Symptoms of lung cancer
Symptoms of lung cancer Most of them in the initial stages are asymptomatic. Later, as the disease progresses, it can start with coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, so people at risk should have regular lung health checkups. Especially those who smoke “cigarette” It is an important factor in the incidence of lung cancer and emphysema.
If you don’t smoke, you can get lung cancer.
However, although smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, there are other factors. related, which at the moment, although there is still no clear answer why! People who have never smoked can get lung cancer. But there are several studies and studies that have found other causes. which can increase the risk of lung cancer especially exposure to substances and chemicals such as
1. Radone It is a ubiquitous radioactive substance which is tasteless, colorless, odorless and cannot be perceived by any human senses. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in humans. after substances in cigarettes
2. Asbestos or asbestos It is carcinogenic in the products we use in our daily life. Asbestos is harmful and toxic, causing lung cancer, kidney cancer and a cancer called mesothelioma. The substance is found in corrugated roof tiles, drains, floor tiles, ceilings, walls, insulation, hot water pipes, boilers. Steam and various molded plastics
3. Heavy chemicals
4. Inhaling cigarette smoke from someone close to you (second hand smoker)
5. Abnormal genetics
Assistant Prof. Dr. Sira Laohathai, thoracic surgeon specializing in endoscopic lung cancer surgery Phyathai Hospital 1 said…
“There is a study report that 30-40% of lung cancer patients in Asia never smoke, with over 50% of women never smoking. Unlike the countries of the European continent. Only 10-20% of whom have never smoked. But instead, he got lung cancer.
An increasing number of women are being diagnosed with lung cancer.
As for lung cancer, it’s not just common in men. As can be seen from the statistics in 2018 from a survey by the World Cancer Research Fund International around the world, it was found that there were 2 million new cases of lung cancer, and lung cancer was among women in the top 3. of all cancers
Types of lung cancer in smokers versus non-smokers
Characteristics of smoking and non-smoking patients. Most non-smokers suffer from a type of cancer called sarcoma. Adenocarcinoma For patients who smoke, it is often found as squamous cell carcinoma, usually found in the medium-sized bronchi. usually in the middle lobe of the lung. This type of cancer is caused by the activation of inflammation. This poses a risk that can promote cancer. but the type of cancer Adenocarcinoma usually on the edge of the lungs It has also been found that “Lung cancer patients who have never smoked are more likely to have genetic abnormalities. These include EGFR (epidermal growth factor), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1 and MET.
Prof. Dr. Sira said
“The lung cancer treatment of smokers AND non-smokers is quite similar, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. For surgery, it plays the main role in the groups with early stage lung cancer, i.e. stages 1 and 2. Currently, lung surgery is not scary. We can perform laparoscopic surgery using a technique called “Vats”, where there is only a small 3-4cm incision. As a result, the patient will suffer less pain, recover faster and be able to quickly return to normal life. As for the treatment of patients with stage 3 and 4 lung cancer, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation will play an important role.”
Although lung cancer can happen to anyone. But prevention is better than cure. Therefore, those who smoke or are in the immediate vicinity and have to be exposed to cigarette smoke Please be aware of the danger. They should also avoid chemicals. or the risk of causing lung cancer should also exercise and eat healthy food. And most importantly, regular health checkups should not be neglected. The sooner it is detected, the more likely it is to be cured. All this to reduce the chances of various types of cancer as well.
Article by : Assistant Prof. Dr. Sira Laohathai, thoracic surgeon specializing in endoscopic lung cancer surgery Phyathai Hospital 1
