Lung cancer is a disease that targets the lungs, which, as we may all know, are crucial for breathing and sending vital oxygen to our body. From 2017 to 2021, cases of lung cancer in Singapore were recorded at around 9,000. It is the third most common type of cancer, the number one cause of cancer death among men and the second among women.
Advancements in medical technology have consistently brought down the mortality rate from cancer. A lung cancer specialist in Singapore uses advanced instruments and treatment procedures to handle cancer growth and symptoms. High-quality medical options are now available to help you steer clear of lung cancer so consult a professional if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms in the respiratory system. Here’s how a lung cancer specialist in Singapore can help you:
Early screening and detection of disease
Much of the declining mortality rate comes from the early detection of lung cancer. Specialists conduct checkups to determine if certain symptoms are actually caused by the presence of cancer cells accumulating in the lungs. Common symptoms include blood in the cough, a cough that lasts for over two weeks, chest pain, breathlessness, a hoarse voice, and a swollen face or arms. It’s the right decision to book a check-up in the event of these symptoms.
An X-ray is the crucial first step that offers an initial view of your lungs. The result is interpreted, and if a problem is detected, the doctor may recommend a CT scan, which can identify abnormalities better than X-rays. It’s important to confirm the presence of cancer in the lungs as early as possible for timely treatment.
Determining the type and stage
Diagnosis does not end with determining the presence of cancer cells in the lungs. Lung cancer specialists in Singapore are also trained to accurately identify the type of lung cancer and stage the detected growth. Lung cancer is categorized into two main types, namely, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is harder to treat as it spreads much faster than non-small lung cancer.
The cancer stage refers to the extent to which the cancer has spread through the lungs. Starting from Stage 0, which means that the cancer hasn’t extended to other parts, lung cancer is classified into five stages that are distinguished by number—the higher you go, the more dangerous. Stage IV is the most critical stage, characterized by the spread of cancer to the other lung, heart, and other organs. An accurate diagnosis of the type and stage of lung cancer determines the right treatment.
Treatment
The right treatment depends on the type and stage of lung cancer in Singapore. For non-small cell lung cancer, the treatments can be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of them. For small-cell lung cancer, the medical options are chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Each treatment option has its advantages and side-effects so make sure to talk about this with your doctor. State-of-the-art medical equipment is used to efficiently treat people with lung cancer in Singapore. Medical experts are trained to handle these pieces of equipment and conduct procedures that ensure health and safety.
Prescription
Lung cancer medications are usually administered through the vein. Specialists will prescribe drugs that will ease your symptoms and help treat cancer. They will also tell you what supplements or other drugs are safe to take while you have lung cancer or while you are undergoing a treatment that uses radiation or other types of procedures.
For instance, multivitamins and probiotics are usually safe, but do not take too much vitamin C from supplements as it can interfere with your treatment. Discuss this with your doctor and make sure to follow them.
Lung cancer specialists in Singapore
It’s important to detect the presence of cancer in the lungs early before it spreads and grows at a rate that’s hard to manage. Lung cancer in Singapore is a major health issue that affects thousands of individuals. Specialists use advanced medical technology to perform operations and procedures that treat lung cancer and reduce the mortality rate from the disease.
A lung cancer specialist in Singapore understands your needs. Consult them to determine the cause of any adverse symptoms. You can communicate with them about medical options, how you feel, and what you can and cannot do while undergoing treatment and recovery.