A lung tumor can be of several different types. Features of a benign neoplasm are that during its development, the tissues of the body are not destroyed at all, and metastases are not formed.
A malignant tumor is characterized by the fact that as it grows, it grows deep into the tissues of the body and metastases are formed. A feature of the metastatic type of neoplasm is that it can be in any of the organs, but metastases go to the lungs. In order for the prognosis for the patient's life to be good, it is necessary to recognize the presence of a tumor in a timely manner and carry out complex treatment.
Benign tumors
With a benign lung tumor, symptoms and signs are not always recognized in a timely manner, since it often manifests itself in nothing. Such neoplasms can be different in their structure, localization and clinical course.
Often, various kinds of benign lung tumors initially havetendency to grow. However, after some time, neoplasms somewhat slow down their growth, and are also characterized by the fact that there are practically no clinical manifestations before complications occur. In addition, they very rarely become malignant.
Main classification
According to the anatomical structure, all benign neoplasms are divided into central and peripheral. The central types include tumors located on the lobar, main and segmental bronchi. The main direction of growth in relation to the bronchi can be different.
Peripheral tumors develop mainly from lung tissue. They can be located at different distances from the surface of this organ. In addition, there are superficial and deep neoplasms. Among the most common types of tumors, it is necessary to highlight the following:
- adenoma;
- hamartoma;
- fibroma;
- papilloma;
- vascular;
- oncocytoma;
- teratoma;
- neurogenic;
- lipoma.
Adenoma refers to epithelial tumors that are formed from the glands of the bronchial mucosa. Often they are centrally located. Such a tumor begins to develop in the wall of the bronchus and gradually grows into its lumen, pushing the mucosa away, but does not grow through it. As the neoplasm grows, squeezing the mucosa leads to its atrophy, and sometimes to the formation of ulcers. The adenoma grows very quickly, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of a tumor in the lung, which is expressed asbronchial obstruction.
Hamartoma is a tumor of a congenital nature, and particles of germinal tissues may be present in it. The composition of such a neoplasm may include muscle fibers, blood vessels, accumulation of lymphoid cells. Hamartoma is often a dense formation with a finely bumpy or smooth surface. The neoplasm has clear boundaries, and is also surrounded by pushed back lung tissue. As it grows, it can squeeze the bronchi and vessels of the lung, but do not grow into it. In some cases, the tumor may become malignant.
Fibromas in the lungs are not as common as other types of tumors. The disease occurs mainly in men and can equally affect the right and left lung. Fibroids are mostly small, but can be gigantic. This is a dense knot of white color with a smooth and even surface. Ulcers sometimes develop on the mucosa covering the neoplasm.
Vascular lung tumors are quite common. They have different sizes and shapes. Among the main symptoms of a benign lung tumor, pulmonary bleeding should be distinguished. Such neoplasms can become malignant.
Teratoma is a formation consisting of several different types of tissues. It can be in the form of a dense neoplasm or cyst. It mainly occurs in young people, however, it can be in the elderly or even senile age. The tumor develops rather slowly, however, with the addition of an infection, there may be suppuration. It is also possible to switch tomalignant form.
Reasons for appearance
Among the main reasons that lead to the formation of a benign neoplasm, it is necessary to highlight many different factors, in particular, such as:
- genetic mutations;
- genetic features of the organism;
- tobacco smoke;
- various chemicals.
It is worth noting that the risk of a neoplasm increases in the event of a chronic disease with a decrease in the immune system, in particular:
- bronchial asthma;
- chronic bronchitis;
- pneumonia, tuberculosis.
To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account not only the existing symptoms of a tumor in the lung, but also to conduct additional examinations, since it is important to detect a tumor in a timely manner and carry out treatment in order to prevent its transition to a malignant stage.
Main symptoms
Many patients are interested in if there is a tumor in the lungs, what symptoms appear and how exactly it can be recognized for timely treatment. There are many theories for the development of neoplasms in the lungs. The impact of nicotine contributes to the deposition of harmful substances in the cells, which leads to the development of various anomalies. As a result of this, the growth of the neoplasm begins, which is almost impossible to control, since the symptoms of a benign lung tumor do not appear immediately. This means that the destruction of DNA begins, thereby stimulatingrapid tumor growth.
At the initial stages, the neoplasm begins to develop in the bronchi, and then the pathological process passes to the adjacent parts of the lung. After some time, it affects other organs, and also metastasizes to them.
At an early stage of its development, the symptoms of a tumor in the lung are similar to those of many other diseases, so they can be very difficult to detect. Symptoms include coughing or sputum production. The early period may last for several years. Usually, doctors begin to suspect the presence of a tumor in people over 40 years old. They pay special attention to heavy smokers, as well as people who work with harmful substances, especially if they show signs and symptoms of a lung tumor.
