Lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is defined as a malignant lung tumour, which is described as an abnormal cell growth. If the tumour is left untreated, then it can spread through the entire part of the lung by metastasis.

There are several causes of lung cancer, which include long-term tobacco smoking, and other reasons such as genetics, second-hand smoke, air pollution and inhalation of radon gas.

The symptoms of lung cancer mostly concern the respiratory system, including wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing of blood and persistent coughing. Systematic symptoms include clubbing of fingernails, weakness and fever. There can be symptoms due to a cancer mass pressing against the surrounding structures which include chest pain, difficulty swallowing and superior vena cava obstruction.

The diagnosis of lung cancer includes performing a chest radiography or a CT scan. Also, a historical examination of the suspicious tissues can also tell if it is cancer.

Lung cancer treatment includes several medical therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, palliative care and percutaneous ablation. There are basically three objectives of lung cancer treatment – controlling lung cancer, curing lung cancer and making the patient comfortable. This ensures the best practice for cancer treatment.