When these symptoms appear in your body, it may be lung cancer "warning" you, so don't ignore it!

November of each year is "Global Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and November 17 is "International Lung Cancer Day", which aims to call on countries around the world to pay attention to the prevention of lung cancer, raise people's awareness of cancer prevention and anti-cancer, and popularize standardized diagnosis and treatment knowledge of lung cancer, so as to effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of lung cancer.

Recently, Aunt Qin, who was doing housework at home, suddenly developed symptoms of irritating dry cough, accompanied by pain in the hand joints and clubbing at the ends of the fingers. At the suggestion of her family, the patient went to the outpatient clinic of the Radiotherapy Department of Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) to see Associate Chief Physician Liu Wei . After careful examination by Associate Chief Physician Liu Wei and combined with the final puncture results, the patient was diagnosed with lung cancer.

It was learned that the patient's family had a long-term smoking habit, and the daily smoking volume could reach more than one pack, which has lasted for more than 20 years.

At the same time, the patient's kitchen has poor ventilation conditions and is exposed to indoor pollution caused by fuel combustion and cooking for a long time. During daily housework activities such as cleaning, he is often exposed to chemical odors emitted by various cleaning products. These factors are likely the cause of his lung cancer.

So what is the true face of lung cancer, and how can it be prevented and treated in daily life? Liu Wei, deputy chief physician of the Radiotherapy Department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine), reveals the secrets.

1. What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, originating from the trachea, bronchial mucosa or glands. In recent years, the incidence of lung cancer has increased significantly. In men, lung cancer has become the most common malignant tumor, and the incidence in women has also increased rapidly, usually ranking second among common malignant tumors in women, second only to breast cancer.

2. What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

1. Smoking

Long-term heavy smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. 85% of lung cancer patients have a history of smoking, including smokers and ex-smokers. Compared with never smokers, smokers have a 10-25 times higher risk of lung cancer. This includes passive smoking.

2. Air pollution

Indoor pollution from fuel combustion and cooking, as well as pollution from industrial waste and automobile exhaust.

3. Family genetic defects

Lung cancer may be related to genetic factors. Family members with lung cancer-related diseases should undergo regular physical examinations to rule out high-risk factors.

4. High-risk occupational factors

Such as underground mining operations, radioactive work positions, painters, etc.

5. Related lung diseases

Diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, and chronic lung diseases increase the risk of lung cancer.

3. What are the clinical manifestations of lung cancer?

Lung cancer may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

1. Cough symptoms

Mainly irritating dry cough.

2. Symptoms of hemoptysis

Symptoms include blood in sputum or coughing up a small amount of fresh blood.

3. Chest pain symptoms

About a quarter of patients experience chest pain as the first symptom, which may be accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath.

4. Compression symptoms

Tumor compression of the superior vena cava can cause facial edema and neck edema; compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause hoarseness.

5. Other symptoms

Tumor metastasis to bones can cause bone pain; metastasis to the liver or abdominal cavity can cause abdominal distension; metastasis to the brain can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and nausea.

4. How is lung cancer diagnosed and treated?

The diagnosis of lung cancer mainly relies on imaging examination, endoscopy and pathological examination. Chest CT examination can preliminarily diagnose the location and size of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy is the most commonly used method for diagnosing lung cancer. Bronchoscopy can be used to observe the pathological conditions of the bronchial lining and lumen. Pathological examination can be obtained through bronchoscopic biopsy, lung tumor puncture biopsy, sputum cytology examination, etc.

Treatments for lung cancer include: drug therapy, surgical therapy, radiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine. Early and middle stage lung cancer is mainly treated with surgery, which can be supplemented with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc. after surgery. A comprehensive treatment with radiotherapy as the main treatment can also be used.

For advanced lung cancer, systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the main treatments. When necessary, local treatments such as radiotherapy are used to improve local symptoms such as pain, which can improve the patient's quality of life and prolong survival.

5. How to protect and nourish the lungs scientifically?

Clear the airways to cleanse the lungs: avoid inhaling harmful substances.

Laugh often to clear the lungs: Maintaining a good attitude is conducive to the health of the respiratory system.

Drink water frequently to benefit the lungs: In autumn and winter, you should drink at least 500 ml more water every day than in other seasons to maintain normal moisture in the lungs and respiratory tract.

Do more exercise to strengthen your lungs: Appropriate exercise such as slow walking, Tai Chi, breathing exercises, etc. can enhance lung function.

Liu Wei, deputy chief physician of the Radiotherapy Department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (affiliated hospital of Hunan Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) , reminded that lung cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens human health, and its prevention and treatment are of vital importance. In daily life, everyone must be highly vigilant about the risk factors that may induce lung cancer.

At the same time, learn more about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Once you have symptoms similar to lung cancer, such as irritating dry cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, etc., don't be lucky. Go to a regular hospital for a detailed examination as soon as possible to achieve early diagnosis and early treatment. Let's work together to stay away from the threat of lung cancer and enjoy a healthy and beautiful life.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tang Siqin and Wu Qinjing, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by ZS)