keuhkosyövässä

Keuhkosyöpä, known in English as lung cancer, is a malignant tumor that originates in the cells of the lungs. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related death. The disease typically develops in the airways of the lungs, such as the bronchi or bronchioles, or in the air sacs called alveoli.

The primary risk factor for developing keuhkosyöpä is smoking tobacco. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and certain industrial pollutants also increases the risk. Genetic predisposition can play a role, though it is less common than environmental factors.

Keuhkosyöpä often develops without early symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. When symptoms do appear, they can include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can be mistaken for other, less serious conditions.

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans, and a biopsy of suspicious tissue. The biopsy is crucial for determining the type of lung cancer and its stage. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is more common, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which tends to grow and spread more rapidly.

Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. They may include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for keuhkosyöpä. Prevention strategies focus on avoiding tobacco smoke and minimizing exposure to other known carcinogens.