Malignant Neoplasm of Lung: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

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Questions Covered:

what is malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
What are the usual symptoms of malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
causes of malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
What are the potential risk factors associated with malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung, diagnosis?
How do doctors usually treat malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
What are the possible complications that could arise from malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?
What are the ways to prevent malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

Answers:

Question: what is malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

Lung cancer symptoms and treatment depend on the stage of cancer and how far it has spread. Early stage symptoms of lung cancer may include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs, and can spread to other areas of the body.
Early symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle, but the sooner you are diagnosed, the better your treatment options and possible outcomes.
Lung cancer is primarily treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer treatments include immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Read on to learn more about lung cancer, and the current and evolving treatment options.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

Early symptoms of lung cancer
The early stages of lung cancer don't always cause symptoms. When early symptoms do occur, they can include signs such as shortness of breath, along with unexpected symptoms, such as back pain.
Back pain can occur when tumors cause pressure in your lungs or when they spread to your spinal cord and ribs.
Other early signs of lung cancer may include:
a lingering or worsening cough
coughing up phlegm or blood
chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, laugh, or cough
hoarseness
wheezing
weakness and fatigue
loss of appetite and weight loss
recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Late symptoms of lung cancer
Additional symptoms of lung cancer depend on where new tumors form. Not everyone with late-stage lung cancer will experience every symptom.
Late-stage symptoms might include:
lumps in the neck or collarbone
bone pain especially in the back, ribs, or hips
headaches
dizziness
balance issues
numbness in arms or legs
yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
drooping of one eyelid and shrunken pupils
lack of perspiration on one side of the face
shoulder pain
swelling of the face and upper body
Additionally, lung cancer tumors can sometimes release a substance similar to hormones, leading to a wide variety of symptoms known as paraneoplastic syndrome. Symptoms include: :
muscle weakness
nausea and vomiting
high blood pressure
high blood sugar
confusion
seizures

Question:

Home remedies won't cure cancer. However, some may help relieve symptoms associated with lung cancer or the side effects of treatment.
Options may include:
Massage: Massage can help relieve pain and anxiety. Some massage therapists are trained to work with people with cancer.
Acupuncture: When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture may help ease pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, it's not safe if you have low blood counts or take blood thinners.
Meditation: Relaxation and reflection can reduce stress and improve overall quality of life.
Yoga: Combining breathing techniques, meditation, and stretching, yoga can help you feel better overall and improve sleep.
Cannabis oil: Some people claim that cannabis oil use reduces pain, relieves nausea and vomiting, and improves appetite. However, more research is needed into these claims. Additionally, state laws on cannabis vary, so this option isn't available nationwide.

Question: causes of malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

Anyone can get lung cancer, but 90 percent of lung cancer cases are the result of smoking.
Smoke damages your lung tissue from the first second you inhale it. Once lung cells are damaged, they begin to behave abnormally. This increases your risk for lung cancer.
Small-cell lung cancer is almost always associated with heavy smoking. When you stop smoking, your lungs may be able to heal, reducing your risk of lung cancer.
You can also increase your risk of lung cancer by breathing in hazardous substances such as:
radon
asbestos
arsenic
cadmium
chromium
nickel
some petroleum products
uranium
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, according to the American Lung Association.
Research shows that inherited genetic mutations may make you more likely to develop lung cancer, especially if you smoke or are exposed to other carcinogens. Sometimes, there's no obvious cause for lung cancer.
Learn more about what causes lung cancer '

Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

There are multiple known risk factors for lung cancer. These include:
Smoking: Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Tobacco products contain thousands of toxic substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
, cigarette smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than nonsmokers.
Secondhand smoke: Every year in the United States, about 7,300 people
who've never smoked die from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.
Exposure to radon: Breathing in radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. It's a good idea to test your home for levels of radon to reduce your risk.
Exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other toxic substances: Breathing in toxic substances can increase your risk, especially if you're subject to repeat exposure.
A family history of lung cancer: Having family members with lung cancer increases your risk of lung cancer.
A personal history of lung cancer: You're more likely to get lung cancer if you've had lung cancer in the past, especially if you're a smoker.
Previous radiation therapy to the chest: Radiation therapy can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Learn more about the risk factors for lung cancer '

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung, diagnosis?

