According to the World Health Organization, early detection of cancer increases the life expectancy of humans. As per another research, early detection decreases the morbidity rate by 50%. In that regard, early detection is of significant importance in cancer cases. Lung cancer has secured the place on the second number concerning the deaths of people all around the world. So, in an attempt to reduce the number of deaths caused by this cancer, early detection is important. In this post, we will focus on protecting your lungs through early detection and prevention. 

What is Lung Cancer? Understand the Basics 

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that causes abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. The abnormal growth of cells leads to the formation of tumors that significantly impact the functioning of the lungs. Scientists are not sure about what causes the cells to grow abnormally, but this is one of the major reasons behind the development of cancer. 

However, cancer comes in different types. It can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Apart from that, there are two basic types of lung cancer.

• Small cell lung cancer or small cell carcinoma. It grows rapidly within the body, and it is usually detected at the advanced stage. So, it is a type of cancer that is deadly. This cancer is directly linked to cigarette smoking.

• Another type is non-small cell lung cancer, which makes up about 80% of lung cancer cases. It does not grow rapidly in other parts of the body, such as NCLS. This type has three further types. 

The first type is adenocarcinoma, which is the presence of tumors within the outer parts of the lungs. It develops within the epithelial tissue, which makes up the outer layer of the gland.

The second type is squamous cell carcinoma. This is present within the center of the lungs, usually in the air tube. 

The last type is large-cell carcinoma. It is present within any part of the lungs, and it has a higher spread rate than the other types of cancer. 

However, it is important to remember that each type is different from others, and the type of cancer gets confirmed under microscopic observation. 

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

One of the main reasons is gene mutation. However, there are some other major reasons as well.

• If you have a family history of cancer, then you are at high risk of it.

• Cigarette smoking has a direct connection with cancer. However, the number of cigarettes in a day, the quality of cigarettes, and the duration of smoking have a direct impact on the development of cancer. Tobacco damages the lungs. Lungs are soft, spongy organs, but cigarette smoking makes them hard. 

• Exposure to toxic chemicals such as rodents.

• Air pollution and low air quality index contribute to the development of cancer. 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer 

There are no obvious symptoms of lung cancer. Nevertheless, there are consistent episodes and patterns that indicate the existence of abnormality.

• A consistent cough that gets worse with time and does not go away despite the treatment. Sometimes, blood comes up with a cough. 

• Consistent chest infections that do not allow a person to be at peace.

• Loss of appetite 

• Weight loss without any significant reason.

• Shortness of breath without any physical activity 

• Inconsistent high fever 

How to Detect and Prevent Lung Cancer? 

Early detection of cancer has the potential to save lives by 50%. Not only this, but early detection facilitates the treatment process. But how do we detect and prevent it? The answer is a lung scan or screening. The scan includes the use of technologies, usually MRI scans or CT scans, to take images of the lungs. These high-quality images highlight the presence of any tumors within the lungs. In that regard, these scans also act as a preventive measure. 

Moreover, sometimes scans of one organ highlight the issues in other parts of the body. For example, in many cases, the scan has helped in detecting spinal tumors, which has a significant negative impact on the functioning of the whole body. If you are at risk of lung cancer, then you must go for a lung scan or screening as a preventive measure.

ViaScan of Las Colinas has been offering screening services for quite a long time. It is famous for its quality services and highly professional staff. 

Conclusion 

In order to avoid the risk of lung cancer, which is a deadly disease, you must adopt a preventive measure. These scans play an integral role in the early detection of disease before it gets out of hand. So, what are you waiting for? Take a step forward to protect your lung health with ViaScan of Las Colinas and avoid the risk of cancer.