In the presence of a neoplasm, the main complaint of patients is a cough, which often happens with sputum. The sputum may contain blood impurities. The cough is mostly constant, hacking, with sputum. People with a tumor always have shortness of breath, as well as pain in the sternum. This may mean that the neoplasm has passed into the pleura, and it is significantly increasing in size. When there is a strong load on the nerve endings, characteristic wheezing appears in the voice.
After the neoplasm germinates and squeezes the lymph nodes, there are signs such as:
- hand weakness;
- shortness of breath;
- drastic weight loss;
- itchy skin;
- rapid development of dermatitis.
The quality of life at the same time deteriorates sharply and performance may be lost. If the first signs of a lung tumor appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.
Diagnostics
When the first symptoms of a lung tumor occur in adults, it is imperative to undergo a comprehensive examination. In addition to x-rays, it is required to control the dynamics of neoplasm development for several months. Usually, this practice is used if the size of the tumor is not more than 6 mm.
If the nodule does not grow during the observation, but remains the same size for 2 years, then it is considered benign. Such neoplasms grow very slowly or remain exactly the same size. Cancer tumors increase in size every 4 months. Follow-up for 5 years will help make sure it is benign.
Such neoplasms mostly have smooth edges, more regular shape than cancerous tumors. Often, a chest x-ray or CT scan is sufficient to check for nodules.
If necessary, the doctor will prescribe other types of research. This is necessary to exclude the presence of a malignant tumor to determine the main cause of the nodules. Diagnosis may require:
- blood test;
- tuberculin tests;
- single photo-emission;
- biopsy.
Biopsy involves taking tissue samples for further examination under a microscope to determine if a tumor isbenign or malignant. A biopsy can be performed using a variety of techniques.
Features of treatment
If symptoms and signs of a lung tumor are observed, then drug therapy will not bring any result at all. A benign formation is subject to complete removal by surgery. Only timely diagnosis and operation can avoid irreversible consequences for the patient's he alth.
Early detection of a neoplasm is especially important, as this will save the maximum amount of tissue during the operation, as this will avoid many complications. The recovery period takes place in the pulmonology department. Most operations are completed quite successfully, and the recurrence of neoplasms is almost completely excluded.
To remove the central tumor, the method of resection of the bronchus is used. When applying this technique, the lung tissue is not affected, but only a small incision is made, which makes it possible to save most of this organ. Fenestrated resection is used to excise a bronchus on a narrow base, which is eventually sutured and bronchotomy is performed at this site.
With a large neoplasm, one or two lobes of the lung are removed. In especially severe cases, pneumonectomy is resorted to, namely, the removal of this organ completely. A similar operation is indicated for all patients who have received serious lung damage.
If it was heldsurgical treatment of a lung tumor in the early stages, then its results are quite good. Performance with small amounts of damage is restored completely.
Prevention and prognosis
If the symptoms and signs of a lung tumor were noticed at the initial stage and the treatment was carried out in a timely manner, then the prognosis is quite good, since a person can fully restore working capacity and normalize well-being in the shortest possible time. Otherwise, a benign neoplasm can go into a malignant stage with the occurrence of metastases.
It is very important to carry out prevention, which includes the correct and timely treatment of various inflammatory processes occurring in the lungs and bronchi in order to prevent their transition to a chronic form. It is very important to quit smoking. People working in hazardous industries with a high level of dust must use personal protective equipment in the form of respirators and masks.
Malignant tumors
A malignant lung tumor often begins to develop from the cells of this organ, but it also happens that cancer cells enter this organ by metastasizing from other organs that were the primary source of cancer. The defeat of lung tissues by a cancerous tumor is considered the most common among all known oncological diseases. It ranks first in terms of mortality among all other types of cancer.
Often, tumors in the lungs are also formed in the bronchi, and they are calledbronchogenic carcinomas. In oncology, they are divided into types such as:
- squamous;
- multicellular;
- large cell cancer;
- adenocarcinoma.
Another variety is alveolar carcinoma, which forms in the alveoli. Much less common are cancers such as:
- chondromatous hamartoma;
- bronchial adenoma;
- sarcoma.
The lungs are among the organs that most often undergo the process of metastasis. Metastatic cancer can form against the background of advanced stages of cancer of the prostate, breast, thyroid gland, intestines, kidneys and many other organs.
Causes of occurrence
The main cause of a malignant lung tumor is considered to be a mutation of the normal cells of this organ. Smoking is of great importance in this process. According to statistics, about 80% of all cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, and most smokers are long-term smokers. The more cigarettes a person smokes per day, the higher his chances of developing a malignant tumor.
