Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Each year, more than 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed within the United States, many of which end up being terminal.
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for mesothelioma, researchers and doctors have been working on different treatments to help make this rare form of cancer more manageable. Currently, treatment for mesothelioma generally depends on the location, stage, general health and age of the mesothelioma patient. From that point, patients may receive one or more of a combination of treatments that involve surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Does Chemotherapy Treatment Work?
Chemotherapy is considered a palliative treatment modality which means that it can help reduce the symptoms of mesothelioma and perhaps the size of the tumors, but it is not curative. Within the last decade, chemotherapy containing cisplatin-antifolate combinations has been shown to improve responses and prolong survival in mesothelioma patients. Based on the successes shown in clinical trials, a trio of research scientists in The Netherlands launched their own population-based study to "assess the impact of this development on clinical practice and survival at a population-based level."
The study focused on 4,731 Dutch patients diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1995 and 2006. For the periods 1995-1998 and 2005-2006, the use of chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma jumped from 8% to 36%. At the same time, median survival for chemotherapy-treated patients increased from 10.1 months in earlier years to 13.1 months in more recent years. The researchers summarized their findings by stating that increased chemotherapy use at the national level did improve survival rates of mesothelioma patients, but they also cautioned that there may still be alternative explanations as to why this is the case.
Alimta and Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug marketed as Platinol and used to treat a number of different cancers, including mesothelioma, some carcinomas such as small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer, lymphomas and germ cell tumors. Inside cancer cells, cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs trigger cell death, killing the cancerous cells. In the United States, the platinum-based drug, cisplatin, is usually combined with another drug, Alimta, for treating mesothelioma. Alimta is an antifolate drug, which works by blocking the activity of folic acid inside cells interfering with cellular metabolism.
The FDA approved the Alimta plus cisplatin combination after a clinical trial demonstrated that the two drugs were more effective than one drug. In the July 2003 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology the published results reported a median survival time of 12.1 months for mesothelioma patients who received Alimta and cisplatin versus 9.3 months for the mesothelioma patients who just received cisplatin. The researchers also found that the addition of folic acid and vitamin B12 helped to reduce the toxicity of the drugs without adversely affecting survival time.
It is the hope that as research continues there will also continue to be better alternatives (and hopefully a cure) for those who suffer from mesothelioma.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
If lung cancer is suspected in a patient, a series of different tests will be carried out to confirm the diseases presence (diagnosis), and to determine how widespread the disease has become (staging).
What are X-rays, CT Scans, and MRI Scans?
Usually patients are diagnosed with lung cancer when a doctor orders a chest X-ray which is associated with another illness. If lung cancer is detected by the chest X-ray, a CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may also be ordered to further confirm both the diseases diagnosis and staging.
CT scans and MRI scans are tests that use computerized imaging to show in greater detail the size, shape, and exact location of a suspected tumour. At the same time the images will show whether the cancer has spread to another part of the body. If the cancer has spread to other organs within the body, further tests will be ordered by the doctor.
What is a Lung Biopsy?
A lung biopsy is where tissue is removed from the tumour and inspected under a microscope to confirm whether cancerous cells are present or not. This may be done via a needle being inserted through the wall of the chest to take a sample from the tumour, or via surgery where the wall of the chest is opened and either part or all the tumour is removed.
Lung biopsies are necessary to determine an accurate diagnosis, and also to identify the specific type of lung cancer present in a patient.
What is a Sputum Cytology?
A sputum cytology is a test used on cells that are coughed up from either the patient's lungs or breathing tubes, and are examined under a microscope to see whether they are cancerous or not. The test may also determine the specific type of cancer a patient has, although it will not show the precise location of the tumour. If the sputum cytology test is found to be positive, further tests will need to be carried out.
What is Staging?
Staging is a scale used by doctors to show how advanced (widespread) the lung cancer is within a patient. Staging also assists doctors to determine an accurate prognosis (a prediction of the likely future outcome of the disease). Once the prognosis has been evaluated by a doctor, an appropriate treatment plan can begin for the patient.
Each different stage of lung cancer is treated differently, and depending on the condition of a patient.
