Patient's prognosis when diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer

The article is written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Head of Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 84% of all lung cancer diagnoses. So how is the patient's prognosis when diagnosed with lung cancer?

Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs. The most common type is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 80 to 85 percent of all cases. 30% of these cases begin in the cells that make up the lining of the body's cavities and surfaces. This type usually forms in the outer part of the lung (SCLC).
A rare subset of adenocarcinomas that start in the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). It is called adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). This type is not strong and may not invade surrounding tissues or require immediate treatment. Faster-growing types of non-small cell lung cancer include large cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine tumors.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 15 to 20% of lung cancer cases. Small cell lung cancer grows and spreads faster than non-small cell lung cancer. This also makes it more likely to respond to chemotherapy. However, it is also less likely to be cured with treatment.
In some cases, lung cancer tumors contain both non-small cell lung cancer cells and small cell lung cancer. Mesothelioma is another type of lung cancer that is often associated with asbestos exposure. Carcinoid tumors start in hormone-producing (neuroendocrine) cells.
Tumors in the lung can grow quite large before you notice the symptoms for a lung tumor diagnosis. Initial symptoms are like colds or other common conditions, so most people don't seek immediate medical attention. That is one reason why lung cancer is often not diagnosed in its early stages.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer grows and spreads less aggressively than small cell lung cancer, which means it can often be treated more successfully with surgery, chemotherapy, and other medical treatments. . Prognosis varies, but the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outlook.
Smoking is the leading cause of non-small cell lung cancer and other types of lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to asbestos, air and water pollutants, and secondhand smoke.

If you are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, your doctor will stage your cancer. Staging determines how far the cancer has spread and helps determine the appropriate treatment strategy. For accurate staging, a series of pre-staging diagnostic tests are performed. These tests include:
Biopsy Ultrasound MRI Bronchoscopy Surgery Stages of lung cancer range from 0 to 4, where stage 4 is the most severe. Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to other organs or tissues. The earlier staged at the time of diagnosis of lung cancer, the more likely the cancer is to be treatable. When lung cancer is diagnosed in the later stages, the chance of a cure can be very low. Instead, treatment goals may focus on controlling the growth of the cancer and preventing it from spreading to other areas outside of the lungs.

The prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer depends on several factors. The most important factor is the stage of the disease. The five-year survival rate is the percentage of people with that stage of cancer who are alive 5 years after diagnosis. For lung cancer, the five-year survival rate ranges from 49% for stage 1 to 1% for terminal or stage 4 cancer.
When you receive a diagnosis of lung cancer no small cells, you may feel self-conscious and don't know what to do next. It's important to work with a team of doctors and specialists to come up with a treatment plan that's right for your specific condition. You can work with primary doctors, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. Together they will come up with a treatment plan, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer varies depending on the stage of your cancer and your health. For early-stage lung cancer, surgery may be successful in removing the entire tumor and cancer cells. In some cases, no other treatment is needed.
In other cases, along with surgery, you may need treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both to remove any remaining cancer cells. You may also receive other treatments, such as medicine for pain, infection, or nausea, to help relieve any uncomfortable symptoms or side effects of treatment.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or if you are not healthy enough for surgery, cancer chemotherapy can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prolong life rather than cure the cancer.
Radiation is another option for treating tumors that cannot be removed with surgery. It involves targeting tumors with high-energy radiation to shrink or eliminate them.
In addition to treatments designed to slow, stop, or eliminate cancer cells, you may need additional care to relieve your symptoms. Tumors can be painful, and even if they can't be completely removed, their growth can be slowed with chemotherapy, radiation, or lasers. Your doctor can create a treatment plan to help ease your pain.
Tumors in the airways of the lungs can make breathing difficult. Laser therapy or a treatment called photodynamic therapy can shrink tumors that are blocking your airway. This can restore normal breathing.

Living with any type of cancer is not easy. Along with physical symptoms, you may experience emotional distress, anxiety, or fear. To deal with these feelings, make sure you're honest and open with your medical team. You may be referred to a psychologist or counselor to help you.
It's also important to reach out to family or close friends for help during this difficult time. Your loved ones can help you and listen to your concerns. However, it can also be very effective for connecting with other people living with non-small cell lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about finding a support group for people who are battling or who have survived cancer. Online support groups are another option.
Cancer can be considered a chronic condition and even if the tumors have been removed, there is no guarantee that they will not come back. Recurrence can happen with any type of cancer. But your medical team will plan to have you checked regularly for recurrences and they will be ready with a treatment strategy in the event of a relapse.
Currently, lung cancer is a dangerous disease and tends to increase, so lung cancer screening is the most effective measure for you to detect and promptly treat lung cancer, protect your health and protect your health. his life. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has lung cancer screening services with many outstanding advantages such as: A team of highly qualified and experienced doctors; Having a full range of specialized facilities for diagnosis and staging before treatment: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, histopathological diagnosis, genetic - cytological testing... Having a full range of mainstream cancer treatment methods: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant.... will help customers screen the disease effectively and have timely treatment if detected. present illness.

Reference
Coping with your emotions. (2014, June 26) cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/emotionalsideeffects/copingwithcancerineverydaylife/a-message-of-hope-coping-with-emotions How is non-small cell lung cancer staged? (2015, March 4) cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-staging Lung cancer – non-small cell. (2014, August 31) nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007194.htm Non-small cell lung cancer survival rates by stage. (2015, March 4) cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-survival-rates When Cancer Recurs. (2015, July 28) cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/understandingrecurrence/whenyourcancercomesback/when-cancer-comes-back-when-cancer-recurs