Definition of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a condition when malignant cells (cancer) form in the lungs. This cancer is more commonly experienced by people who have the habit of smoking and is one of the three most common types of cancer in world.
Although it often occurs in smokers, lung cancer can also occur in nonsmokers, especially in people who are often exposed to chemicals in their work environment or are exposed to secondhand smoke from others.
Lung Cancer - Alodokter
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The earlier it is known, the success of the treatment is also higher. But unfortunately, lung cancer often causes no symptoms at an early stage. New symptoms appear when the tumor is large enough or the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and organs. A number of symptoms that can be felt by people with lung cancer are:
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, so most sufferers are active smokers. However, people who don't smoke can also get lung cancer.
Other factors that can increase the risk of lung cancer are:
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lung cancer can be done through X-rays, CT scans, and lung tissue biopsy. From the three tests, the doctor can determine the type and stage of cancer. If needed, the lung doctor can do a PET scan to see the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Lung Cancer Treatment
The main treatment for early stage lung cancer is surgery. If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, then treatment can be done with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
In addition, there are several other types of treatment for treating lung cancer, namely targeted therapy, ablation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and cryotherapy.
Although it often occurs in smokers, lung cancer can also occur in nonsmokers, especially in people who are often exposed to chemicals in their work environment or are exposed to secondhand smoke from others.
Lung Cancer - Alodokter
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The earlier it is known, the success of the treatment is also higher. But unfortunately, lung cancer often causes no symptoms at an early stage. New symptoms appear when the tumor is large enough or the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and organs. A number of symptoms that can be felt by people with lung cancer are:
- Batuk kronis
- Batuk darah
- Penurunan berat badan yang drastis
- Nyeri dada dan tulang
- Sulit untuk bernafas
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, so most sufferers are active smokers. However, people who don't smoke can also get lung cancer.
Other factors that can increase the risk of lung cancer are:
- Have a family member who also has lung cancer
- Live or work in an environment contaminated with dangerous chemicals
- Frequent exposure to air pollution
- Have undergone radiotherapy
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lung cancer can be done through X-rays, CT scans, and lung tissue biopsy. From the three tests, the doctor can determine the type and stage of cancer. If needed, the lung doctor can do a PET scan to see the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Lung Cancer Treatment
The main treatment for early stage lung cancer is surgery. If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, then treatment can be done with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
In addition, there are several other types of treatment for treating lung cancer, namely targeted therapy, ablation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and cryotherapy.