Much less likely to develop cancer as a result of labor activity, which is associated with work with harmful substances. Particularly dangerous is work in rubber, asbestos production, contact with heavy metals, radiation, ethers.
The causes of neoplasms should also include the harmful effects of the environment. Sometimes cells can become malignant due to the presence of inflammation and chronicdiseases.
Main symptoms
Is there a lung tumor and how to recognize its presence by symptoms is a question that interests many people who are predisposed to the occurrence of this neoplasm. The presence of certain symptoms in a person largely depends on the type of cancer, location and stage of the course.
The main sign of the presence of a neoplasm in the lung is a constant cough, but it is not specific, as it is characteristic of so many respiratory diseases. A person must be puzzled by a cough, which over time becomes more frequent and hacking, and sputum with streaks of blood is also released. If the neoplasm provoked damage to the blood vessels, then there is a high risk of bleeding.
With the subsequent active development of cancer, the symptoms of a malignant lung tumor manifest themselves in the form of hoarseness, as there is a narrowing of the airway lumen. No less complex consequence of the course of cancer is the occurrence of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is always accompanied by heavy sweating, chest pain and coughing. If the pleura is damaged by a neoplasm, then the patient will feel pain in the chest all the time. After a while, general symptoms begin to appear, which means:
- loss of appetite;
- fatigue;
- constant weakness;
- strong weight loss.
In some cases,fluid begins to accumulate in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, lack of oxygen and problems with the functioning of the heart. If the progression of cancer has provoked damage to the nerve endings in the neck, then this can lead to neurological signs. They manifest as sunken eyes, constriction of the pupil, changes in the sensitivity of part of the face.
Symptoms of a lung tumor in women include thickening of the lymph nodes in the chest, changes in skin cover, and soreness in the sternum. A neoplasm located next to the esophagus, after a while, can germinate into it or simply grow until it leads to severe tissue compression. Such a complication can provoke spasms, and also leads to the fact that it is very difficult for a person to swallow, which makes it difficult to consume food. With this course of the disease, after eating, the patient gradually develops characteristic signs in the form of a strong cough, as water and food penetrate the lungs.
Especially severe consequences can occur when a tumor grows into the heart, which causes symptoms in the form of arrhythmia, fluid accumulation or cardiomegaly. Often, the tumor affects the blood vessels. A symptom of the collapse of a lung tumor is pneumothorax and heavy bleeding. The veins in the chest swell and become cyanotic. Also, the patient may experience severe headaches, blurred vision, constant weakness and fatigue.
When cancer reaches stage 3-4, active metastasis occurs in certain organs. Often throughbloodstream or lymph flow, malignant cells spread throughout the body, affecting nearby organs. Symptomatically, this begins to manifest itself in the form of dysfunction of the organ into which the metastases have penetrated.
Diagnostics
In some cases, even without obvious signs, it is possible to recognize the presence of cancer by conducting fluorography, which must be done annually. In addition, radiography may be prescribed, however, it is very difficult to see small nodes in the picture.
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order other procedures, such as a biopsy, which can be done with a bronchoscopy. If the tumor has formed very deep in the lungs, then the doctor may perform a puncture with a needle under the control of tomography. In especially severe cases, the material is taken during the thoracotomy operation.
Computer and magnetic resonance imaging are considered more modern research methods, as they allow even small neoplasms to be examined.
Features of treatment
Depending on the size, features and symptoms of a lung tumor, treatment is selected strictly individually. The main methods of therapy include such as:
- operation;
- chemotherapy;
- radiotherapy;
- radiosurgery.
Complex treatment is often used, since the removal of carcinoma and radiation can achieve a complete cure. In the early stages of the development of a malignant neoplasm, it is enough onlyadminister radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy together with radiation helps to achieve very good results. The operation must be carried out as soon as possible, as this avoids tragic consequences. If the tumor is detected at later stages, and irreversible processes in the lungs have already begun, then surgery is usually only palliative. People with stage 3-4 cancer experience very severe pain, which can be relieved by taking drugs.
Recovery period
Rehab is very important. At the end of therapy, it is imperative to undergo regular examinations in order to timely detect relapse or metastases. Rehabilitation should also focus on treating comorbidities.
Medical therapy, breathing exercises, and a special diet are required. It also requires pain relief and special exercises to improve brain function.
Forecast
No oncologist can give an exact guarantee of a certain life time for a person with a malignant tumor, but he can suggest a possible survival threshold. When analyzing the patient's condition, an important role is played by the patient's age, the stage of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases and pathologies. Five-year survival forecasts, subject to timely diagnosis and rational treatment, reach 40-50%. But in the absence of adequate therapy, 80% of patients die within 2years, and only 10% can live 5 years or more.
It is worth noting that timely therapy is not a complete guarantee of recovery, since in such cases a fatal outcome is also possible.
