Sheikh Muneeb u Shaban
Lungs are the important organs of respiratory system . They are a pair of spongy, aur filled organs that reside in the chest , behind the rib cage on either side of the heart . Lungs play an important role in transferring oxygen from theenvironment to the bloodstream. Apart, from that lungs have a role to play in many other functions including regulating the acidity of the body .
There are many diseases of respiratory system which include COPD, Asthama, Bronchitis, Bronchiotasis, Atlectasis and Lung Cancer etc . Lung Cancer is the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. The cases of lung cancer are increasing day by day and it is responsible for causing large number of deaths. Lung Cancer has been found to be the 2nd commonest cancer according to a hospital based data from Kashmir. As we know Cancer is a broad term given to a collection of related diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of tumors on the organs of the body. Lung cancer is a disease in which normal lung cells change into harmful abnormal cells called cancer cells. Cancer cells multiply to form clusters called tumors . These tumors destroy healthy lung tissues. Lung cancer may spread to other parts of the body through lymph fluid or blood.
There are two main types of lungs cancer that include Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non- Small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer while as, small cell lung cancer is the most aggressive type of lung cancer. It grows and spreads more quickly.
Risk Factors of Lung Cancer:
The most important risk factors for lung cancer is smoking. However, non smokers can also develop lung cancer.
Other risk factors include ;
• Previous history of lung cancer
• Having a family history of lung cancer
• Exposure to radon
• HIV infection
• Air pollution and
• Exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos
Symptoms of Lung Cancer :
In early stages lung cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear they may include:
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Hemoptysis
• Trouble swallowing
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Facial and neck swelling
Staging of lung cancer :
If a person has lung cancer the doctor will need to determine the stage or progression of the disease to help plan the treatment.
Non- Small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has many stages .
In the occult stage cancer cells are found only in lung fluids .
In stage 0: Cancer cells are found in the lining of the airways.
In stage 1: A small tumor is found .
In stage 2: The cancer has grown and spread to nearby lymph nodes or non lung tissues.
In stage 3a : the tumor has grown to any size in addition cancer is found in lymph nodes on the same side of the chest or
in nearby organs.
Stage 3b: This stage is similar to stage 3a but in 3b cancer is found in lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest . Cancer may also be found in lymph nodes above the collar bone.
In stage 4: Tumors might be found in both lungs . Additionally, cancer may have spread to distant organs .
There are fewer stages for small cell lung cancer ( SCLC) :
In its limited stage cancer is found in one side of the chest only.
In the extensive stage cancer has spread to other side of the chest or to distant organs.
Diagnoses : The main diagnostic tools for diagnosis of lung cancer include Chest X-Ray, Bronchoscopy, CT Scan and Biopsy.
Treatment: It depends on the stage of lung cancer . It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy.
Prevention and early Diagnosis: Prevention is better than cure and early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage. In order to prevent lung cancer people should not smoke as smoking is most important cause of lung cancer. There is no safe limit for smoking even one cigarette per day can cause cancer. All sorts of traditional forms of smoke (i.e., cigarette, bds, hookahs etc) are equally dangerous. People should avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
In early diagnosis a person should not neglect the symptoms of lung cancer. So, if a person has cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood) , chest pain, dyspnea, weight loss for more than 2 weeks he/she should consult a doctor at an earliest.
At last but not the least, with early detection and prevention cancer is both preventable and treatable. It can turn out to be life-threatening only if not treated at an early stage.
Tutor Govt College of Nursing Bagh-i- Dilawar Khan Sringar
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