Lung cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the lungs become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor.
It may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages.
Some people with lung cancer experience chest pain, frequent coughing, blood in the mucus, breathing problems, trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of appetite and weight loss, fatigue, or swelling in the face or neck.
Previous research has shown that early detection of lung cancer can save lives.
Lonny Yarmus, D.O., a Johns Hopkins pulmonologist, provides information about lung cancer screening that everyone should know.
More people die of lung cancer than any other cancer every year.
Lung cancer screening is important because early screening has helped reduce the death rate of lung cancer.
Early diagnosis means doctors can more effectively treat patients and increases their chance of survival.
The researcher suggests anyone age 55 and older who currently is or has been a smoker for over 30 “pack years” should do lung cancer screening.
When done annually, any abnormalities can be detected and investigated.
A low-dose CT scan is the safest and most effective test for lung cancer screening.
It takes about five minutes and can detect signs of the early stages of lung cancer that an X-ray often misses.
If an abnormality is detected, there are minimally invasive procedures available that allow doctors to determine if the nodule is cancer.
A group of lung cancer specialists will review each case and works with each individual patient to determine the best course of care.
If you’re at risk, you should talk to your doctor or a lung specialist about lung cancer screening. They will discuss your risk factors and answer any questions or concerns.
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