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Diagnosing NSCLC

January 20, 2018

Diagnosing NSCLC: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Diagnosing NSCLC

Diagnosing NSCLC is very essential for proper and lasting treatment solution

Most lung cancer patients are struggling with NSCLC. Although it’s serious problem the world over, treatment can reduce its effects from worsening. There are several things patients can do to feel more comfortable. People who smoke or who breathe a lot of smoke are most likely to get NSCLC. And to diagnose this, the doctor will ask the patient questions like:

  • When did you first notice problems?
  • How have you been feeling?
  • Has anyone in your family had lung cancer before?
  • Does anything make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Are you smoking or you were but quitted?
  • Are you coughing or wheezing?

Besides the questioning, the doctor may want to run some tests and a physical exam. Such tests may include:

Diagnosing NSCLC

: Imaging tests

Imaging tests is essential in finding the tumors inside lungs. They can also show whether the cancer has spread.

  • X-rays use low doses of radiation to make images of structures inside your body.
  • MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, shows blood flow, organs, and structures.
  • Ultrasound creates a picture by bouncing sound waves off tissues inside you.
  • PET scans use a radioactive compound or tracer that collects where your cells are very active.
  • CT scans are powerful X-rays that make detailed pictures of the tissue and the blood vessels in the lung.

Sputum cytology is a lab test that checks the mucus you cough up for cancer cells.

Diagnosing NSCLC: Fine-needle aspiration

A fine needle aspiration biopsy takes cells from an abnormal growth or the fluid in your lungs. Where the doctor wants to examine inside your lungs and chest this is helpful using a thin, flexible tube with a light and tiny camera. He may also take samples of tissue, including from nearby lymph nodes, to check for cancer cells. This can be done in different ways like:

  • Bronchoscopy goes through your nose or mouth and into your lungs.
  • Endobronchial ultrasound uses bronchoscopy with an ultrasound placed at the tip of the tube to look at lymph nodes and other structures.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound is like the endobronchial ultrasound, but your doctor puts the endoscope down your throat into the esophagus.
  • Thoracoscopy uses a few small cuts along your side to look at the outside of your lung and the tissue around it.
  • Mediastinoscopy makes a small cut just above your breastbone, in the space between your lungs.

Based on what your doctor finds, he’ll assign a stage, describing where the cancer is. That will help your medical team figure out the best treatment for you. You’ll want to know what each stage means:

  • Occult stage: “Occult” means “hidden.” Cancer cells are in lung fluid or sputum, but the doctor can’t find where the cancer is in your lungs.
  • Stage 0: Cancer cells are in the lining of your airways.
  • Stage I: A small tumor is in only one lung. The cancer hasn’t spread to lymph nodes.
  • Stage II: A larger tumor is in one lung, or the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage III: Cancer in one lung has spread to farther lymph nodes or into nearby structures.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to both lungs, to fluid around the lungs, or to other parts of the body, such as the brain and liver.

Diagnosing NSCLC: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

 

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Lung cancer types

January 20, 2018

Lung cancer types: Bronchogenic carcinomas

Lung cancer types

Lung cancer types are many and does not discriminate on gender

Lung cancers, are also referred to as bronchogenic carcinomas. Take note that carcinoma is another term for cancer. Lung cancer are broadly classified into two types as we had mention in our introduction blog. The classification include small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). This classification is based upon the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells. These two kinds of lung cancer types can grow, spread, and are treated in different ways, so a distinction between these two types is important.

Lung cancer types: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

SCLC contains about 10%-15% of lung cancers. It is the most aggressive and rapidly growing of all types of cancers. It’s majorly caused by cigarette smoking. SCLCs metastasize rapidly to other parts of the body. And since symptoms doesn’t show early, by the time it’s discovered the cancer has spread extensively.

Lung cancer types: Non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

This is very common, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It has three main types designated by the type of cells found in the tumor.

  • Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of NSCLC globally. Even though adenocarcinomas are associated with smoking like other lung cancers, this type is also seen in non-smokers especially women. Most adenocarcinomas arise in the outer, or peripheral, areas of the lungs. They also have a tendency to spread to the lymph nodes and beyond. People with this type of lung cancer tend to have a better prognosis than those with other types of lung cancer.
  • Squamous cell carcinomas were formerly more common than adenocarcinomas; today, they account for about 25% to 30% of all lung cancer cases. Also known as epidermoid carcinomas, squamous cell cancers arise most frequently in the central chest area in the bronchi. This type of lung cancer most often stays within the lung, spreads to lymph nodes, and grows quite large, forming a cavity.
  • Large cell carcinomas, sometimes referred to as undifferentiated carcinomas, are the least common type of NSCLC. This type of cancer has a high tendency to spread to the lymph nodes and distant sites.

