Lung Cancer

Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Here’s an overview of common cancers, their symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures:

Common Cancers

1. Breast Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts, most commonly in the ducts or lobules.
  • Symptoms: Lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, pain.
  • Treatment: Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

2. Lung Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that begins in the lungs, often due to smoking, but also caused by radon, asbestos, and other factors.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Types: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
  • Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

3. Prostate Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that occurs in the prostate gland in men.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain (advanced cases).
  • Treatment: Surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

4. Colorectal Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps.
  • Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Treatment: Surgery (colectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

5. Skin Cancer

  • Types: Melanoma (serious form), basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Symptoms: New or changing moles, lesions that do not heal, changes in skin appearance.
  • Treatment: Surgery (excision, Mohs surgery), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

6. Lymphoma

  • Description: Cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
  • Types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant.

7. Leukemia

  • Description: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
  • Types: Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
  • Symptoms: Fever, frequent infections, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain.
  • Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant.

8. Pancreatic Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas.
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, weight loss, abdominal pain, back pain, loss of appetite, blood clots.
  • Treatment: Surgery (Whipple procedure), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

9. Ovarian Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that begins in the ovaries.
  • Symptoms: Abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, loss of appetite, weight loss.
  • Treatment: Surgery (oophorectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

10. Bladder Cancer

  • Description: Cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder.
  • Symptoms: Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, back pain.
  • Treatment: Surgery (cystectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

Diagnostic Tools

  • Biopsy: Sampling tissue for analysis.
  • Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET scans, ultrasounds.
  • Blood Tests: Tumor markers, complete blood count (CBC).
  • Endoscopy: Visual examination using a scope (e.g., colonoscopy, bronchoscopy).
  • Molecular and Genetic Testing: Identifying specific mutations and genetic changes in cancer cells.

Treatment Approaches

Surgery

  • Curative Surgery: Aims to remove the entire tumor.
  • Debulking Surgery: Removes part of a tumor when complete removal is not possible.
  • Palliative Surgery: Relieves symptoms caused by cancer.

Radiation Therapy

  • External Beam Radiation: Uses external machines to deliver radiation.
  • Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Places radioactive material inside the body.

Chemotherapy

  • Description: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
  • Types: Systemic chemotherapy (throughout the body) and regional chemotherapy (specific area).

Targeted Therapy

  • Description: Uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.

Immunotherapy

  • Description: Boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Hormone Therapy

  • Description: Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancer).

Stem Cell Transplant

  • Description: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Preventive Measures

  • Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Avoiding Risk Factors: No smoking, limited alcohol consumption, avoiding exposure to carcinogens.
  • Vaccinations: HPV vaccine (to prevent cervical and other cancers), Hepatitis B vaccine (to prevent liver cancer).
  • Regular Screenings: Mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, skin checks, PSA tests (for prostate cancer).
  • Genetic Testing and Counseling: For individuals with a family history of certain cancers.

Choosing an Oncology Specialist

When selecting an oncologist or cancer treatment center, consider the following:

  • Board Certification: Ensure the oncologist is board-certified in oncology.
  • Experience: Look for specialists with extensive experience in treating specific types of cancer.
  • Hospital Affiliations: Choose hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
  • Patient Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from other patients.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Opt for specialists and facilities that offer a team approach, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals