Customer question:
Does lung cancer always require chemotherapy? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Chemotherapy is one treatment option for lung cancer, but it can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the specific circumstances of each individual case. The purpose of chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer is to destroy cancer cells or slow down their growth and reproduction.
In some cases, chemotherapy is used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the size of the tumor and make it easier to remove it. After surgery, chemotherapy may also be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant chemotherapy). In advanced cases of lung cancer or in patients who are not suitable for surgical treatment, chemotherapy is often used as primary therapy, either alone or in combination with other therapies, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Can lung cancer be detected in its early stages?
Yes, in rare cases, lung cancer can be detected in its early stages before it has spread outside the lung tissue. This usually happens when the disease is discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT (computed tomography), performed for other reasons or during routine screening in people at high risk of developing lung cancer.
Early symptoms of lung cancer are often less noticeable and can easily be mistaken for other lung or breathing problems. Classic symptoms such as cough, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, and chest pain often appear when the disease has already developed into an advanced stage. This is why lung cancer is often called the "silent killer" in its early stages. More information about lung cancer.
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