What are X-rays, CT Scans, and MRI Scans?
Usually patients are diagnosed with lung cancer when a doctor orders a chest X-ray which is associated with another illness. If lung cancer is detected by the chest X-ray, a CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may also be ordered to further confirm both the diseases diagnosis and staging.
CT scans and MRI scans are tests that use computerized imaging to show in greater detail the size, shape, and exact location of a suspected tumour. At the same time the images will show whether the cancer has spread to another part of the body. If the cancer has spread to other organs within the body, further tests will be ordered by the doctor.
What is a Lung Biopsy?
A lung biopsy is where tissue is removed from the tumour and inspected under a microscope to confirm whether cancerous cells are present or not. This may be done via a needle being inserted through the wall of the chest to take a sample from the tumour, or via surgery where the wall of the chest is opened and either part or all the tumour is removed.
Lung biopsies are necessary to determine an accurate diagnosis, and also to identify the specific type of lung cancer present in a patient.
What is a Sputum Cytology?
A sputum cytology is a test used on cells that are coughed up from either the patient's lungs or breathing tubes, and are examined under a microscope to see whether they are cancerous or not. The test may also determine the specific type of cancer a patient has, although it will not show the precise location of the tumour. If the sputum cytology test is found to be positive, further tests will need to be carried out.
What is Staging?
Staging is a scale used by doctors to show how advanced (widespread) the lung cancer is within a patient. Staging also assists doctors to determine an accurate prognosis (a prediction of the likely future outcome of the disease). Once the prognosis has been evaluated by a doctor, an appropriate treatment plan can begin for the patient.
Each different stage of lung cancer is treated differently, and depending on the condition of a patient.
Besides the Lungs, Other Organs Affected by Lung Cancer
Unfortunately for many sufferers, lung cancer is seldom diagnosed when it is in its early stages, and is usually only discovered by accident when either a routine chest X-ray, or a CT (computer tomography) scan is ordered by a doctor for another health issue. Some 25% of all lung cancer sufferers tend to show no signs of having lung cancer present, meaning that when the disease is eventually diagnosed, it is usually in its late and final stages. Other organs in the body at this stage have also usually been caused some degree of damage. This damage is usually permanent.
As the disease develops within the lung, the outer tissues of the lung are invaded by cancerous cells, as are other nearby tissues. This development enables the lung cancer to be able to spread to other organs in the body with relative ease. The disease can infiltrate the liver and adrenal glands, which often occurs over a period of time without any noticeable symptoms to the sufferer. When symptoms of visual problems begin to occur, it is usually because the lung cancer has spread to the brain, which may cause the sufferer to have a seizure. A loss of strength may also be noticed.
Bones can also be affected by lung cancer, usually noticeable with a discomfort in either the vertebrae (backbone), or the ribs and thighs. The nerves can also be attacked, which causes many sufferers to experience continuous aching pains in the (deltoids) shoulders, and a pain that runs along the outer side of the arm. Vocal chords may be affected when the cancer has spread to the esophagus (the conduit that connects the mouth and stomach) causing difficulty in swallowing. This is usually caused when a portion of the lung has collapsed, resulting in a severe, difficult to treat lung infection.
Other common symptoms caused by lung cancer are a lack of appetite, a noticeable weight loss (usually occurring rapidly), headaches, sluggishness, memory loss problems, bleeding and clotting. These symptoms often go untreated for long periods of time before a sufferer feels the need to deal with them, as they often get associated with other less serious health issues. When a sufferer has been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer, most of the damage has already been caused to the body, resulting in a sufferer having a low prognosis (life expectancy), usually under five years from when the disease was first diagnosed.
As the disease develops within the lung, the outer tissues of the lung are invaded by cancerous cells, as are other nearby tissues. This development enables the lung cancer to be able to spread to other organs in the body with relative ease. The disease can infiltrate the liver and adrenal glands, which often occurs over a period of time without any noticeable symptoms to the sufferer. When symptoms of visual problems begin to occur, it is usually because the lung cancer has spread to the brain, which may cause the sufferer to have a seizure. A loss of strength may also be noticed.