Diagnosing lung cancer starts with a conversation with your doctor and a physical exam. They'll want to go over your health history and any symptoms you're having. You'll also need tests to confirm the diagnosis. These might include:
Imaging tests: An abnormal mass can be seen on X-ray, MRI, CT, and PET scans. These scans produce more detail and find smaller lesions.
Sputum cytology: If you produce phlegm when you cough, microscopic examination can determine if cancer cells are present.
Bronchoscopy: While under sedation, a lighted tube is passed down your throat and into your lungs, allowing closer examination of your lung tissue.
You might also have a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that involves obtaining a small sample of lung tissue which is then examined under a microscope. A biopsy can determine if tumor cells are cancerous. A biopsy may be performed using one of the the following methods:
Mediastinoscopy: In a mediastinoscopy, your doctor makes an incision at the base of the neck. A lighted instrument is inserted and surgical tools are used to take samples from lymph nodes. It's usually performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
Lung needle biopsy: With this procedure, your doctor inserts a needle through the chest wall and into the suspicious lung tissue. A needle biopsy can also be used to test lymph nodes. It's usually performed in a hospital and you'll be given a sedative to help you relax.
If the biopsy results are positive for cancer, you might need additional testing, such as a bone scan, to help determine if cancer has spread and to help with staging.
Learn more about how lung cancer is diagnosed '

Question: How do doctors usually treat malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

The primary treatments for lung cancer include surgery to remove the tumor, and chemotherapy and radiation treatments to kill cancer cells. Sometimes, newer cancer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used, but usually not until later stages.
As a rule, treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) varies from person to person. Your treatment plan will depend on specific details of your health and on the stage of your cancer when you were diagnosed.
Treatment options for NSCLC by stage typically include:
Stage 1 NSCLC: Surgery to remove a portion of the lung may be all you need. Chemotherapy may also be recommended, especially if you're at high risk of recurrence. Cancer is most treatable if caught at this stage.
Stage 2 NSCLC: You may need surgery to remove part or all of your lung. Chemotherapy is usually recommended.
Stage 3 NSCLC: You may require a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment.
Stage 4 NSCLC: Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Options for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) also include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In most cases, the cancer will be too advanced for surgery.
If you're diagnosed with lung cancer, your care will likely be managed by a team of doctors who may include:
a surgeon who specializes in the chest and lungs (thoracic surgeon)
a lung specialist (pulmonologist)
a medical oncologist
a radiation oncologist
Discuss all your treatment options before making a decision. Your doctors will coordinate care and keep each other informed. You may also want to discuss clinical trials with your doctor.
Clinical trials can provide access to promising new treatments and can be an option if your treatment plan has stalled.
Some people with advanced lung cancer choose not to continue treatment. You can still choose palliative care treatments, which are focused on treating the symptoms of cancer rather than the cancer itself.
Learn more about alternative treatments for lung cancer '

Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

Lung cancer can lead to complications. These include:
High risk of infection: People with lung cancer are at an increased risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, and other infections.
Facial swelling: Tumors in your lungs can restrict blood flow to your upper body and result in facial swelling.
Loss of lung function: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms of reduced lung function can occur in lung cancer patients.
Blood clots: People with lung cancer are at a higher risk of clots, especially in their lower legs.
Spitting up blood: Irritation in airways or from tumors can result in spitting up blood.
Increased calcium in blood: Sometimes, lung cancer can result in hypercalcemia, or increased calcium in your blood.
Spinal compression: Tumors can press on the spine and cause pain, weakness, and trouble walking.
Heart blockage: Tumors in your lungs can compress heart vessels and lead to multiple serious heart conditions.
Nerve pain: Tumors can result in nerve pain along with numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Trouble swallowing: Lung cancer can spread to your esophagus and cause trouble swallowing.

Question: What are the ways to prevent malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent lung cancer. However, you can reduce your risk if you:
Quit smoking: Smoking is the number-one risk factor for lung cancer. Eliminating smoking greatly reduces your chance of developing lung cancer.
Avoid radon: You can have your home tested for radon to help reduce your exposure and lung cancer risk.
Avoid other cancer-causing chemicals: Limiting your exposure to other cancer-causing chemicals can reduce your risk.
Eat a healthy diet: There is some evidence
to suggest that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of lung cancer.

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about malignant neoplasm of lung or carcinoma of lung is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.