CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LUNG CANCER

Chemotherapy For Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy For Lung Cancer is an article that aims to give you all the information you do not know about Chemotherapy For Lung Cancer and more. We kindly shared the main headings with you;

What is lung cancer?

The illness known as lung cancer arises from unchecked cell division in the lungs. Your cells’ regular process involves them dividing and creating additional duplicates of themselves. However, occasionally, they experience mutations that lead them to continue producing more of themselves when they shouldn’t. Uncontrolled cell division caused by damage results in tissue lumps known as tumors that eventually impair the functionality of your organs.

CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LUNG CANCER

Cancers that originate in the lungs are referred to as lung cancers; these are typically found in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs, or the bronchi or bronchioles. Generally speaking, cancers that originate elsewhere and spread to your lungs are called after their original site of origin (your healthcare professional may refer to this as cancer that is metastatic to your lungs).

What causes lung cancer?

It is the uncontrollably dividing cells that lead to lung cancer. Cell division is a normal process, but every cell has an internal off switch that, when called upon, either prevents the cell from proliferating (senescence) or causes it to die off (apoptosis). When a cell undergoes too many modifications or divisions, it triggers the off switch (mutations). Your body’s regular cells can become cancerous by undergoing mutations that take away the off switch. Unchecked cell multiplication causes disruptions to regular cell function. Cancer cells can enter your lymph nodes or bloodstream and travel throughout your body, causing more harm. 

What are the risk factors of lung cancer?

 Although other variables can raise your risk of lung cancer, the largest one is smoking tobacco products of any type, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. According to experts, smoking is a factor in 80% of lung cancer deaths. Additional risk variables consist of:

  • Being a passive smoker
  • Being near dangerous materials such as coal products, diesel exhaust, asbestos, uranium, air pollution, radon, and silica
  • Having received radiation therapy to the chest in the past (for example, for lymphoma or breast cancer)
  • Having a history of lung cancer in the family

What are the first signs of lung cancer?

Recurrent pneumonia or cough during treatment may indicate early lung cancer detection, while less serious conditions may also be indicated. The most typical symptoms of lung cancer are shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, chronic or getting worse cough, and unexplained weight loss. Some of these symptoms may appear early (in stages I or II), depending on where in your lungs the cancer first appears, but they frequently don’t appear until the cancer has spread to later stages. If you have a higher risk, it is crucial to get examined for lung cancer.

What are the types of lung cancer?

Although several malignancies impact the lungs, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are the two main types that are commonly referred to as “lung cancer.”

Lung cancer with non-small cells (NSCLC) 

This is the most prevalent kind of lung cancer. More than 80% of cases of lung cancer are related to it. Squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma are common varieties. Two less frequent forms of NSCLC are sarcomatoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

Lung cancer with small cells (SCLC) 

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) grows more slowly and is easier to cure. A comparatively small lung tumor that has already migrated to other parts of your body is typically how it is discovered. Small cell carcinoma, also known as oat cell carcinoma, and mixed small cell carcinoma are two specific forms of SCLC. 

CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer of other varieties

Sarcomas, which are cancers of the soft tissues or bones, lymphomas, which are cancers of the lymph nodes, and pleural mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining of the lungs, are among the other cancers that can begin in or near the lungs. These are typically not referred to as lung cancer and are treated differently.

What is the diagnosis of lung cancer?

A lung cancer diagnosis might involve several steps. During your initial appointment, the doctor will often listen to your concerns, inquire about your medical history, and conduct a physical examination (such as checking your heart and lungs). As many other, more frequent illnesses share symptoms with lung cancer, your physician may begin with blood tests and a chest X-ray. Your doctor will typically order more imaging tests, such as a CT scan, and a biopsy if they believe you may have lung cancer. Additional procedures include testing malignant tissue from a biopsy to help identify the best course of treatment and utilizing a PET/CT scan to check for metastases of the cancer.

What is the staging of lung cancer?

