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Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Cigarette smoking is the most likely causes of lung cacner. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of carcinogenics. In fact passive smoking is also a major risk factor for lung cancer. Persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Other potential causes for lung cancer include radiation and exposure to asbestos.

Usually most occurences of lung cancer are NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancers). They tend to grow slowly. A small percentage of lung cancers are of the rapidly-spreading type. Typical symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath and chest discomfort, persistent cough, loss of appetite and coughing up blood. Often symptoms of lung cancer do not show up in some people. Patients with lung cancer may also show symptoms such as cyanosis that is indicative of compromised lung functioning.

Chest x-rays and phlegm sample examination is done for patients suffering from the symptoms that may suggest lung cancer. A bronchoscopy is done to photograph and take cell samples of the lung airways. Lung cancer can be diagnosed with lung biopsy. CT scan of the chest area is done to examine any tumors. A spiral CT scan is very effective in locating even small lung cancer tumors. MRI can give deatiled imaging of tiny structural changes. If the lung cancer is likely to have metastasized to the bone, a PET scan will show that up. Thoracentesis involves aspiration of a small sample of the fluid that accumulates in the space between the lungs and chest wall. Image-guided fine needle aspiration is done to retrieve cells from tumor nodules in the lung. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used individually or together to treat lung cancer tumors.

Pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy is a surgical removal of the lung. This is done on patients suffering from lung cancer, COPD and emphysema. When a person is suffering from lung cancer, it has to be ascertained if the cancer has not spread. CT scan and bone scan can help. When the patient has a tumor near the lung center, pneumonectomy is done when there is no other option. In a simple pneumonectomy surgery, only the affected lung is removed. In extrapleural pneumonectomy, a part of the pericardium and parietal pleura is also removed.

Lung biopsy

Lung biopsy involves removal of small piece of lung tissue to check for any conditions such as sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. It is essential to keep the physician informed if the patient is pregnant or taking medications such as warfarin or anticoagulants. Do not eat or drink for 8 to 10 hours before the lung biopsy. The secretions in the mouth and airways is dried up with some medications.

Needle lung biopsy is done with a long needle that is inserted through the chest wall. Ultrasound, fluoroscopy or CT scan are used to aid locating the abnormal lung tissue.

Open lung biopsy may need hospitalization for a couple of days. This procedure involves making an incision between the ribs to take a sample of lung tissue. This is preferred when a larger sample is required and is done under anesthesia. An endotracheal tube is passed through the airways to take a sample of lung tissue.

Bronchoscope lung biopsy is done in cases of suspected infection. The bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways. This type of lung biopsy is used when abnormal tissue is near the breathing tubes.

VATS Video assisted thorascopic surgery involves use of thorasope to remove a sample of lung tissue.

Mediastinoscopy is conducted under general anesthesia. The mediastinoscope is inserted through an incision made between the lungs. Any abnormal tissues or lymph nodes are examined.