Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
Cyclothymic Disorder: A Mood Disorder
The cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a mood disorder milder than bipolar I or II. It is characterized by a successive series of hypomania and depressive lows. The highs and lows are mild, with the depressive lows never reaching major depression and the hypomania never culminating in actual mania.
However, since all mental illnesses are on a continuum, cyclothymia may also range from normal mood variations to severe functional impairment because of the disorder. Individuals with cyclothymia are at risk of developing bipolar or other severe mood disorders if they cannot manage the condition properly with the help of a doctor.
The high and low periods are irregular and unpredictable. The low periods may last several days or weeks, but the person may experience normal moods for more than a month between the high and low.
Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes cyclothymia’s symptoms into depressive and manic symptoms.
Depressive related symptoms may include:
- Aggressiveness
- Changes in appetite
- Chronic fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Inattentiveness and forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Insomnia or hypersomnia without fatigue
- Weight changes
- Low libido
- Tearfulness, sadness, or feeling empty
- Loss of interests in things that were once enjoyed
- Poor concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
The manic symptoms of cyclothymia may include:
- Extremely combative
- Extreme optimism
- When talking, they speak fast and excessively
- Having little or no sleep for days (without feeling tired)
- Hypersexuality
- Increased anxiety
- Inflated self-esteem
- Irregular sleep cycle
- Lack of focus
- Racing thoughts
- Poor judgment and risky behavior
- High drive and a strong desire to achieve goals
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
Causes of Cyclothymic Disorder
The underlying causes of the cyclothymic disorder are unknown. However, there is a heredity aspect of it since it may run in families. Cyclothymia may also result from negative neurological changes of the brain caused by:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Stroke
- PTSD
- Alzheimer disease
- Migraines
- Brain aneurysm
- Concussion
- Multiple sclerosis
Cyclothymic Diagnosis
In the diagnosis of a cyclothymic disorder, your doctor may:
- Perform a physical exam which may include a lab test to find an explanation of your symptoms.
- Undertake a psychological evaluation, which entails talking about your thoughts and how they affect your feelings and behavior. The doctor may engage your family members and close friends to discuss your behavior but only with your express consent. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out a self-assessment questionnaire.
- Your doctor may require that you keep a journal recording your mood and sleep patterns.
According to the DSM-5, you may have cyclothymia if your doctor discovers that you have:
- Periods of elevated mood and depressive episodes lasting two years for adults and one for children and teens.
- You’ve not had a stable mood for periods not exceeding two months.
- Your symptoms significantly affect your social life, work, or school.
- There is no other explanation for your symptoms (such as substance abuse).
- Your symptoms do not meet the criteria for bipolar, depression, or other mental disorders.
Cyclothymic Disorder Treatment Options
People with cyclothymia need full-time medication to manage their condition, primarily because of the risk that the disease may progress into bipolar disorder if not treated. Whereas there is no medication specifically to treat cyclothymia, your doctor may rely on treatments used to treat other conductions such as:
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft
- Anti-epileptic medication
- Anti-seizure meds
- Avoid alcohol and substance use or abuse
- Mood stabilizers such as lithium or lamotrigine
- Atypical antipsychotic medication
These medications can help manage the symptoms of the disorder and prevent the hypomanic and depressive cycles.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option. Your doctor may recommend CBT combined with medication. It focuses on identifying negative thought patterns that lead to behavioral problems. CBT also imparts mechanisms to cope with stress. CBT is an effective form of psychotherapy that allows the patient to identify, avoid, or cope with triggers.
The other psychotherapeutic option is interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT). IPSRT supports the patient to achieve a daily rhythm of activities such as sleeping, waking up, and mealtimes. A predetermined and consistent routine is one way of guaranteeing a better mood. Your therapies may also recommend physical exercises and diet or connect you to a professional.