TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Mayapada Hospital Surabaya lung specialist, Bambang Susilo Simon, said that coughs and shortness of breath that did not improve in people who did not have a history of smoking could be signs lung cancer.
“Mayapada Hospital Surabaya recently visited an elderly female patient aged 70 years. The patient came with complaints of cough and shortness of breath that did not improve without a history of smoking. The patient was immediately examined for a lung X-ray and a CT scan of the lungs with contrast. A tumor was found in the lung. on the right and fluid in the cavity of the membrane covering the lungs in that area,” said Bambang.
The doctor then took the fluid and performed a bronchoscopy (lung biopsy) to determine whether the lung tumor was dangerous or not. Bronchoscopy is a procedure performed to look inside the organs of the airways or bronchi inside the lungs by inserting a flexible hose-like device with a light and camera at the end.
Bronchoscopy is used to obtain a sample of mucus or lung tissue for a biopsy to remove foreign bodies or other blockages in the lung passages or to provide medical therapy for problems in the lungs.
“The results of the lung biopsy and CT scan of the 70-year-old female patient revealed that the patient’s diagnosis was lung cancer Non Small Cell Lung Cancer-Adenocarcinoma stadium 4, “he said.
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of primary lung cancer and is the most common type of lung cancer experienced by non-smoking Asian female patients. Basically, the main risk factor for lung cancer including adenocarcinoma is smoking.
In addition, other risk factors include a family history of lung cancer, gene mutations, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and heavy metals. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and weight loss for no apparent reason.
“Handling cancer lung including adenocarcinoma depending on the stage, location of the cancer, and the overall condition of the patient. In this patient, the initial therapy is chemotherapy to prevent the spread of cancer cells while waiting for the results of the genetic analysis of lung cancer cells, where later the type of drug used will be adjusted according to the results of this examination, “explained Bambang.
Early-stage lung cancer usually does not show symptoms, while if it is symptomatic, it usually has entered an advanced stage. Early detection of lung cancer is very important, especially for those who have risk factors.
Examination is recommended from the age of 40 years. Examination with pulmonary LDCT or Low Dose CT Scan Lung cancer can detect lung cancer even at an early stage compared to X-rays of the lungs. If detected early, the success rate of therapy will certainly be higher.
Also read: The 5 Most Common and Dangerous Types of Cancer
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