Bones can also be affected by lung cancer, usually noticeable with a discomfort in either the vertebrae (backbone), or the ribs and thighs. The nerves can also be attacked, which causes many sufferers to experience continuous aching pains in the (deltoids) shoulders, and a pain that runs along the outer side of the arm. Vocal chords may be affected when the cancer has spread to the esophagus (the conduit that connects the mouth and stomach) causing difficulty in swallowing. This is usually caused when a portion of the lung has collapsed, resulting in a severe, difficult to treat lung infection.
Other common symptoms caused by lung cancer are a lack of appetite, a noticeable weight loss (usually occurring rapidly), headaches, sluggishness, memory loss problems, bleeding and clotting. These symptoms often go untreated for long periods of time before a sufferer feels the need to deal with them, as they often get associated with other less serious health issues. When a sufferer has been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer, most of the damage has already been caused to the body, resulting in a sufferer having a low prognosis (life expectancy), usually under five years from when the disease was first diagnosed.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Asbestos: What Is It and How Does It Affect You?
According to the EPA asbestos is "The name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts."
Asbestos related lung disease occurs through airborne exposure. The greater your exposure is to asbestos containing materials the greater your chances are of becoming afflicted with an asbestos related illness. Other documented health risks, such as smoking, also increases these chances.
There are times when your chances of exposure are at their greatest. When a building is being demolished or remodeled, such as a business or home, asbestos fiber particles can be disturbed and allowed to circulate freely through the air and be deposited on any surface within the area. This is only a possibility if asbestos containing materials were used in the construction of your home or business. If asbestos containing materials were used and demolition or remodeling disturbs the particles they can be inhaled by the people and animals in the area. Once the particles are inhaled they can become embedded in the lung tissue and over time cause many health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestosis is a very serious and progressive non-cancer illness that can have long-term consequences. Inhaled asbestos fibers can irritate the lining of the lungs and cause permanent scarring which makes it extremely difficult for the lungs to function properly in the exchange of carbon dioxide with oxygen. Sadly, there is no treatment for persons suffering from asbestosis.
Lung cancer is another disease that can be causes by exposure to asbestos particles and is responsible for the largest number of deaths due to asbestos particle exposure. Those most at risk for lung cancer are people who were employed in the mining, processing, and manufacturing of asbestos containing products. People who experienced this type of exposure or used asbestos containing products in the course of their employment are more at risk to develop lung cancer when compared to the population in general.
Mesothelioma is an asbestos related rare type of cancer that can affect the abdomen, chest, heart, and lungs. It can take many years to develop and progress to point where it can be diagnosed. Currently there is no cure for Mesothelioma and people who are affected by it can face many years of medical appointments, treatments, and related therapies.
It is in your best interest to get your home or business inspected for asbestos before beginning a demolition or remodeling project. It is better to prevent exposure than to have to deal with the aftermath of it. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, asbestos containing products, or an area that may have contained asbestos where demolition or remodeling was being performed you should contact a doctor or medical professional who deals specifically with asbestos exposure and related illnesses. You should also contact an experienced attorney skilled in cases involving asbestos related illness who can best represent you. Any illness caused by asbestos is serious and requires immediate attention. Finding an attorney with the required expertise and compassion to represent your concerns and needs is the best way to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Asbestos related lung disease occurs through airborne exposure. The greater your exposure is to asbestos containing materials the greater your chances are of becoming afflicted with an asbestos related illness. Other documented health risks, such as smoking, also increases these chances.
There are times when your chances of exposure are at their greatest. When a building is being demolished or remodeled, such as a business or home, asbestos fiber particles can be disturbed and allowed to circulate freely through the air and be deposited on any surface within the area. This is only a possibility if asbestos containing materials were used in the construction of your home or business. If asbestos containing materials were used and demolition or remodeling disturbs the particles they can be inhaled by the people and animals in the area. Once the particles are inhaled they can become embedded in the lung tissue and over time cause many health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestosis is a very serious and progressive non-cancer illness that can have long-term consequences. Inhaled asbestos fibers can irritate the lining of the lungs and cause permanent scarring which makes it extremely difficult for the lungs to function properly in the exchange of carbon dioxide with oxygen. Sadly, there is no treatment for persons suffering from asbestosis.
