Lung cancer Screening in Hyderabad

Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in your lungs. Lung cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that originates from abnormal cell growth within the lungs. The lungs, integral to the respiratory system, are vital organs responsible for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. When cancerous cells begin to proliferate within the lung tissue, it can disrupt these essential functions and pose significant health risks.

As the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality globally, lung cancer presents a formidable challenge in public health. Its prevalence is closely linked to smoking, with individuals who smoke facing the highest risk. The correlation between smoking and lung cancer is well-established, with research indicating that both the duration and intensity of smoking contribute to the likelihood of developing the disease. Prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke exposes the lungs to carcinogens, leading to genetic mutations and cellular abnormalities that pave the way for cancerous growth.

However, it's essential to note that lung cancer can also affect individuals who have never smoked. While smoking remains the predominant risk factor, non-smokers can still develop lung cancer due to various other factors. These may include exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants such as radon and asbestos, genetic predispositions, and certain occupational hazards like exposure to carcinogenic substances in workplaces such as coal mines, construction sites, or industrial settings. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved prognosis, yet lung cancer often progresses silently in its initial stages, making it challenging to diagnose until it has reached an advanced state.

In conclusion, lung cancer represents a significant public health concern with far-reaching implications. While smoking remains the primary risk factor, efforts to combat the disease must encompass comprehensive strategies that address both modifiable risk factors and broader societal determinants of health. By fostering a multi-faceted approach that encompasses prevention, early detection, and innovative treatment modalities, there is potential to mitigate the burden of lung cancer and improve outcomes for affected individuals worldwide.

Symptoms and causes:

The manifestation of lung cancer can vary widely among individuals, with symptoms ranging from:

1. Persistent coughing,
2. Chest pain,
3. Shortness of breath to coughing up blood,
4. Unexplained weight loss,
5. Recurrent respiratory infections.
6. Fatigue (tiredness)
7. Pain the shoulder and back pain, headaches.
8. Can find the swelling in the upper chest, face, arms and neck which is also known as superior vena cava syndrome.

Lung cancer is broadly categorized into two main types based on how the cells look under a microscope:

1. Small cell lung cancer: This type is mostly found in heavy smokers and is less common compared to non-small cell lung cancer.
2. Non-small cell lung cancer: This category includes several subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Your treatment plan will depend on which of these two main types of lung cancer you have.

There are many test that are conducted to identify the cancer growth in the lungs, one such test that identifies at the early stage is screening test. Lung cancer screening is a process that is utilized to detect the presence of lung cancer with a high risk of lung cancer.

Who must have Lung Cancer screening in in Kismatpur

Guidelines recommend that anybody who meets all of the following criteria get a screening for lung cancer each year:

1. Between the ages of 50 and 80.
2. Currently smoke or quit in the last 15 years.
3. Have a 20-pack year smoking history.

Types of Lung Cancer Screenings

Today, the LDCT screening test is the preferred test to detect lung cancer, but the final diagnosis of lung cancer is based on viewing lung cells within the lab.

Low-Dose Computerized tomography (LDCT)

The recommended screening test for lung cancer is the LDCT. During LDCT screening, you will lie on a table and a machine utilises a low dose of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The scan is painless and only takes a couple of minutes.

Sputum Cytology

A sample of mucus you cough up from the lungs sent to a lab to look for cancer cells. You give early morning saliva samples 3 days in a row to assist in finding cancers that begin in major airways of the lung.

Thoracentesis

A procedure used to check if cancer is spreading to the lining of the lungs and to rule out other conditions like heart failure or infection. At the time of thoracentesis procedure, your specialist places a hollow needle between the ribs to gather the fluid which is checked within the lab for cancer cells.

Biopsy

Needle biopsies utilize a hollow needle in eliminating a small amount of tissue which will be analysed by a pathologist to make a diagnosis and offer help your care team with their choice of anticancer drugs.

Prevention

1. It is important to maintain healthy weight
2. Mainly focus on quitting smoking and chewing tobacco as it is one of the main reasons for the lung cancer.
3. Maintain healthy diet by including fresh fruits and vegetables is helpful.
4. Regular physical activity can help you with staying fit and active.

One of the leading Haematologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Jyosthna Elagandula is available at Aaradhya Clinics, Lung cancer screening center in Bandlaguda