks, such as:

alcohol. Beer, wine, and spirits may interact with the cancer drugs you are taking. There is also limited evidence that alcohol consumption may increase the risk of pre-existing breast cancer recurrence and death.

A drink sweetened with sugar. Reducing your sugar intake can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Processed foods and Refined grains. A 2018 prospective study found that a person who ate ultra-processed foods had a 10% increased risk of breast cancer.

Taking Control: How to Fight Lung Cancer