Mohali
31 July 2022
DIVYA AZAD
Lung cancer is the commonest cancer killer and claims several lives across the world every year. It is one of the leading forms of cancer in men followed by the head-neck region, and is the fifth most common cancer affecting women in our country.
To spread awareness on the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day falling on August 1, Dr Digambar Behera, Director, Pulmonary Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, in an advisory explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options to prevent lung cancer. The theme of World Lung Cancer Day-2022 is ‘Close the Care Gap’.
Discussing the issue, Dr Behera, said, “Lung cancer occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lungs which spread to the surrounding tissues. It can hamper an individual’s respiratory organs. Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can be started at the earliest.”
Stating that smoking was one of the leading causes of lung cancer, Dr Behera, said, “Using tobacco-related products can harm the lung tissue and the ability to inhale oxygen. Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide and this gas can limit the oxygen in your blood, besides 4,000 carcinogens (cancer causing agents). People above 50 years of age who regularly smoke should undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scan every year.”
SYMPTOMS
The prime symptoms of lung cancer include cough, blood in the sputum, chest pain, fever, weakness, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and weight loss. The disease usually gets diagnosed in an advanced stage due to rapid progression.
DIAGNOSIS
Lung cancer can be diagnosed through lab test, PET/CT scan, bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). A bronchoscopy is conducted when a biopsy is done, fine needle aspiration cytology and examination of the lung fluid also confirm the primary site of the cancer. Pathological test helps diagnose the type of cancer and the line of treatment.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Lung cancer therapy primarily comprises surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Diagnostic facilities are available throughout the country. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the most recent advancements in the treatment of lung cancer even at the advanced stages.
