Posted in: Lung Cancer Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 22 Feb, 2018
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells that start in one or both the lungs. The abnormal cells do not develop in an healthy lung tissue, they divide rapidly and form tumors. As the tumors can grow, they limit the lungs ability to offer the blood stream with oxygen. Tumours that remain in one place and do not appear to spread are known as ‘benign tumors’.
What is Lung Screening?
As clearly mentioned, lung cancer does not show symptoms until unless it reaches the final stage. Lung screening is for people with a high risk of lung cancer as it detects even before the symptoms show up making the disease easier to treat. Screening is done using low-dose computed tomography chest scan. The technique scans through an X-ray to make a much detailed picture of the lungs using doses of radiation.
It has very much now become a part of the routine health checkup for most families. Other tests are chest radiograph, sputum tests and PET scan. When compared to LDCT, these methods show no benefit in screening cancer.
Who Should Opt for Lung Screening?
People in the age group of 55-74 are ideal for lung screening. One should consider being screened if any of the following is true -
1. Smoking history of 30 pack years
2. History of lung or any other cancer
3. An active smoker or ones which have quit within the last 15 years
4. Prolonged exposure to cancer-causing substances
We at Cancer Healer Center feel honoured to be marked as the best cancer hospital in Delhi to offer lung cancer treatment. If you fall in any category above, consider getting a screening for early detection of the disease.
Risk Factors -
Anything that raises the chances of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Some common risk factors for lung cancer are -
1. A family history of lung cancer
2. Chronic lung diseases
3. Tobacco smoking
4. A history of smoking related cancer
5. Exposure and contact with cancer-causing agents
How Often Should the Screening be Done?
Ideally, one should get the lungs screened every year for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment of the disease. However, screening interval and the nodule work-up threshold may be tweaked according to individual risk. Though it identifies the disease at an early stage, the best way to avoid is by quitting smoke. But remember, screening is not an alternative for quitting smoking. The best way to lower the risk of lung cancer is by staying away from tobacco.
Are you looking for a lung cancer specialist in Delhi? If yes, Cancer Healer Center is a great pick. The cancer specialists in Delhi are trained in the field extensively. Patients look for experience, training and certifications. All the cancer specialists in Cancer Healer Center are trusted and experienced.
22 Feb, 2018