Lung cancer is another disease that can be causes by exposure to asbestos particles and is responsible for the largest number of deaths due to asbestos particle exposure. Those most at risk for lung cancer are people who were employed in the mining, processing, and manufacturing of asbestos containing products. People who experienced this type of exposure or used asbestos containing products in the course of their employment are more at risk to develop lung cancer when compared to the population in general.
Mesothelioma is an asbestos related rare type of cancer that can affect the abdomen, chest, heart, and lungs. It can take many years to develop and progress to point where it can be diagnosed. Currently there is no cure for Mesothelioma and people who are affected by it can face many years of medical appointments, treatments, and related therapies.
It is in your best interest to get your home or business inspected for asbestos before beginning a demolition or remodeling project. It is better to prevent exposure than to have to deal with the aftermath of it. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, asbestos containing products, or an area that may have contained asbestos where demolition or remodeling was being performed you should contact a doctor or medical professional who deals specifically with asbestos exposure and related illnesses. You should also contact an experienced attorney skilled in cases involving asbestos related illness who can best represent you. Any illness caused by asbestos is serious and requires immediate attention. Finding an attorney with the required expertise and compassion to represent your concerns and needs is the best way to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Lung Cancer - Are You At Risk?
Cancer is an abnormality of the cell that results in uncontrolled cell growth. The abnormal cells continue dividing and form a lump or tumor. This tumor if, cancerous can invade other healthy tissues and destroy them. It is at this point known to have metastitize. Lung cancer tends to spread early after it is formed and therefore it is very dangerous and difficult to treat. Although this type of cancer has the ability to spread to other organs like liver, brain and bone, it is also a common site for other cancerous tumors to metastasize. Lung cancer is cancer than begins in one or both of the lungs
Are You At Risk?
SMOKING
About 90% of lung cancers are related to smoking tobacco. The number of cigarettes you smoke greatly increases your risk of getting lung cancer. Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk. Passive smoking can also put one at risk of getting lung cancer. Passive smoking is inhaling cigarette smoke of a non smoker from a smoker.
RADON
Radon is an odorless gas produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water. The air eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Some homes may have high levels of radon particularly on the lower level. Radon testing kits can be purchased to check if home have unsafe levels of radon. If this is so, measures can be taken to resolve it.
ASBESTOS FIBERS AND OTHER CHEMICALS
Workplace is the common place for exposure to asbestos and other chemicals. When inhaled, asbestos can persist in the lungs for a long time and cause lung disease. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
FAMILY HISTORY
People with family who have the disease are at a greater risk of developing it.
Other factors that can increase your risk include excessive alcohol intake, certain lung diseases like emphysema, air pollution and tuberculosis.
Lung cancer does not usually present any symptoms in its early stages. The tumor may be found through a chest x-ray done for other reasons. The symptoms begins when the cancer is advanced. These symptoms include:
- a new cough that does not go away
- coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- change in a chronic cough
- chest pain that is dull, aching and persistent
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer treatment options may depend on the stage of the cancer,the type of cancer, the individual's health. Treatment may not be an option when the side effects out weigh the benefits. In this case, the doctor may give supportive treatment to treat the symptoms of the disease like shortness of breath and pain.
Are You At Risk?
SMOKING
About 90% of lung cancers are related to smoking tobacco. The number of cigarettes you smoke greatly increases your risk of getting lung cancer. Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk. Passive smoking can also put one at risk of getting lung cancer. Passive smoking is inhaling cigarette smoke of a non smoker from a smoker.
RADON
Radon is an odorless gas produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water. The air eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Some homes may have high levels of radon particularly on the lower level. Radon testing kits can be purchased to check if home have unsafe levels of radon. If this is so, measures can be taken to resolve it.
ASBESTOS FIBERS AND OTHER CHEMICALS
Workplace is the common place for exposure to asbestos and other chemicals. When inhaled, asbestos can persist in the lungs for a long time and cause lung disease. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
FAMILY HISTORY
People with family who have the disease are at a greater risk of developing it.