Every stage can fit into that category in several different sizes and spread combinations.  Lung cancer staging generally entails:

  • Stage 0 (in-situ): The bronchus or upper lining of the lung has cancer. It hasn’t moved outside of the lung or to other areas of the lung.
  • Stage I: The lung has not yet been invaded by cancer.
  • Stage II: The cancer has progressed to the lung’s lymph nodes, is larger than Stage I, or has many tumors in the same lung lobe.
  • Stage III: The cancer has spread to neighboring lymph nodes or structures, is larger than Stage II, or has multiple tumors in separate lobes of the same lung. 
  • Stage IV: The cancer has progressed to the neighbouring lung, the fluid around the lung, the heart, or other distant organs.

To create your specialized treatment package within a few seconds just click below.

Treatment Cost Calculator

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a medical procedure that uses medications to treat a variety of illnesses, with cancer treatment being its most popular usage. Chemotherapy’s main objective is to either kill or stop the growth of cells that divide quickly, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy medications disrupt the cell cycle, stopping the division and multiplication of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is an essential component of lung cancer treatment and is frequently utilized in conjunction with other comprehensive strategies to manage the illness. Chemotherapy’s exact involvement in lung cancer depends on several factors, including the patient’s general health and the type and stage of the cancer.

What is the role of chemotherapy for lung cancer?

The following are important facets of chemotherapy’s function in the treatment of lung cancer:

Preoperative Tumor Shrinkage (Neoadjuvant Therapy)

Chemotherapy can sometimes be used in conjunction with surgery to reduce tumor size and facilitate the removal of malignant tissue by the surgeon. The term “neoadjuvant chemotherapy” describes this.

Eliminating Residual Cancer Cells Following Surgery (Adjuvant Therapy)

Adjuvant chemotherapy may be suggested after surgery to remove a tumor to target any cancer cells that may still be present but may cause a recurrence.

Primary Therapy for Advanced Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy is frequently the mainstay of care for patients with Stage III or IV lung cancer, which is progressed or metastatic. It seeks to reduce symptoms, stop the cancer from spreading, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Combination Treatments

Combining chemotherapy with other forms of treatment such as immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and surgery is common. The goal of the combination strategy is to increase therapy efficacy.

Palliative Care

Chemotherapy is one type of palliative care that can be utilized when lung cancer is incurable. The goals of palliative chemotherapy are to reduce symptoms, delay the disease’s course, and enhance the patient’s general health.

CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LUNG CANCER

Systemic Intervention

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that can reach cancer cells throughout the body through circulation, as lung cancer frequently extends beyond the lungs. To treat cancer cells that might have spread to other organs, this is crucial.

Treatment of both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are typically treated with chemotherapy. The kind and stage of lung cancer may affect the particular medications and treatment plan.

Treatment for Recurrent Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy may be resumed in cases where lung cancer returns after first treatment, either with the same medications or with a modified regimen depending on the features of the returned cancer.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Common side effects include,

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Problems in the digestive system
  • Changes in appetite and weight

However, there are ways to decrease the effects of side effects, talk with your healthcare provider.

Chemotherapy is a useful tool for treating cancer cells that divide quickly, but it also affects normal cells that divide quickly, which might have unintended consequences. Following a comprehensive evaluation by a medical oncologist that takes into consideration the unique characteristics of the patient and the malignancy, the decision to receive chemotherapy and the particular treatment plan is made. Achieving the best results while reducing side effects and enhancing the patient’s quality of life is the aim.

Why choose Turkey for lung cancer treatment?

Several factors may influence the decision to receive lung cancer treatment in Turkey, so it’s important to take your unique situation, preferences, and medical requirements into account. Turkey is becoming known for its advanced medical facilities, expanding healthcare industry, and plenty of highly skilled healthcare personnel. For the following reasons, people may think of receiving lung cancer treatment in Turkey:

  • Advanced Healthcare Establishments: Turkey has made large investments to create state-of-the-art medical facilities furnished with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Competent Healthcare Practitioners: Turkish healthcare workers are known for their proficiency in their disciplines and frequently go through rigorous training, including surgeons, oncologists, and support personnel.
  • Cost-effective Care: Turkish medical care is frequently more economical than in some Western nations, making it a desirable choice for anyone looking for high-quality care at a lower cost.
  • Care Quality: Numerous healthcare facilities in Turkey are accredited by respectable associations and follow worldwide standards of treatment. This guarantees that patients will receive top-notch healthcare.

If you have any further questions you can always contact us. Click below to get a free consultation from Medical Center Turkey Team.

Request a FREE Consultation