Lung Cancer Treatment: Types, Survival Rate, And Risk Factors

According to research, more than 25% of people in the U.S. lose their lives every year by not getting the right lung cancer treatment. Most lung cancers are preventable if treatment begins on time. Cancer that begins in the lungs has the highest probability of spreading to other body parts. However, the good news is that it is much easier to be diagnosed and treated during the early stages. 

Each treatment is used according to the cancer type and stage. That’s why it is important to know the survival rate each treatment cancer adds to your cancer stage. Although different treatment types are used to treat lung cancer, a cancer specialist will decide which one is best for you. Here, we will discuss the different treatment options for lung cancer. 

Lung Cancer: An Overview

When cancer begins to start in the lungs, cells, and tissues, it is known as lung cancer. The main cause behind developing this tumor is smoking. It further divides into small cell and non-small cell cancer. The different diagnosis processes are used to determine its current stage and type. When the lung tumor grows in size, it starts affecting lymph nodes and other parts of the body as well.

Early Signs Or Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Before we discuss lung cancer treatment, you need to know the lung cancer symptoms. Once you know these early signs, it will be easier for you to take treatment during the early stages. Here are the early symptoms of lung cancer:

• Difficulty in breathing.
• Blood stain in coughing.
• Pain in the chest, bone, and head.
• Regular cough.
• Swelling in the face.
• Loss of appetite.
• Infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

These early signs of lung cancer need to be treated urgently. If you notice such symptoms, it’s time to discuss the possible treatment options with a cancer specialist.

Different Types Of Lung Cancer Treatment

There are different treatment options available to control lung tumors. Once the doctors diagnose the type and stage of cancer, they select the therapy according to your overall health condition. The early stages of lung cancer are treated with standard treatments. Here are the different treatments of lung cancer available:

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a popular way to treat cancer in the lungs. In this treatment, high-energy X-rays are used to destroy cancer-producing cells. A beam of radiation focuses on the affected cells and tissues. 

It is often used:

• To shrink the size of the tumor.
• Destroy cancer-growing cells.
• To prevent the tumor from spreading.

Chemotherapy

The doctor uses specific drugs during chemotherapy to kill lung cancer cells. In this treatment for lung cancer, the drugs are injected into the veins to reach the infected cells. The lung cancer specialist often uses this therapy after surgery. Moreover, it is used with other cure techniques to accelerate the survival rate of patients.

Surgery

Surgery is another treatment for lung cancer. It is also used to treat the early stages of the tumor. In this process, doctors remove the cancer cells and tissues surrounding them. This treatment option is best for those patients who are in good health. Unfortunately, the chances of re-developing lung cancer in these patients are over 50%.

Targeted Therapy

Cancer specialists use antibodies to kill the infected cells during targeted therapy. There are higher chances that your doctors may combine this treatment option with radiation and chemotherapy. With the help of antibodies, it is easier to deliver cancer-killing substances to the body.

These are some types of targeted therapies for lung cancer:

• NTR
• ROS-1
• MET
• BRAF V600E
• ALK
• EGFR
• RET

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, as the name suggests, powers the body’s immune system. In this lung tumor treatment, your body’s immune system fights against cancer. This therapy aims to make the immune system stronger with the help of medicines.

Also Read:- Radiation Therapy For Brain Tumors: Everything You Must Know

The Survival Rate Of Treatment For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 25 and 60. The chance of getting lung tumors increases for those who are avid smokers. 

It’s also important to know the lung cancer survival rate in different genders.

• The survival rate of lung tumor treatment for all people is 22%.
• In men, the five-year survival rate is 18%.
• In women, the five-year survival rate of treatment is 25%.
• The people who suffer from type NSCLC, their survival percentage is 26.
• On the other hand, patients with small cell lung cancer have a survival rate of 7%.

Always remember that the survival rate is the estimated number predicted based on the same cases in the past. Every treatment has a different rate of survival depending on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health.

What Are The Risk Factors Associated With The Treatment Of Lung Tumors?

Before starting any treatment for lung cancer, you should know the associated risk factors. Every therapy is designed to destroy the cancer-growing cells in the body. Unfortunately, these treatments can have various side effects on the body. 

Here are the risk factors of lung cancer therapies you should know:

• Feeling of tiredness
• Mild skin problems.
• Soreness in mouth and throat.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Infections in lungs.
• Hair loss
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation problems.

Long-term risk factors of lung tumor treatments:

• Inflammation
• Thickening of the lung lining.
• Weakening of heart muscles.
• Swelling in lungs.

There are chances you may suffer from these side effects after treatment. However, you don’t need to worry much about these risk factors. Just remember to consult a cancer specialist for follow-up treatment if you notice such symptoms. 

How Do Doctors Determine The Right Treatment For Lung Cancer?

In determining the right treatment for lung cancer, doctors check on various factors. When you go to the cancer specialist, they will do the diagnostic test to take an overview of your condition. Here are the important factors which help cancer specialists decide on the right treatment for a lung cancer patient:

Type And Stage Of Lung Cancer

The important factor in determining treatment is the type and stage of the lung tumor. For this purpose, doctors perform various screening tests like CT-scan, MRIs, etc. Once they have a complete overview of the type and stage, doctors choose the best possible therapy.

The Overall Health Of The Patient

Not every treatment works well with different age groups of cancer patients. Overall health is an important factor to consider when determining the right treatment for lung cancer. You may be asked to share your health records and medical history during the diagnosis process as well.

Procedures Of Therapy

The deciding factor for doctors is the patient’s opinions regarding therapy procedures. For this, doctors inform you about the risk factors and process of treatment in advance. This process aims to inform you of future side effects of particular lung cancer therapy. Thus, you can decide which option you would want to go for. Also, you have the opportunity to speak with your doctor if his recommended treatment doesn’t match your choice. 

Conclusion

Getting the right lung cancer treatment at the right time can increase the survival rate very positively. Most patients are unaware of the possible option that prevents tumors during the early stages. Knowing the early signs and diagnosing cancer as soon as possible is necessary. Once you see the symptoms, you must consult a doctor immediately. And if it confirms to be cancerous, you should reach out to a cancer specialist to find the best possible treatment.

At University Cancer Centers, we have certified cancer specialists who offer tested treatments after analyzing the current stage of cancer and your medical history. Our specialists choose the right therapy after performing a proper diagnosis process. Also, our transparent working nature keeps you aware of the current survival rates, side effects, and life expectancy. Discover the best possible cancer treatment for yourself or your loved one with us. 

Get in touch with us by scheduling an appointment now. 

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