2.
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in
one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the
functions of normal lung cells and do not develop into
healthy lung tissue. As they grow, the abnormal cells can
form tumors and interfere with the functioning of the lung,
which provides oxygen to the body via the blood.
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3. Surgery
•
Most stage I and stage II non-small cell lung cancers are
treated with surgery to remove the tumor. For this procedure,
a surgeon removes the lobe, or section, of the lung containing
the tumor.
•
Some surgeons use video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
(VATS). For this procedure, the surgeon makes a small
incision, or cut, in the chest and inserts a tube called a
thoracoscope. The thoracoscope has a light and a tiny camera
connected to a video monitor so that the surgeon can see
inside the chest. A lung lobe can then be removed through
the scope, without making a large incision in the chest.
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4. Chemotherapy and Radiation
•
For people with non-small cell lung tumors that can be surgically
removed, evidence suggests that chemotherapy after surgery,
known as “adjuvant chemotherapy,” may help prevent the cancer
from returning.
•
For people with stage III lung cancer that cannot be removed
surgically, doctors typically recommend chemotherapy in
combination with definitive (high-dose) radiation treatments. In
stage IV lung cancer, chemotherapy is typically the main
treatment. In stage IV patients, radiation is used only for palliation
of symptoms.
•
The chemotherapy treatment plan for lung cancer often consists
of a combination of drugs
4
5. There's no sure way to prevent lung
cancer, but you can reduce your risk if you:
Don't smoke. If you've never smoked,
don't start.. Also avoid secondhand
smoke.
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6.
Test your home for radon. Have the radon levels in
your home checked. High radon levels can be
remedied to make your home saferAvoid
carcinogens at work. Take precautions to protect
yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work.
Follow your employer's precautions. Your risk of
lung damage from workplace carcinogens increases
if you smoke.
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