Lung cancer, signs, symptoms and treatment

Today every sixth oncological patient suffers from lesions of lung tissue. Lung cancer is the formation of malignant tumors of various sizes from the bronchial epithelium. Depending on the area of localization, it is peripheral, central and massive (mixed). Mortality from this disease, despite the introduction of new medical technologies, is 85% of the number of cases. Of the patients, 80% are active smokers. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, because in tobacco smoke there is a large number of carcinogens that directly affect the onset of the tumor. With a high probability, this disease can develop against the background of pulmonary fibrosis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Characteristic external manifestations of the disease

Symptoms of malignant formations in the lungs completely depend on the place of accumulation of cancer cells. If the tumor occurs in the area of a large bronchus (central lung cancer), then the signs of the disease are very quickly manifested. First, there is a dry cough, which, with the development of the tumor, turns into a cough muco-purulent with blood veins. When malignant formation reaches a size that prevents breathing, dyspnea appears. At the latest stages, there is pain in the chest, caused by the pressure of the tumor on the surrounding tissue.

Peripheral lung cancer has the location of the tumor in the small bronchi. Most often it occurs asymptomatically and is accidentally detected by x-rays. Patients with this form of cancer usually complain of shortness of breath and feelings of discomfort in the chest. Cough and blood discharge can only show up at the last stage.

Smokers should bear in mind that the deposition of resinous substances on their bronchi also causes chronic dry cough, very similar to the early symptoms of cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important for smokers to know about the manifestation of lung cancer.

Malignant tumor in the lungs, just like any other form of cancer, manifests itself in general intoxication, weakness, rapid fatigue, pale skin, lack of appetite and rapid weight loss.

Stages of development of the disease

Cancerous formations in the lungs have several stages of development:

0. Accumulation of tumor cells.

1. Formation of a tumor up to 30 mm in size with lymph node involvement.

2. Small tumor size (up to 3 cm), accompanied by an increase in adjacent lymph nodes.

3. Tumor of any size with sprouting into the pleura and adjacent organs: heart, vessels, esophagus, spine. At this stage, there are extensive local metastases.

4. Tumor with the presence of distant metastases.

In the diagnosis of lung cancer, X-ray indications in the lateral and direct projection are used. Widely used bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a bronchial lumen is inserted into a flexible tube with an attached lens attached to the end. Computed tomography is also used , which allows monitoring of cancers on the monitor. It is possible to conduct a media scan - the introduction of a small video camera into the incision of the thoracic cavity for examination of the lymph nodes. If the location of the tumor allows you to make a puncture, it is advisable to take a sample of material for the histological examination.

Treatment and prognosis

In the treatment of lung cancer , all known methods of combating oncology are used: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy. The prognosis depends more on the stage of the disease, but the death rate is very high. In oncology, the most unfavorable prognosis is lung cancer. The age of the patients is 60 years on average. Of these, only 50% manage to live up to 5 years, if the disease is detected in the early stages. When the disease is detected in 3 stages, only 25% can survive for a short time, in 4 stages - the patient can be helped only by anesthesia.