Other factors that can increase your risk include excessive alcohol intake, certain lung diseases like emphysema, air pollution and tuberculosis.
Lung cancer does not usually present any symptoms in its early stages. The tumor may be found through a chest x-ray done for other reasons. The symptoms begins when the cancer is advanced. These symptoms include:
- a new cough that does not go away
- coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- change in a chronic cough
- chest pain that is dull, aching and persistent
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer treatment options may depend on the stage of the cancer,the type of cancer, the individual's health. Treatment may not be an option when the side effects out weigh the benefits. In this case, the doctor may give supportive treatment to treat the symptoms of the disease like shortness of breath and pain.
How Many Different Types of Lung Cancer Are There?
There are two major types of lung cancer that can be found in both men women. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Small Cell Lung Cancer, both which are unique to each other as they grow and spread within the body differently.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC is the more common of the two lung cancers, and is attributed to about 85% of all cases found in a patient. It tends to grow and spread at a much slower pace than small cell lung cancer, and is broken down into three main subtypes, all which have their own unique cancer cells.
1. Squamous Cell Caricinoma (epidermoid caricinoma) is attributed to about 25-30% of all cases found. It is made up from thin flat cells (similar to fish scales) that line the inside airways of the lung, and begins in the squamous cells in the centre of the lung.
2. Adenocaricinoma is attributed to about 35-40% of all cases found, mainly in smokers, although it is also found in non-smokers as well. It begins in the cells that have glandular (secretory) properties, and grows slowly in the outer-region of the lung. It is more common in women than men, and more likely to be found in a younger person. Patients with this type of cancer usually tend to have a better prognosis (life expectancy).
3. Large Cell (Undifferentiated) Caricinoma is attributed to about 10-15% of all cases found. It grows and spreads quickly as its cells multiply rapidly. When viewed under a microscope, the cells have an abnormal look to them compared to other types of cancer cells.
Adenosquamous Caricinoma and Sarcomatoid Carcinoma are also subtypes of NSCLC, although they are very rarely found in a patient.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC is much less common than NSCLC, and only attributes to about 10-15% of all cases found. It tends to grow and spread much faster than other types of cancer, and is broken down into three types, each which contain different cell types.
Small Cell Caricinoma (oat cell cancer) is a highly malignant cancer that is usually found in the lung, although it can be found in other parts of the body as well, such as the cervix, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.
Mixed Small/Large Cell Caricinoma is a rare form of lung cancer, which when diagnosed is formed from both small cell caricinoma, and large cell caricinoma.
Combined Small Cell Caricinoma is diagnosed when a malignant tumor is found arising from the lung tissues, and contains both small cell caricinoma, mixed with one or more components of non-small cell caricinoma.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC is the more common of the two lung cancers, and is attributed to about 85% of all cases found in a patient. It tends to grow and spread at a much slower pace than small cell lung cancer, and is broken down into three main subtypes, all which have their own unique cancer cells.
1. Squamous Cell Caricinoma (epidermoid caricinoma) is attributed to about 25-30% of all cases found. It is made up from thin flat cells (similar to fish scales) that line the inside airways of the lung, and begins in the squamous cells in the centre of the lung.
2. Adenocaricinoma is attributed to about 35-40% of all cases found, mainly in smokers, although it is also found in non-smokers as well. It begins in the cells that have glandular (secretory) properties, and grows slowly in the outer-region of the lung. It is more common in women than men, and more likely to be found in a younger person. Patients with this type of cancer usually tend to have a better prognosis (life expectancy).
3. Large Cell (Undifferentiated) Caricinoma is attributed to about 10-15% of all cases found. It grows and spreads quickly as its cells multiply rapidly. When viewed under a microscope, the cells have an abnormal look to them compared to other types of cancer cells.
Adenosquamous Caricinoma and Sarcomatoid Carcinoma are also subtypes of NSCLC, although they are very rarely found in a patient.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC is much less common than NSCLC, and only attributes to about 10-15% of all cases found. It tends to grow and spread much faster than other types of cancer, and is broken down into three types, each which contain different cell types.
