Lung cancer is a serious disease characterized by symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath and weight loss.
Despite its severity, lung cancer can be cured when it is identified early, and treatment, which can be done with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, can last for months or years; however, lung cancer is most commonly discovered in the advanced stage of the disease, which develops very quickly, with less chance of healing.
- Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world.
- The most common being in smokers.
- Responsible for almost 90% of cases; however.
- It may also appear in patients who are constantly exposed to cigarette smoke or chemicals considered carcinogenic.
- Arsenic.
- Carbon or lead.
Life expectancy after the discovery of lung cancer varies from 7 months to 5 years, depending on several factors, such as overall health, the type of lung cancer and the onset of treatment, even when this type of cancer is discovered in the initial stage (T1 – tumor – 3 cm in diameter), the chances of recovery are not very great , as it has a high chance of reappearing, which occurs in about half of cases.
Treatment of lung cancer will depend on the severity of the situation, and the doctor will decide to undergo surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy or a combination of the three procedures, and the addition of biological therapy.
Cancer is usually treated in reference centers such as INCA – National Cancer Institute, but in the most advanced cases of the disease, and depending on the patient’s age, the doctor may indicate only palliative care, to eliminate pain and discomfort, but without waiting to cure the disease.
See how lung cancer is treated
The average time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of this disease is approximately 2 months and 2 additional months between the onset of symptoms and the onset of cancer treatment.