Sometimes a lung tumor contains more
than one type of cancerous cell. So the treatment should be based on the type
of lung cancer, the size, location and extent of the tumor and the general health
of the patient. There are many treatments, which may be used alone or in combination.
The most widely used therapies for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation are very effective at relieving
symptoms.
Surgery An operation for lung cancer
is major surgery. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, surgery may be
used to remove the tumor and some of the lung tissue around it. Removing only
a small part of a lobe (section) of the lung is called a wedge resection.
If a entire lobe of the lung is removed, the surgery is called a lobectomy.
If the entire lung is removed, the surgery is called a pneumonectomy.
Surgery is of two types aggressive surgery and palliative
procedures.
Aggressive surgery (long-term control) :
Aggressive surgery involves removal of the pleura, the lung, the diaphragm and
the pericardium through a procedure known as extra pleural pneumonectomy. This
surgery is highly complicated and carries a high risk of fatality within a month.
Extra pleural pneumonectomy is therefore performed only on younger patients who
are in good health and can tolerate the surgery.
Palliative
Procedures (relief of symptoms) :
Palliative procedures are performed when
the cancer is in its advanced form. These procedures are performed to allay
or control the symptoms rather than cure them. Pleurectomy (also decortications)
is the surgical removal of the pleura. This reduces the pain caused by the tumor
mass and may also prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion (fluid collection
that causes breathlessness).
Video-assisted chest surgery
is a new kind of surgery done for people with early stage lung cancer. A tiny
camera can be placed through a small hole in the chest to help the surgeon see
the tumor. Only small incisions are needed and it is most often used for tumors
smaller than about 2 inches.
Side Effects : The side
effects of surgery are pain, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Most
have problems moving around, coughing, and breathing deeply. Other possible problems
include bleeding, wound infections, and pneumonia. The recovery period can be
several weeks or even months.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the treatment using anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells
throughout the body. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form or can be injected
directly into a vein or by means of a catheter, a thin tube that is placed
into a large vein and remains there as long as it is needed. These drugs enter
the bloodstream and reach throughout the body, making this treatment useful for
cancer that has spread (metastasized) to organs beyond the lung. The amount of
chemotherapy a patient receives depends on the type of cancer, the drugs, and
the patient’s overall response to treatment. Therapy may be given daily, weekly,
or monthly, and can continue for months or even years.
Side
Effects : Drugs used in chemotherapy can damage some normal cells, causing side
effects. These side effects depend on the type of drugs used, the amount given,
and the length of treatment. The possible side effects are nausea and vomiting,
hair loss, fatigue or shortness of breath caused by low red blood cell counts,
loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, mouth sores, bruising or bleeding
caused by a shortage of blood platelets, higher risk of infection caused by a
shortage of white blood cells. Most side effects disappear when your course of
treatment ends. Some drugs will damage the nerves and this may cause numbness
in the fingers and toes, and sometimes the arms and legs may feel weak.
hi my name name is suresh i am from chennai 22yers old i am a regular smoker from past one month sometimes i am getting chest pain and abdomen is paining little it will pains for 2 to 3 minutes and stops meanwhile my throat is also getting dry at the time i could not able to speak i am getting little swear that i will get cancer till now i didn't tell this to anybody even to my friends also i didn't consult the doctor also can you please help me what i want to do next which doctor i want to consult. is cancer is curable diseases
Ans:
Dear Suresh,
Smoking is hazardous to your health. There is no reason why should start this bad habbit at this age it is a very difficult habit to break once you are addicted to cigarettes. Smoking can cause lung problems such as Asthma and lung cancer. Throat cancer is another complication of smoking .
SO PLEASE STOP SMOKING..
You may not have cancer but there is no reason to indulge in risky behaviour. Some Cancers are curable if treated early. Stress can cause sweating high heart rate etc..
If your symptoms persists you may have to consult a doctor.
Please take care.
Posted by Dr. R.John, Kochi
3.
Posted on :
5.10.2009 By : Resha , New Delhi, New Delhi
I am seeking help for a cancer patient(3-4th stage)of 65yrs old. cheme & radiotheropy will not work(as per doc)due to less wt n also age. He has been given ayurvedic treatment from qualified doctor. Can i get fund from primeminister's fund scheeme or any Ngo who will help him. I havemanaged for one month treatment which is costing 30,000Rs. the treatment may continue for 7to12 months. please can anybody help me in this matter
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