‘Lung cancer treatments’

How to Remove Pleural Tumors

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

How to Remove Pleural Tumors

Overall, pleural tumors can not be removed surgically. It must treat the original cancer (primary). Depending on the type of primary cancer, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be appropriate.

Therapeutic thoracentesis may be performed if fluid accumulation is large and causing pressure, shortness of breath or other breathing problems (such as low oxygen levels). Removing the fluid may allow the lung to expand more and can ease breathing difficulties.

To prevent fluid from building up again, sometimes medication will be placed in the thoracic space through a tube or a surgeon can insert a scope through a small incision in the chest wall to remove fluid (thoracoscopy). Then a drug is sprayed or powder on the surface to prevent lung cancer cells produce more fluid in the future.

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Common Treatments of Lung Cancer

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

In most cases, metastatic cancer to the lung is a sign that the cancer has spread into the bloodstream. Usually cancer will be present even in places not seen by CT scans. In these circumstances, removing the visible tumors by surgery usually is not much, so usually opt for chemotherapy.

Common Treatments of Lung Cancer

Sometimes when the primary tumor has been removed and the cancer has spread to only limited areas of the lung, lung tumors can be removed with surgery. However, the primary tumor should be curable lung tumors must be completely removed and the patient should be strong enough to undergo surgery and recovery.

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Diagnosis and Treatments of Lung Cancer

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Diagnosis and Treatments of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer diagnosis is made by radiological examinations: X-ray Computed Tomography and especially (or CAT scanner) Chest, and confirmed with a biopsy.

Only 15 to 20% of lung cancers are detected in its early stages because the symptoms are delayed. In many cases the diagnosis is usually incidental, that is, by medical evidence that you had another purpose. When diagnosed with lung cancer, additional tests are performed to evaluate different tumor stage (if the initial or advanced) as well as lung capacity and general condition.

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Side Effects of Radiotherapy

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Side Effects of Radiotherapy

Unfortunately, radiation therapy also produces side effects, although usually limited to the area where applicable. The appearance and intensity of these side effects depends on the technique used, the total radiation dose administered, the volume of the irradiated area and susceptibility and associated diseases of each patient.

Side effects of radiation are the result of an acute inflammatory process and / or chronic localized to the skin and organs exposed to radiation. One can distinguish between general side effects of radiotherapy treatment and specific treatment of lung cancer:

- General effects:
The most important overall effect is tiredness or fatigue. Often during radiotherapy the patient is more tired than usual. Usually the result of the combined effects of treatment itself, other associated treatments and commuting to the hospital. The fatigue is temporary and disappears some time after completion of radiotherapy.

Although in most cases you can maintain normal activity levels, rest after the daily session of radiotherapy and no intense efforts or activities which may increase tiredness.

- Specific effects of the treatment area:
* Skin reactions (radiodermatitis): The radiation causes skin irritation only in the treatment area. The skin of the treated area can be altered very similar to a sunburn, although it is a rare effect with current techniques. At two or three weeks after starting therapy may appreciate the same redness (erythema). As treatment progresses, the skin area is becoming more pigmented and dark coloration, which disappears in one or two months after completion of radiotherapy.

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What Is Radiotherapy?

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

What Is Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is the use of high energy ionizing radiation in order to stop the growth and division of cancer cells in the area where they are used. It is used as local therapy (in the area where the tumor) or locoregional therapy (when including also the nodes near the tumor).

In the case of lung cancer, external radiation is applied, ie, radiation is administered from the outside by a radiation-generating equipment (linear accelerator). The advantage of external beam radiation is not require admission to hospital or is painful for the patient, and is managed by specialists in radiation oncology.

Social relations, labor and patient’s family need not be affected by the fact be receiving this therapy. With external beam therapy radiation is not apparent at any time during or after treatment. Thus, once the daily treatment, the patient may be in contact with others, does not emit any radioactivity.

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Chemotherapy Side Effects

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Chemotherapy Side Effects

What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects of chemotherapy include:
* Nausea and vomiting.
* Hair loss.
* Fatigue and malaise.
* Increased likelihood of bruising and bleeding.
* Anemia.
* Infections.

Other problems or symptoms that may occur chemotherapy are:
* Intestinal problems.
* Changes in appetite and weight.
* Sores in the mouth, gums and / or throat.
* Problems with the nerves and muscles.
* Dry skin.
* Irritation of the kidneys and bladder.
* Problems related to sexuality and fertility of reproductive organs.

Chemotherapy Does it hurt?
Many drugs used in chemotherapy to be administered directly into the blood, the vein or injection into muscle, causing a little discomfort.

Moreover, if the drug causes pain, burning, cold or other odd sensation, contact your doctor or nurse immediately, as there may be a small problem of administration.

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Treatment For Every Stage Of Lung Cancer (II)

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Treatment For Every Stage Of Lung Cancer

Limited Stage
In general, chemotherapy is used as primary treatment, with the use of several drugs in combination.

With chemotherapy is used radiotherapy to the chest. Patients who respond well to initial treatment is administered, so preventive radiation to the head. This is because the brain is one of the sites where metastases frequently occur.

In most patients, these tumors resolve with treatment, but soon reappear becoming resistant to treatment. The survival rate of two years in the limited stage, is 40% to 50% but is reduced by 10% to 20% for five years.

Many studies are underway to test the effectiveness of other treatments such as immunotherapy or gene therapy.

Extensive stage
The prognosis at this stage is very bad if left untreated cancer. Chemotherapy may be used to treat symptoms and flatter short-term survival.

Treatment with two or more drugs can shrink tumors in about 70% to 80% of these patients. Radiation therapy is also used to control symptoms and prevent the occurrence of brain metastases.

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