“Lung Cancer” can be cured if detected Early

Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled lung cells production that eventually form a cancerous tumor in the lung which will decrease the lung’s function. The severity of lung cancer can be divided into 2 main types depending on its severity such as:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: This is the most common type of lung cancer. Around 85 – 90% of lung cancer patients has this type. The cancer cells spread and grow up slowly, therefore, if it was detected early, it can be cured.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer: This is a rare type of lung cancer. It is found in only 10 – 15% of lung cancer patients. The cancer cells spread and grow up rapidly, thus, the patients will pass away within a short period of time after having this type of cancer.

As everyone knows, cigarette smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer. However, it also has several risk factors such as chemical and carcinogen exposure, pollution in the environment, family history of lung cancer, and aging. 

Typically, the early stage of lung cancer does not show any signs or symptoms, but when it is in its spreading stage, it shows the following symptoms:

• Chronic coughing 
• Coughing up blood
• Phlegm
• Chronic fever
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty of breathing
• Chest pain
• Easily gets exhaustion 
• Weight loss

People aged around 55 – 75 years old and have been smoking more than 30 cigarettes per year are recommended to undergo the lung cancer screening test by Low Dose CT Scan to screen for any abnormalities in the lungs. Besides the Low Dose CT Scan, the lung X-ray also can detect the abnormalities, such as spot or tumor in the lungs. 

If a spot or tumor in the lungs was detected, the doctor may consider to order biopsy. Lung cancer is curable if it was detected in its early stage, however, if the cancer has spread to other organs, it is hard to cure and may be life-threatening.  Thus, if you are at risk of lung cancer or seem to have these mentioned symptoms, you should seek medical diagnosis and treatment immediately. 

Visit Vejthani Cancer Center