Lungs play an important part in the basic functionality of the body. It helps in the intake of oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide into the air. This mechanism keeps us alive. However, the interior region of the lungs consists of several components. The entire respiratory system is partitioned by the mediastinum. Furthermore, a diaphragm controls the push and pull movement of the lungs.
Any disease or medical condition in the lungs can cause various problems. These organs are required for breathing. Therefore, the person suffering from a lung-related disorder can become uncomfortable. If the problem is not diagnosed and solved at the right time, then the condition can become fatal.
General Information about Lungs
The opening of the lungs starts at the trachea from where air passes inside the organs. From there, the air goes through several small branches called bronchi that help in transferring oxygen to the alveoli. The alveoli are small structures, that provide a pathway for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Most tumors and lung cancers are present in the alveoli and bronchi region. Tiny cysts are formed on these areas that stop the functionality of the lungs.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Several symptoms are associated with a lung disease such as:
- Unable to breathe properly
- Coughing blood.
- Pain in the chest area.
- Suddenly losing a lot of weight
- Severe pain in bones.
- Regular coughing.
- Headaches occurring throughout the day.
Factors responsible for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can happen at any stage of life. At the early stages, the cancer is curable. But at a higher stage, several complications can occur. Here, are some of the reasons due to which a person can suffer from lung cancer:
Smoking: It is already proven that smoking causes various types of illness in the human body. But of the major areas where smoking affects are our lungs. Apart from the formation of tar, smoking promotes the growth of cancerous cells. Plus, it weakens the immunity to fight any diseases.
Getting exposed to any carcinogens: Carcinogens can be present in different workplaces. Arsenic, nickel, and chromium are the main substances that cause cancer.
Family history of Cancer: If any person in your family had some type of cancer, then it becomes a possibility to have such a medical condition.
Radiation therapy: Being under radiation during the treatment of some other disease increases the risk of having cancer.
Breathing radon gas: Always make sure that you are not stepping into a place that is filled with radon gas. Such a substance is produced when uranium is combined with water and rock particles that eventually take the form of gas.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Imaging techniques: Various scans including X-rays, MRIs, and CT can reveal the problematic area. These types of scans display images on a screen that also helps in determining the stage of cancer.
Sputum analyzing: If you are producing sputum while coughing, then it can be put under microscopic observation to detect the presence of cancer cells.
Biopsy: In this method, a tissue sample is taken from the affected area. Several tests are performed on this sample to find the exact cause of the problem.
How the Lungs Treatment Is Carried Out?
The first thing to find is the severeness of cancer. If cancer has crossed the initial stage, then it becomes difficult to cure the lungs. In most cases, lung surgery is performed to get rid of cancer. This operation can be carried out in three ways depending on the situation:
Resection: This procedure can be performed in two ways. If possible, the surgeon will proceed with a wedge resection where a small region of the lung is removed. In the second method, a large area is removed which is called segmental resection.
Lobectomy: Lungs have several lobes that perform the exchange of gases. In this method, an entire lobe is removed from the lung.
Pneumonectomy: Lastly, if cancer has spread inside the entire lung, then the surgeon will remove that organ to stop cancer from spreading to other organs. This is the last resort for saving the life of a patient.
Therapies: Many therapies can help in preventing the growth of cancer and removing it from a particular area. The first one is chemotherapy where different drugs having a strong effect on cancer are given to the patient. Next comes radiotherapy. In this method, the patient is kept under radiation beams that kill the cells in a body. Another form of therapy is immunotherapy. Here, the patient’s immune system is developed to find and fight cancer cells.
Getting in Touch with a Lung Surgeon in Singapore
If you are searching for a medical center to cure lung disease, then lung surgeon Singapore will be the ideal choice. You will get the correct treatment for curing any problem related to the lungs. Also, the patient can go through a lung cancer screening Singapore to be sure about his/her health.