Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. More than 150,000 die each year from the disease. As with any cancer diagnosis, the earlier the detection and treatment, the better the results.
Because lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, a screening study is the best way to ensure the highest possible chance for a cure. Studies have found that screening high-risk individuals for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan leads to 20 percent fewer deaths.
If you are or have been a smoker, have other risk factors, or are experiencing symptoms, ask your primary care provider if you should be screened for lung cancer. In general, those who are 55 to 79 and smoked one pack daily for 30 years should be screened. In addition, people between the ages of 50 and 79 who smoked the equivalent of one pack daily for 20 years and have one additional risk factor should be screened. These risk factors all increase the odds of developing lung cancer:
- Radon or asbestos exposure
- A history of cancer or a strong family history of lung cancer
- Significant secondhand smoke exposure
- Exposure to diesel fumes
- Having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis
Symptoms
It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any of the following lung cancer symptoms. Some of these can be caused by other ailments or health issues. So, a comprehensive check-up with a specialist can put you on the right path.
- Persistent cough
- Sudden or ongoing chest, back or shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing when you’re sitting or lying down
- Coughing up blood
- Exhaustion even though you get enough sleep
- Weight loss and a lack of appetite
Diagnostic tools include low-dose CT scanning, which administers up to 80 percent less radiation than conventional CT scans and provides more accurate assessments of nodule size and growth. Some practices offer a leading-edge bronchoscopy tool to provide precise access to lesions deep in the lungs and areas of the chest that are beyond the reach of conventional bronchoscopy for diagnosis and staging.
Treatment
A pulmonary nodule is a growth or “spot” in the lung. Often, these nodules cause no symptoms and can go undetected. The majority of nodules are found through testing performed for other reasons, such as X-rays or CT scans for pneumonia or abdominal pain.
While most pulmonary nodules are benign and come from scar tissue or an old infection, some are early signs of lung cancer and require prompt evaluation.
Treatment plans for pulmonary nodules commonly include “watchful waiting” with periodic appointments to check for changes in shape or size. Patients may also need a biopsy or surgery to determine if the nodule is cancerous.
A multidisciplinary approach is often the recommended treatment method. This means that providers of different specialties work together on your care. A lung cancer team can include pulmonologists who care for diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including emphysema, COPD and lung cancer, and thoracic surgeons who operate on organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs and esophagus. It can also include radiation and medical oncologists who provide treatment services.
This approach offers several benefits for patients. By working together, a multi-specialty team can offer the most innovative tools and techniques to provide comprehensive lung care. Integrating these services, along with oncology, streamlines care and provides a better experience for patients. If all services are available in one location, it can make care more coordinated and convenient—and therefore less time-consuming and stressful—for patients.
Prevention
Like any cancer, early detection and early treatment offer the best chance for a cure. However, the best plan of action is prevention. There are things you can do to keep your lungs healthy, like never using tobacco or nicotine products, avoiding second-hand smoke, and avoiding carcinogens. If you use tobacco or nicotine products like e-cigarettes, quitting can reduce your risk. To learn more about free resources and support for quitting, visit UPMCPinnacle.com/TobaccoCessation.
Healthy eating and exercise are also important for prevention. Both have been shown to reduce risk for many kinds of cancer and other illnesses, as well as improve your mental health and energy. If you don’t exercise regularly, start now. Begin slowly and try to exercise most days of the week. In addition, choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
Troy Moritz, DO, FACOS, is the director of thoracic surgery, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
For more information, visit www.UPMCPinnacle.com/Lung.
