Dr Eric Ortiz
Lung cancer occurs when lung cells grow and develop out of control. There are several types, these depend on the type of cells that develop, each one has different characteristics that make them unique; the importance of this disease is that worldwide it is the leading cause of death from cancer.
There are several factors that favor its appearance, such as occupational exposure to solvents, dust, fabrics, asbestos, smoke produced by burning firewood for cooking, however, the main risk factor associated with this disease is smoking. People who live with smokers are also at risk of developing this disease, although to a lesser extent compared to active smokers. Smoking cessation for more than 10 years reduces the risk, which could be equal to that of non-smokers.
There are cases of patients who did not smoke or who did not report the above history and despite this developed lung cancer. This type of population has been related to alterations at the level of the genetic information contained in their cells, that is, they present changes in the mechanisms that control the division and development of lung cells. These changes are due to structural alterations of the genetic material or changes in the information contained in said material, also called mutations. Some of these alterations have already been identified and widely studied, these range from mutations in the EGFR gene, ALK and ROS gene arrangements.
The case of Mexico is a particular case, despite the fact that smoking is the leading cause of this cancer internationally, the majority of patients with lung cancer in the country do not have a history of smoking, more than a third have mutations that are considered the cause of this, approximately another third part does not present a history of smoking or mutations. For the most part, the antecedent that patients present is exposure to wood smoke or even work. This means that only 40% of lung cancer patients could be related to active or passive exposure to cigarette smoke.
The main symptoms that may occur are cough, shortness of breath, production of phlegm that may be accompanied by blood, pain in the chest, a feeling of agitation on exertion, weight loss, difficulty eating due to a feeling that the solid food gets clogged as it passes. These symptoms can occur from less to greater extent, according to the type of lung cancer and the stage in which it is detected.
In case of presenting any of these symptoms, it is advisable to go to your doctor to start the study of the case and carry out the pertinent studies that can guide the diagnosis. In case of suspicion of lung cancer, an oncologist should be consulted to assess the treatment.
Currently this type of disease is the one that presents the greatest amount of research related to cancer. According to the characteristics of the disease, the medical oncologist will determine the conduct to follow; There are currently innovative treatments such as oral treatments that combat these mutations (white therapy) or the combination of chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Today, research continues related to other alterations at the cellular level that could cause lung cancer, as well as possible treatments aimed at them.
In case of presenting any risk factor, it is necessary to request medical advice. A healthy diet is important, but above all quit smoking, remember that cancer detected in early stages can be curable.
