Asbestos lung mesothelioma should be caught in earliest stages ...

Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually successful when the disease is caught in its earliest stages. It remains localized in the lungs, and can be removed via surgery. Depending on its location and the extent of lung tissue that has been affected, a surgeon can perform a wedge resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Unfortunately, a large percentage of cases are not detected until the asbestos lung mesothelioma?has spread beyond the lungs. This is a process known as metastasis. Once it occurs, surgery alone is inadequate for curing the condition.

The Beginning Of Metastasis

With NSCLC, tumors are composed of cancerous cells. These cells eventually break away from the tumor, and travel to other parts of the body. They can do so through the lymphatic system (a part of the immune system), or through the patient?s bloodstream.When lung cancer is discussed in the context of the lung, it is referred to as a primary tumor or primary cancer. When it is discussed in the context of areas outside the lungs, it is called a secondary cancer. For instance, if NSCLC has spread to the brain, a surgeon may refer to it as ?brain cancer secondary to the lung? rather than ?brain cancer.? This addresses the fact that metastasis has occurred, and indicates the original site of the disease.

asbestos lung mesothelioma

When Cancer Cells Spread To The Lymph Nodes

The first place to which lung cancer cells migrate is the lymph nodes. The cells are delivered through the lymphatic system. In many cases, this does not necessarily constitute metastasis since the cells can migrate during the early stages of the disease. Once the cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes, however, they can spread further to other areas of the chest.This spread is rarely caught by doctors since it is often absent of symptoms. When NSCLC is detected in the lymph nodes, chemotherapy is typically used to treat it.

Lung Cancer In The Bone

Metastasis to the bone is common, and affects an estimated four out of ten people with late stage NSCLC. While the disease can spread to bone anywhere throughout the body, common sites include the upper legs, pelvis, and spine. The patient will experience pain, which worsens as the disease advances. It is common for people to mistake the pain for mild sports injuries, such as muscle strains.By the time lung cancer has reached the bone, it has progressed to the point that treatment focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease. Radiation therapy is usually the treatment option of choice. The patient will also receive medications to help minimize the pain.

Source: http://www.mesotheliomai.com/asbestos-lung-mesothelioma-should-be-caught-in-earliest-stages/

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