Small Cell Caricinoma (oat cell cancer) is a highly malignant cancer that is usually found in the lung, although it can be found in other parts of the body as well, such as the cervix, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.
Mixed Small/Large Cell Caricinoma is a rare form of lung cancer, which when diagnosed is formed from both small cell caricinoma, and large cell caricinoma.
Combined Small Cell Caricinoma is diagnosed when a malignant tumor is found arising from the lung tissues, and contains both small cell caricinoma, mixed with one or more components of non-small cell caricinoma.
How To Prevent Lung Cancer Recurrence
Researchers are studying effective ways to prevent the recurrence of lung cancer in patients. After a patient has been successfully treated, there are numerous ways to help lower the risks.
1. It is recommended by doctors that patients have a full physical examination every three months for the first two years, followed by a six monthly examination thereafter. Examinations may include: chest X-rays, CT (computer assisted tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or blood tests. Depending on the type of lung cancer that a patient was diagnosed with.
2. When a patient has successfully finished a course of treatment, it is encouraged by most doctors that a 30 minute exercise regime be carried out by the cancer patient at least five times a week. These exercises should include general fitness exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and jogging (depending on the age and condition of the patient in question). Not only does exercising make someone feel stronger, but it also helps the patient build up a stronger immune system.
3. Eating a healthy diet also helps reduce the risks. Studies show that by eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables (variety is more important than quantity) may also contribute to reducing both the risks of developing lung cancer, and its recurrence. By eating a low-fat, high whole grain diet will help keep a sufficient amount of nutrients within the body. These nutrients help to keep the body strong. They also have a great amount of anti-recurrence benefits.
4. Smoking which is one of the main causes of lung cancer, should be given a complete miss after treatment has finished, together with most alcoholic beverages. Both contain a number of carcinogens that not only raise the chances of being diagnosed with the disease, but also significantly raise the risks of the disease returning. Apart from the lungs that are at risk from tobacco and alcohol, other organs such as the esophagus, liver, and stomach, are also at risk.
5. Depending on the type of lung cancer a patient was diagnosed with, may also depend on the after treatment options that are available. These options may include traditional medicines that reduce the risks of a recurrence, or alternative medicines that have also shown a great deal of success. Alternative medicines are also considered as a good after treatment option, due to them being less harmful to the body's organs than traditional anti-recurrence drugs.
1. It is recommended by doctors that patients have a full physical examination every three months for the first two years, followed by a six monthly examination thereafter. Examinations may include: chest X-rays, CT (computer assisted tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or blood tests. Depending on the type of lung cancer that a patient was diagnosed with.
2. When a patient has successfully finished a course of treatment, it is encouraged by most doctors that a 30 minute exercise regime be carried out by the cancer patient at least five times a week. These exercises should include general fitness exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and jogging (depending on the age and condition of the patient in question). Not only does exercising make someone feel stronger, but it also helps the patient build up a stronger immune system.
3. Eating a healthy diet also helps reduce the risks. Studies show that by eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables (variety is more important than quantity) may also contribute to reducing both the risks of developing lung cancer, and its recurrence. By eating a low-fat, high whole grain diet will help keep a sufficient amount of nutrients within the body. These nutrients help to keep the body strong. They also have a great amount of anti-recurrence benefits.
4. Smoking which is one of the main causes of lung cancer, should be given a complete miss after treatment has finished, together with most alcoholic beverages. Both contain a number of carcinogens that not only raise the chances of being diagnosed with the disease, but also significantly raise the risks of the disease returning. Apart from the lungs that are at risk from tobacco and alcohol, other organs such as the esophagus, liver, and stomach, are also at risk.
5. Depending on the type of lung cancer a patient was diagnosed with, may also depend on the after treatment options that are available. These options may include traditional medicines that reduce the risks of a recurrence, or alternative medicines that have also shown a great deal of success. Alternative medicines are also considered as a good after treatment option, due to them being less harmful to the body's organs than traditional anti-recurrence drugs.
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