LUNG CANCER, CAUSES AND CURE:
(PART 1)
Dave Ikiedei Asei
10/02/2023
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke, which contains numerous harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA of lung cells and cause mutations.
Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon gas, air pollution, workplace chemicals and substances, a family history of lung cancer, and prior radiation therapy.
CURES FOR LUNG CANCER:
There is no sure cure for lung cancer, but early detection and treatment can greatly increase the chances of recovery.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR LUNG CANCER:
SURGERY FOR LUNG CANCER:
Lung cancer surgery is a procedure performed to remove part or all of the lung that is affected by cancer. There are several types of lung cancer surgery, some of which are-
LOBECTOMY:
Lobectomy is a surgical procedure in which a lobe of an organ, typically the lung, is removed. The purpose of a lobectomy can be to treat a variety of conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, cysts, or other lung diseases.
Lung lobectomy is a common treatment for early-stage lung cancer, and it can be performed using various surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), open thoracotomy, or robotic surgery. The choice of surgical technique depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the tumour, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's experience and preference.
The recovery process after a lobectomy can vary depending on the surgical technique used and the individual patient's health. Most patients are able to go home within a few days of the procedure and can return to normal activities within several weeks. However, it may take several months for patients to fully recover from the surgery, and some may experience long-term side effects, such as shortness of breath or chronic pain.
It is important for patients to follow their doctor's postoperative instructions carefully and to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome
This is the most common type of lung cancer surgery and involves removing a portion of the lung, known as a lobe.
PNEUMONECTOMY:
Pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure in which a lung is completely removed. This procedure is typically performed as a treatment for lung cancer or other serious lung diseases. It can also be done for patients who have lung damage due to injury or infection.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest and removes the affected lung. The remaining lung will usually expand to fill the space left by the removed lung, allowing the patient to breathe normally.
After the procedure, patients usually stay in the hospital for several days to recover. Pain management and breathing exercises are important for recovery, and physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength and mobility.
The success of the procedure and the recovery process depend on several factors, including the overall health of the patient, the extent of the disease, and the skill of the surgical team. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities after several weeks to months of recovery.
This is the removal of an entire lung and is typically only performed in cases where the cancer cannot be removed by a lobectomy.
SEGMENTECTOMY:
Segmentectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a portion of a lung. This procedure is typically performed in cases where a lung cancer or other lung condition is present and the entire lung cannot be removed. The goal of segmentectomy is to preserve as much lung tissue as possible while still effectively treating the disease. The procedure involves making an incision in the chest and removing the affected segment of the lung, while leaving the remaining healthy lung tissue intact. This type of surgery is usually less invasive than a lobectomy, which involves removing an entire lobe of the lung, and often results in a quicker recovery time for the patient.
This procedure involves the removal of a smaller section of the lung, rather than an entire lobe.
WEDGE RESECTION:
Wedge resection is a surgical procedure used to treat early-stage laryngeal (voice box) cancer. It involves removing a small, triangular-shaped piece of tissue, or "wedge," from the affected area of the larynx. The goal of the procedure is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much normal tissue as possible to maintain speech and swallowing function.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may be done using an open surgical technique, in which an incision is made in the neck, or using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach, in which instruments are inserted through the mouth.
After the wedge of tissue has been removed, the remaining edges are sutured or stapled together to close the opening. The patient is usually hospitalized for several days after the procedure to monitor for complications, such as bleeding or infection, and to ensure adequate healing.
In some cases, wedge resection may be followed by radiation therapy to help reduce the risk of recurrence. The success of the procedure depends on many factors, including the size and location of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the experience of the surgical team. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more information about your specific case
RADIATION THERAPY:
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is delivered to the affected area using specialized equipment, such as a linear accelerator.
Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (from a radioactive source placed inside the body). The type of radiation therapy used depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as the patient's overall health.
External radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy and can be delivered in fractions over the course of several weeks. Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a type of radiation therapy where a small amount of radioactive material is placed inside the body near the cancer.
Radiation therapy can have side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and decreased appetite, but these typically go away after treatment ends. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of radiation therapy and help you determine if it's the right treatment option for you.
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation can come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from radioactive material placed inside the body near the cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy).
Radiation therapy is typically delivered by a team of healthcare professionals that includes radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists. The treatment is usually given five days a week for several weeks.
Radiation therapy can cause side effects, including fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea, but these usually go away after treatment is finished. The side effects and their severity depend on the area of the body being treated, the dose of radiation, and the individual's overall health.
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment and improve the chances of a cure. The decision to use radiation therapy as part of a cancer treatment plan is made on a case-by-case basis and depends on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences
CHEMOTHERAPY:
Chemotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, to treat various types of cancer, including:
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Sarcoma
Carcinoma
Melanoma
Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to divide and grow. These drugs can be taken orally or intravenously and can target cells throughout the body, making chemotherapy a systemic treatment.
The side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type of drug, the dosage, and the individual, but common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection.
Chemotherapy is often a crucial component of cancer treatment and has been instrumental in increasing survival rates for many types of cancer. However, it's important to remember that every person's experience with chemotherapy is unique and that the treatment must be tailored to the individual based on their specific needs and medical history.
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