Lung tumors or Pulmonary Neoplasm refer to abnormal growths of cells within the lung tissue. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most concerning type of lung tumors are malignant tumors, which are often referred to as lung cancer. Lung tumors, primarily classified as lung cancer, are a significant health concern and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally.
Types of Lung Tumors:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common form, accounting for about 85% of lung cancer cases.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type is less common but tends to grow and spread more rapidly than NSCLC. It is almost exclusively linked to smoking.
Symptoms:
Persistent cough that does not go away
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Cause of Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer risk can be raised by several variables, including:
- Smoking: The primary risk factor, with the risk increasing with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking.
- Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to smoke from others can also increase risk.
- Radon Exposure: A naturally occurring gas that can collect in houses.
- Occupational Hazards: Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, and chromium.
- Family History: Can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves several steps:
- Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays and CT scans are commonly used to detect lung tumors and assess their size and location.
- Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis is made by examining tissue samples from the tumor, which can be obtained through various methods, including bronchoscopy or needle biopsy.
- Staging: Knowing the cancer's stage is essential for organising treatment. Staging involves assessing the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis to other organs
Treatment Options:
Depending on the disease's form and stage, lung cancer treatments change. Common treatment modalities include:
- Surgery: Often the first line of treatment for localized NSCLC, aiming to remove the tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: Can be used as a primary treatment or adjuvant after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Often used for SCLC and advanced NSCLC, it aims to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific genetic mutations within cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Assists in the immune system's recognition and removal of cancerous cells.
Why Microwave Ablation is a Best Treatment for Lung Tumor:
Minimally Invasive Procedure:
- Reduced Recovery Time: MWA is a minimally invasive procedure, leading to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Patients typically experience less postoperative pain and can often return to normal activities sooner.
- Lower Risk of Complications: The procedure is associated with fewer complications such as infections and bleeding compared to surgical resection. While complications like pneumothorax can occur, they are generally manageable.
- Effective for Small Tumors: Microwave ablation has shown a high local control rate for small tumors, this makes it a viable option for patients with early-stage lung cancer who may not be surgical candidates.
- Larger Ablation Zones: Microwave (MWA) can create larger and more predictable ablation zones compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This is due to its ability to heat tissue more uniformly and penetrate deeper into low-conductivity tissues like the lung, which enhances its effectiveness.
Microwave ablation presents a compelling alternative to traditional surgical methods for lung cancer treatment, particularly for patients with small, localized tumors or those who are not suitable for surgery. Its minimally invasive nature, effective tumor control, and lower complication rates make it an increasingly popular choice in oncological practice. If you have any query please contact us for more information.