What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. It is more common in smokers and is one of the most common types of cancer that causes death.
What are the Causes of Lung Cancer?
The most important cause of lung cancer is smoking. In addition, passive smoking, environmental factors, radiation and genetic factors can increase the risk of lung cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss, and fatigue. However, some patients may be diagnosed with cancer without experiencing any symptoms.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Various methods such as imaging tests, biopsy and blood tests are used for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Imaging tests include X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Lung Cancer Treatment Options
There are many options for the treatment of lung cancer, and the treatment chosen depends on the type, stage and general health of the cancer. The main treatment options are:
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Surgery | Often preferred for early stages of lung cancer. The cancerous tissue is removed either partially or entirely through surgery. |
| Chemotherapy | Uses drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It can be utilized in different stages and types of lung cancer. |
| Radiation Therapy | Employs high-energy beams to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It can be used in various stages of lung cancer. |
| Drug Therapy | Involves the use of specialized drugs that target cancer cells. It operates similarly to chemotherapy but offers a more targeted approach. |
| Immunotherapy | Enhances the immune system's fight against cancer cells. It has shown significant progress in lung cancer treatment in recent years. |
| Proton Therapy | Utilizes high-energy proton beams to kill or shrink cancer cells. |
Imaging Methods in Lung Cancer
Lung cancer imaging modalities include X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET/CT.
Biopsy Methods in Lung Cancer
One of the most accurate methods for diagnosing lung cancer is biopsy. Biopsy methods include bronchoscopy, transthoracic biopsy, and surgical biopsy.
What are the Ways to Prevent Lung Cancer?
The most important thing to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking. Smokers can reduce their risk of lung cancer by quitting smoking. Also, secondhand smoke should be avoided. Other measures may include:
- Use of appropriate protective equipment when working with asbestos, arsenic, radon and other toxic substances
- Adopting environmentally friendly practices to reduce air pollution
- Adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly
- Early diagnosis and regular screening tests, especially for high-risk individuals
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke or quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help prevent heart disease, stroke and other health problems, as well as reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is also important to use appropriate protective equipment when working with other toxic substances that can cause lung cancer and to adopt environmentally friendly practices to reduce air pollution. Adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help strengthen the immune system. Regular screening tests and early detection of high-risk people play an important role in the treatment of lung cancer.
Which Department of the Hospital should make an appointment for Lung Treatment?
For lung treatment, it is usually necessary to apply to the Chest Diseases (Pulmonology) department in hospitals. The Department of Chest Diseases is a department that deals with respiratory system diseases and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. A pulmonologist will evaluate complaints related to the respiratory system, request the necessary examinations and make the relevant examinations to make the correct diagnosis. Depending on the lung condition, it may refer to the relevant specialists, for example to a thoracic surgery or oncology (cancer) department.
Which department should a patient who does not know what lung disease be examined first?
Without knowing what a lung disease is, a patient should first be examined in the Department of Chest Diseases (Pulmonology). Pulmonologists specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating various conditions related to the respiratory system. Doctors in this department try to determine the nature of the disease by using various tests and imaging methods to diagnose lung diseases. During the examination, the doctor will listen to the symptoms, review the health history, and try to make the correct diagnosis by ordering the appropriate investigations. Later, if necessary, referrals to other areas of expertise can be made.