Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only after the disease has progressed.
The leading cause is smoking, but non-smokers can also develop it due to secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, or genetic predisposition.
Imagine a filter in a furnace slowly clogging with dust: over time, airflow becomes blocked, and damage builds up. In the lungs, cancer cells disrupt the normal airways in a similar way, compromising breathing and oxygen supply.
Symptoms and Differences from Other Lung Conditions
- Persistent cough that worsens over time
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that is worse with deep breathing or coughing
- Hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue
While asthma or bronchitis can cause cough and wheezing, lung cancer symptoms are often more persistent, progressive, and associated with systemic changes like weight loss.
Relapse Considerations
- Surgery: Often used for localized cancers
- Radiation therapy: Helps shrink tumors or treat patients not eligible for surgery
- Chemotherapy: Standard drugs include Carboplatin, Cisplatin, and Paclitaxel (administered intravenously)
- Targeted therapies: Tagrisso (osimertinib) and Tarceva (erlotinib), both oral
- Immunotherapies: Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab), IV infusions that boost immune response against tumor cells
Supportive Medications
- Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea
- Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) to prevent low white blood cell counts
- Dexamethasone to reduce inflammation
Lifestyle Changes
- Quitting smoking remains the single most important step
- Pulmonary rehabilitation can help with breathing exercises
- A balanced diet rich in protein supports energy and healing
Considerations of lung cancer
Relapse Considerations Lung cancer can return even after initial treatment. Relapse often depends on stage and biology of the tumor. Regular monitoring through scans and checkups is critical.
Although lung cancer remains a serious diagnosis, treatment advances have expanded survival and quality of life.
By working closely with specialists and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, patients can actively manage their condition. RxVitaPharm stands ready to provide the specialty medications and support needed along the way.