Lung cancer types: Other types of cancers

These types are much less common than NSCLC and SCLC and together comprise only 5%-10% of lung cancers:

  • Bronchial carcinoids tumors are generally small (3-4 cm or less) when diagnosed and occur most commonly in persons under age 40. Unrelated to cigarette smoking, carcinoid tumors can metastasize, and a small proportion of these tumors secrete hormone-like substances. Carcinoids generally grow and spread more slowly than bronchogenic cancers, and many are detected early enough to be surgically removed.
  • Cancers of supporting lung tissue such as smooth muscle, blood vessels, or cells involved in the immune response are rare in the lung.

As discussed previously, metastatic cancers from other primary tumors in the body are often found in the lung. Tumors from anywhere in the body may spread to the lungs either through the bloodstream, through the lymphatic system, or directly from nearby organs. Metastatic tumors are most often multiple, scattered throughout the lung and concentrated in the outer areas rather than central areas of the organ.

Lung cancer types: Bronchogenic carcinomas

 

 

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Lung cancer formation

January 20, 2018

Lung cancer formation: Types of lung cancer

Lung cancer formation

Lung cancer formation. When a member of the family is affected, the whole family is too and a collective support is necessary

It is believed that lung cancer formation starts right in the lungs and then spreads to other parts of the body. This disease starts in the walls of the lungs airways scientifically known as bronchi or bronchioles or in the air sacs known as alveoli. Once present, the lung cancer stages advances to other body parts. A patient can identify lung cancer from certain symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, bloody mucus and wheezing. This disease can be treated using surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. With the help of experts from AWAREmed health and wellness resource center, we will be discussing these progressively. In the meantime, we have over 20 types of lung cancers with the two major ones being non-small cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer formation: Non-small cell lung cancer

Adenocarcinoma is the most common kind of non-small cell lung cancer with up to 40% cases. It affects mostly smokers or those who had quitted smoking. It also top the list of among non-smokers. Women are more vulnerable to this cancer than men. It can spread rapidly to the lymph nodes, bones, or other organs like the liver.

Squamous cell carcinoma. This often starts in the lung’s largest branches, also known as central bronchi. It accounts for about 30% of all lung cancer cases with men being more vulnerable besides smokers. It may form a cavity within the tumor and can cause the patient to cough up some blood. Squamous cell carcinoma can also spread to the lymph nodes, bones, and other organs such as the liver.

Large-cell carcinomas are a group of cancers with large cells that tend to start along the lungs’ outer edges. They’re fewer than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, making up 10%-15% of lung cancers. This type of tumor can grow faster and often spreads to nearby lymph nodes and distant parts of the body.

Lung cancer formation: Small cell lung cancer

This is the most destructive form of lung cancer. It begins from the lungs’ large, central bronchi. It affects mostly the smokers and spreads rapidly to other parts of the body like the liver, brain and bones even before showing symptoms. Secondhand tobacco smoke is also a cause. People who live with someone who smokes are 20% to 30% more likely to get lung cancer than those who live in a smoke-free home.

Finally, some other chemicals are risky too. Like for instance, people who work with asbestos or are exposed to uranium dust or the radioactive gas radon are more likely to get lung cancer, especially if they are smoking cigarette. Lung tissue that was scarred by a disease or infection like tuberculosis or scleroderma, becomes at risk for tumors in that tissue. Hypothetically, some researchers think that diet may also influence your risk. But that’s not clear yet.

Lung cancer formation: Types of lung cancer

 

 

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Breast cancer coping plans

January 20, 2018

Breast cancer coping plans: Regional recurrence and metastatic cancer

Breast cancer coping plans

Breast cancer coping plans that are essential for a more comfortable feeling

Finding out that you have breast cancer can be very frustrating. But after enduring all the treatment process, it can be upsetting to be told that the cancer has resurfaced. We appreciate that dealing with the initial diagnosis wasn’t easy. It was traumatizing and agonizing.  That is why as experts from AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, we are concerned and want to be the shoulder you can lean on. Therefore, we want to make suggestions to you to follow and if you have any further concern, you can always call us to have a one on one with you. In the meantime, you can consider the following:

  • Information is power, seek to know more about recurrent breast cancer before making a decisions about your care. Your doctor will be very helpful. Ask about your treatment options and prognosis. Good knowledge will help you be more confident in making treatment decisions.
  • Be close to friends and family. This is the time you need a lot of love around you. Friends and family will provide the practical support you’ll need, such as helping take care of your house if you’re in the hospital. And they can serve as emotional support when you feel overwhelmed by cancer.
  • Identify a connection to a motivating spirit beyond yourself. Having a strong faith or a sense of something greater than yourself is essential and will helps you be more hopeful with cancer treatment you take.

