Lung cancer is one of the diseases that most commonly causes death in the world. Listing what needs to be done to protect against the disease, which has the risk of spreading to vital organs such as the brain, bones and liver, Assoc. Dr. Hüseyin Ulaş Çınar touched upon the issues that need to be done for both diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease.
IT IS DEADLY AND PROGRESSING FAST
Thoracic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. pointed out that lung cancer is one of the most common diseases that cause death in the world. Dr. Hüseyin Ulaş Çınar said, “Lung cancer is a preventable disease that occurs with the abnormal and uncontrolled formation of normal cells of the lung tissue. These cancer cells, which form in the lung tissue, are a fatal and rapidly progressing disease that can spread to tissues close to the lung over time, as well as to distant organs such as vital brain, bone and liver. Lung cancer is a disease that concerns the whole world. It is one of the diseases that most commonly causes death in the world. “According to WHO data, 2 million people die from this disease every year,” he said.
BEWARE OF THESE SYMPTOMS!
Pointing out that it is the most important harbinger of the disease that is not specific to cancer, Assoc. Dr. Hüseyin Ulaş Çınar said, “The most important symptoms of lung cancer are non-cancer-specific symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, bloody sputum, and involuntary excessive weight loss. For this reason, patients are diagnosed late and consult a doctor late. It is recommended that patients be seen by a physician in case of bloody sputum, which can be considered specific to lung cancer, and that they be evaluated with a chest x-ray or computed tomography to ensure clarity of diagnosis.
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT…
When lung cancer is suspected, this suspicion must first be confirmed with radiological examinations. “After that, biopsy, and after the biopsy, if the patient is diagnosed with cancer, we generally reveal the staging and metastasis status to evaluate the condition of the disease in the body,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. also mentioned that paying attention to the quality of life and regular examinations are important in preventing the disease. Dr. Çınar said, “The most important factor determining the treatment in this type of cancer is the type of tumor. Generally, tumors are examined under 2 headings. Lung cancer is considered as small cell and non-small cell. While the treatment for small cell tumors is mostly chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the most important treatment for patients with non-small cell tumors and early stage lung cancer is surgery.
“A PREVENTABLE DISEASE”
Exposure to tobacco and tobacco products is among the most important risk factors of lung cancer. In addition, asbestos, radon gas, chemicals, inhalation of dust and gas fumes, air pollution and genetic factors are among the main risk factors of lung cancer. Lung cancer is a preventable disease. “We think that such fatal diseases will gradually decrease in society over time with the use of smoking habits,” he said.
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