By…Dr. Natchadol Kittiwararat Physician specializing in oncology, Vejthani Hospital
“Lung cancer” is one of the leading cancers that kill many Thai people. Because early lung cancer is often asymptomatic. Before having symptoms, it was found that it was a metastatic stage. can not be cured Therefore, those at risk of lung cancer Should undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (Low Dose CT Scan)
Lung cancer is caused by the cells in the lungs. have an abnormality The division is so large that it cannot be controlled. and grow and spread together to form a cancerous mass and spread to lymph nodes and other lung tissue interfere with lung function Which is primarily responsible for bringing oxygen to nourish the different parts of the body. It can also spread to other areas such as the liver, brain, bones. The severity of lung cancer depends on the type of cancer.
In general, lung cancer in its early stages often asymptomatic But as the disease progresses, symptoms may include chronic cough, coughing up blood, sputum, hoarseness, shortness of breath, chest pain, tiredness, fatigue, swollen arms, swollen face, and weight loss.
Currently, there is a lung cancer screening in patients with risk factors, such as those over 50 years of age and smoking more than 20 packs/year is 10 cigarettes = 0.5 packs/day for more than 40 consecutive years (0.5×40=20), 20 cigarettes = 1 pack/day for more than 20 consecutive years (1×20=20) or 40 cigarettes = 2 packs/day for more than 10 consecutive years (2×10=20), including those who have smoked heavily and stopped smoking. not more than 10 years
secondhand smokers Non-smokers, but those who live in environments with toxic substances such as asbestos, radon, PM2.5, cook with soot and grill often and for a long time, people with a history of chronic lung disease, emphysema. or lung disease, people with a family history of lung cancer
Low-dose CT Scan, a low-dose CT scan of the chest that produces detailed 3D images of the lung area. Even with a very low radiation dose and without injecting contrast agents, small spots or lumps in the lungs are better detected. Annual general health check-up by x-ray of the lungs. which will see abnormalities when the lump is larger than 1.5-2 cm
If a lump or spot is found in the lung, further biopsy can be performed. which if cancer is found in the early stages and early treatment can be cured But if you let the lump or point in the lungs grow cancer will spread difficult to maintain and life threatening
If living with risk factors and have abnormal symptoms should consult a doctor To determine the exact cause. In addition, regular health checks. And trying to avoid risk factors can help reduce your chances of developing lung cancer. or if detected, can be treated promptly