Breast cancer coping plans: Getting ready for your appointment

With cancer, any signs or symptoms should sound a warning. Take timely action by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor or family doctor for professional advice. In readiness for the appointment, you can share with your doctor about new symptoms, any other health problems from your first diagnosis and if you’re seeing a new doctor, carry all your medical records with you to the new doctor. You may also request a family member to accompany you to the doctor’s office to help you remember all you need to know. The following are some of the questions you may ask:

  • What’s my prognosis?
  • What treatments are available to me at this stage, and which do you recommend?
  • What kinds of tests do I need and how should I prepare for it?
  • What is the hormone receptor status of the cancer recurrence?
  • Is there any side effects can I expect from treatment?
  • Is my cancer recurring?
  • Do I have any alternatives to the approach that you’re suggesting?
  • Are there any clinical trials open to me?
  • Are some other possible causes for my symptoms?

Finally, with all these, your doctor is also likely to ask you a number of questions. Such questions are helpful in giving his/her professional view about your condition. The doctor’s questions may include:

  • How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
  • Has there been a change in the symptoms over time?
  • Do these symptoms feel different from when you were first diagnosed with cancer?
  • How do you feel overall?
  • Have you had any unexpected weight loss? Have you lost your appetite?
  • Are you experiencing any pain?

Breast cancer coping plans: Regional recurrence and metastatic cancer

 

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Recurrent breast tumor

January 20, 2018

Recurrent breast tumor diagnosis: The remnants of cancer cells

Recurrent breast tumor

Recurrent breast tumor. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor which is a collection of cancer cells arising from the cells of the breast.

Recurrent breast tumor diagnosis is essential in addressing the underlying problem. Therefore from the mammogram, physical exam or just by way of signs and symptoms and investigations findings, if the doctor suspects that you may having some traces of recurrent breast he or she may recommend further additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the tests and procedures may include:

Imaging tests. The kind of imaging test the patient will undergo will depend on the individual situation. Nonetheless, the Imaging tests may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, X-ray, bone scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. It must however be noted that not every patient needs every test. The doctor will determine which tests are most helpful in your particular situation.

Removing a sample of tissue for lab testing (biopsy). The doctor may recommend a biopsy procedure to collect suspicious cells for testing. Working in a laboratory, a pathologist examines the cells and determines the types of cells involved. A pathologist will then determine if the cancer is a recurrence of cancer or a new type of cancer. Tests also show whether the cancer is sensitive to hormone treatment or targeted therapy.

Recurrent breast tumor diagnosis: Treatment

Every patient has their unique treatment plan and this will depend on a number of factors. Like for instance, the extent of the disease, its hormone receptor status, the type of treatment you received for your first breast cancer and your overall health. Besides these, the doctor will also considers the patients goals and preferences for treatment.

Recurrent breast tumor diagnosis: Treating a local recurrence

Treatment for a local recurrence typically starts with an operation and may include radiation if the patient haven’t had it before. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy may also be recommended as well.

Surgery. When the recurrent breast cancer is confined to the breast, treatment will involves removing any remaining breast tissue. However, if the first cancer was treated with lumpectomy, the doctor may recommend a mastectomy to remove the remaining breast tissue like lobules, ducts, fatty tissue, skin and nipple.

If your first breast cancer was treated with mastectomy and the cancer comes back in the chest wall, you may have surgery to remove the new cancer along with a margin of normal tissue. A local recurrence may be accompanied by hidden cancer in nearby lymph nodes. Therefore, the surgeon may remove some or all of the nearby lymph nodes if they weren’t removed during your initial treatment.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. If you didn’t have radiation therapy for your first breast cancer, your doctor may recommend it now. But if you had radiation after a lumpectomy, radiation to treat the recurrence isn’t usually recommended because of the risk of side effects.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy after surgery to reduce your risk of another cancer recurrence.

Hormone therapy. Medications that block the growth-promoting effects of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may be recommended if your cancer is hormone receptor positive.

Recurrent breast tumor diagnosis: The remnants of cancer cells

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