"The causes of lung cancer include smoking, passive smoking, air pollution, radon gas and family history."
Definition and Characteristics
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in our country. It is caused by abnormal growth and division of cells in the lungs. These abnormal cells can interfere with the normal function of the lungs and cause blockages in the airways.
Lung Area to be Removed in Lobectomy
Lung Area to be Removed in Segmentectomy
Lung Cancer Symptoms and Causes
Because lung cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages, it is usually detected at an advanced stage, which is the main reason for the disease’s bad reputation.
However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Spitting blood
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Lung Cancer
Types
Lung cancer can occur in several types. These include the following:
Malignant Lung Cancer (Malignant Lung Disease)
Malignant lung cancer is a type of cancer in which cells in the lungs grow rapidly and spread to surrounding tissues. There are three main types of this cancer:
Adeno cancer (Adenocarcinoma)
Adeno cancer usually originates from cells on the outside of the lungs. This type of cancer can also occur in non-smokers.
Squamous Cell Cancer (squamous cell cancer)
Squamous cell cancer usually originates from cells in the middle part of the lungs. This type of cancer is more common in smokers.
Small Cell Cancer
They are not usually treated surgically. They are made up of highly aggressive cells. When detected, they have usually metastasized.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell cancer is the diagnosis given when lung cancer cannot be subtyped. In small biopsies, the cellular name of the tumor may not be identified. In such cases, knowing that it is not small cell is valuable for surgical decisions
Benign Lung Tumor
A benign lung tumor is a tumor that develops without uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells and usually without spreading outside the lung. These tumors are usually harmless and rarely develop into cancer.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
A number of tests are needed to diagnose lung cancer. These tests may include chest radiography, computed tomography of the lungs, PET, MRI, bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Lung cancer can sometimes be diagnosed during surgery. Especially for lung cancers in the nodule stage, the diagnosis is made with rapid pathology (frozen) during surgery.
Lung Cancer
Stages
The stages of lung cancer determine how far the cancer has progressed and whether it has spread to other organs. These stages help determine the methods used to treat the cancer. Surgical decisions are made according to these stages.
Locally
Advanced Lung Cancer
Locally advanced lung cancer is a condition that occurs in advanced stages of lung cancer. The difference between this type of cancer and advanced cancers is that they are likely to be suitable for surgical treatment. Treatment is then continued with other treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Contrary to popular belief, lung cancer caught at an early stage can be completely cured with early diagnosis. However, for this, it is valuable to catch the tumor at the nodule stage.
Lung cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage and type of the disease. The main thing is surgical treatment. If the tumor can be removed and in accordance with the literature, it should be removed by operation and then additional treatment procedures should be added. Other treatment options include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy is a treatment used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is usually administered intravenously.
Radiotherapy Treatment
Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. These beams can damage healthy cells while destroying cancer cells.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is when an operation is performed to remove the cancerous tissue. This treatment is most effective in the early stages of lung cancer.
Can Stage 3 Disease be Operated?
Yes, in some cases surgery is also performed for stage 3 disease. Stage 1 and stage 2 constitute the majority of surgical treatment. However, stage 3 disease, which is defined as advanced stage, can also be operated in selected cases. With the joint decision of the surgeon and oncologist, surgical treatment plans can be made either with chemotherapy before surgery and surgery after surgery or with surgery at the beginning.
Salvage surgery is an operation to remove cancerous tissue left behind after radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Post-chemotherapy surgery is an operation to remove cancerous tissue that has been shrunk or removed from vital structures by chemotherapy.
A lobectomy is an operation to remove one lobe of the lung. This surgery is necessary to completely remove the cancerous tissue.
Segmentectomy is an operation to remove a segment of the lung that is smaller than the lobe. This surgery can be performed when the cancer is limited to a small area. It is especially preferred below 2 cm. This surgery is necessary for complete removal of the cancerous tissue.
Pneumonectomy is an operation to completely remove one side of the lung. This surgery may be needed to completely remove the cancerous tissue.
Surgically, open and closed operations can be performed depending on the location and stage of the disease. Today, closed surgeries (VATS) are predominant. This method is superior to the open surgical procedure and is more comfortable for the patient. Patients can return to their normal lives from the 3rd day.
VATS lobectomy and VATS pneumonectomy is a surgery using a camera and specialized instruments. This surgery is less invasive than conventional surgery. For more information, see the VATS section.
Lung cancer is a treatable disease when diagnosed early. As Prof. Dr. Göktürk Fındık, I am here to answer all your questions about lung cancer. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
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