Lung cancer surgery

Lung cancer

In the United States, Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and it surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women recently, mainly due to tobacco consumption

What is cancer?

Cancer refers to many different diseases, but they are all due to cells growing too much, forming a tumor. The type of cancer is named according to the type of cell that is growing too much. As the tumor grows it destroys normal cells around the tumor and can break away to spread around the body. The cancer cells can spread to the lymph glands near the tumor and to other organs in the body. The stage of the cancer depends on the size of the tumor itself, whether lymph glands are affected, and whether other organs are affected. Lung cancer starts from cells within the airway or lung.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer. This includes second-hand smoking (passive smoking). People who do not smoke can also get lung cancer. The number of people who have never smoked and have lung cancer is increasing. Other factors do not raise the risk of lung cancer as much as smoking, but they are relevant. These include: exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestosis, silicas, and radon gas

• Air pollution
• Genetics
• lowered immunity
• previous lung disease, such as TB
• Certain types of previous cancer treatment

Clinical findings:

• Cough
• Hemoptysis
• Dyspnea, Cyanosis, and Tachypnea
• Pain in the thorax
• Dysphagia
• Pain in bones
• Weight loss
• Inflection: repeated
• Horner syndrome, lymph nodes, CNS Metastases
• Paraneoplasia (Cushing –syndrome )

What operations are used to treat lung cancer?

Surgery is the treatment of choice for early-stage lung cancer. The best type of operation will depend on both the tumor and how fit you are. Generally, they involve removing part of the lung with the tumor in it and the surrounding lymph glands. All of this tissue is sent to the laboratory and tested. The results help confirm the stage of the cancer and guide whether you would benefit from additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Pneumonectomy  Lobectomy  Segmentectomy and wedge resection
Some operations are done to control the symptoms of lung cancer. For example, if a tumor is blocking part of the airway and causing shortness of breath. Another example would be if fluid is collecting around the lung and causing shortness of breath. See  Bronchoscopy  Pleural biopsies, Pleurodesis, and Pleural catheters

What are the alternatives to surgery?

You can discuss treatment options with your surgeon, your lung cancer nurse (CNS), and your respiratory physician. Surgery gives you the best chance of becoming free from cancer if you have early-stage lung cancer. If you do not want surgery or are not fit enough to have an operation other options may include:

• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Palliative care

For top-notch thoracic surgery in Dubai, contact DRHC at +97142798200. We offer expert thoracic surgeons and comprehensive care.