Watch out for these 9 symptoms of lung cancer! Early diagnosis saves lives!
High fever, fatigue, sudden weight loss... Experts, noting that the stealthy symptoms of lung cancer are often ignored, emphasize that early diagnosis saves lives.
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Lung cancer, which emerges with uncontrolled cell proliferation in lung tissues, often progresses without showing symptoms. As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, this disease poses a serious risk for both men and women.
Experts warn that individuals who smoke, in particular, should have the disease detected at an early stage through regular screenings.
Prof. Dr. Çağatay Saim Tezel from the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Şişli Hospital shared important information regarding lung cancer.
PROGRESSES WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
Lung cancer can remain silent for a long time. However, some early signs can provide clues about the disease. According to Prof. Dr. Tezel, one should pay attention to the following 9 symptoms:
-Swelling in the face
-Hoarseness
-Swelling in lymph nodes
-Fatigue and weakness
-Unexplained high fever
-Sudden weight loss
-Deformity in fingers
-Dizziness
-Difficulty swallowing
SCREENING IS THE KEY TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Although routine lung cancer screenings are not widespread globally, research shows that screenings performed with low-dose computed tomography significantly increase survival rates.
A comprehensive study conducted in the US in 2011 found that screenings performed with this method reduced deaths by 20% compared to chest X-rays. Similarly, a 2020 study in Belgium and the Netherlands showed a 24% reduction in the mortality rate among high-risk men.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF THE DISEASE ARE PLANNED PERSONALLY
The diagnostic process is finalized with physical examination, imaging (CT, X-ray), and biopsy. The pathological findings obtained provide information about the type and stage of the cancer, allowing for the most appropriate treatment plan to be made.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. These methods can be applied alone or in combination depending on the patient's condition.
TREATMENT IS POSSIBLE WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY
In lung cancer diagnosed at an early stage, the most effective method is surgical intervention. Thanks to developing technology, these surgeries can now be performed with robotic surgery using minimally invasive (rapid recovery is achieved by making small incisions) methods.
This offers patients less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.
WHO IS AT RISK?
-Individuals over 40 years old
-Those who use cigarettes and tobacco products
-Those with a family history of lung cancer
-Those exposed to long-term air pollution or asbestos
Experts recommend that people in this group have a lung screening at least once a year.