Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and the main cause of cancer-relateddeath in men and women. In addition to smoking cigarettes, which is by far the most well-known causeof cellular breakdown in the lungs, a family history of cellular breakdown in the lungs and certainecological factors are also risk factors. Similarly to all cancers, it develops at the level of the cellsthrough abnormal cells that multiply rapidly. Typically, lung cancer starts in the lungs and then mayspread (metastasizes) to other organs or bones. Lung cancers that begin in the lungs are called primarylung cancers.Lung cancer generally falls into two types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer The majority of lung cancer cases are NSCLCs, which make up 80-85% ofthe cases. If diagnosed in the early stages, most of them can also betreated well. The further more subdivisions are as follows: a. Squamous cell lung carcinoma: The majority of cases of NSCLCbegin in cells that line the passages of the respiratory tract. This isknown as squamous cell carcinoma. The major percentage of all cases ofNSCLC usually begin in these cells.b. Adenocarcinomas: They are the ones that usually form in the outerpart of the lungs, rather than any other parts. Other sub-type ofadenocarcinomas is:Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): This rare form of adenocarcinomaoccurs in the tiny air sacs in the lungs. In most cases, it isn’t aggressiveand does not require immediate medical attention.c. Adenosquamous carcinoma: This type of cancer, in general, isdeveloped in a mixture of squamous cells and mucus-producing cells.d. Large cell carcinoma: Large cell carcinoma is a fast-growing groupof non-small cell lung cancer. It cannot be classified under other cancertypes. Small-Cell Lung Cancer Compared to NSCLC, small-cell lung cancer is way more aggressive. Itmakes up about 15 to 20 percent of all other lung cancers. Small-celllung cancer is less likely to be cured than non-small cell lung cancer,despite the fact that it often responds to chemotherapy better in thebeginning. Symptoms Of Lung Cancer Symptoms can be divided into 2 stages; early symptoms and late symptoms. Early Symptoms Of Lung Cancer If you are in the early stage of lung cancer, you won’t be able to see anyof the usual symptoms. But when early symptoms occur, they can showsigns like shortness of breath. Sometimes unexpected symptoms, suchas back pain may occur. If the tumors are causing pressure in the lungs orspreading to the spinal cord and ribs, you’ll start to have a severe backpain. Late Symptoms Of Lung Cancer Depending on the positions of newly formed tumors, late symptoms oflung cancer can hence be declared. Late-stage symptoms vary fromperson to person. It is not compulsion to experience every symptom forthose with late-stage lung cancer. Late-stage symptoms might include: Causes Of Lung Cancer Lung Cancer Staging During the diagnostic process, other tests are utilized to determine how far the cancer has spreadthrough the lungs, lymph nodes, and the rest of the body. It is known as staging. Based on the type andlung cancer staging, doctors can determine the best treatment that is needed. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Stages Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Stages In general, there are two stages of SCLC; (i) limited and (ii) extensive. Treatment Of Lung Cancer Treatment will depend on various factors, such as: Stage 1 NSCLC: Surgery is the first treatment given to remove a portionof the lung. Chemotherapy can also be recommended in the case of highrisk of recurrence. Cancer caught at this stage also has a higher chanceof proper cure.Stage 2 NSCLC: Surgery is performed to remove a part or all of the lungfollowed by chemotherapy.Stage 3 NSCLC: Combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiationtherapy is given.Stage 4 NSCLC: Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy,targeted therapy, and immunotherapy that varies from patient to patient.Treatment options for SCLC can be chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.In most cases, it will be impossible to perform surgery due to theadvanced stage of the cancer. When to Visit a Cancer Doctor in Nepal? When you observe the above-mentioned symptoms and have a strongfeeling about cancer, it would be a right time to visit an oncologist inNepal. You can either go for a surgical oncologist or a medicaloncologist in the first phase. Your cancer specialist helps you to choosethe suitable treatment option. As per the top medical oncologist Dr.Sudip Shrestha, it is very important to reach out to your cancer doctor assoon as possible. The best cancer doctor is hence important for you ineach and every step of your cancer treatment. Dr.Sudip Shrestha Founder & Executive Chairman Sr. Consultant Medical Oncologist Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center Designation: Founder and Chairman, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist Qualification: MBBS, MD, Post Graduate Training in Medical Oncology Department: Medical Oncology Special interest: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Precision Medicine Consult now