The alveoli are tiny air sacs in your lungs. These tiny air sacs do the work of carrying oxygen into your bloodstream. But these oxygen-carrying air sacs can sometimes be the starting point of cancer. This is why you should stay aware of any unusual changes.
How does lung adenocarcinoma develop
Lung adenocarcinoma can happen if the cells lining your alveoli go through a major genetic change. This genetic change can cause the cells in your lungs to grow uncontrollably. The abnormal growth of cells may lead to tumor formation. If you fail to address it on time, it can spread to other tissues of your body. While smoking is still the major risk factor, non-smokers can also face this danger.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore?
Lung adenocarcinoma may not show itself in the early stages, as it usually develops slowly as the disease progresses. This is why you need to stay aware of the following symptoms:
Continuous cough that doesn’t improve
Shortness of breath during everyday routine
Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing
Unexplained fatigue
A sudden drop in your energy levels
Unexplained weight or appetite loss
Diagnosis and treatment options
Doctors may begin their diagnosis with a consultation, in which they may ask you multiple questions about your health. After this, they may examine your physical condition to look for any suspicions. They may do this by using imaging tests like CT or PET scans. If they find anything unusual, then doctors might perform a bronchoscopy, where a small needle is inserted into your body to collect tissues for further examination. They may also go for molecular testing to understand the genetic changes, which can help with the treatment. Based on all these tests and your current health condition, doctors may tailor your treatment to your health to ensure safety. They may go with surgery at first to remove your tumor manually, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to stop the spread and kill the remaining cancer cells. In some cases, doctors can also perform immunotherapy to boost your immune cells to fight against cancer.
Every breath deserves attention
Identifying lung adenocarcinoma can be a bit challenging due to its late symptoms. But by noticing the unusual changes, you can consult your doctor in time before it gets too late. With this, you can save enough time for your recovery and get the right treatment you deserve to get your life back on track.