Pathways to Healing Lung cancer starts in the lungs but can spread to other regions of the body. While there is no single cure, there are different treatment options that can be used. In this article, we will look at treatment options, as well as symptoms of lung cancer Roughly 1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. While smoking can increase the likelihood of getting a diagnosis, non-smokers are not exempt from this condition. There are many different causes of lung cancer, and people of all ages can be diagnosed. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for lung cancer. Beating cancer is a little more complicated than taking a few pills or going to a doctor’s office. The disease is more serious and requires more intense intervention techniques. Different Lung Cancer Treatment Options Depending on the progression of the cancer and the patient's general health, a physician may recommend several treatment options. Know that with all treatment options, there is a risk of harsh side effects and a chance that the treatment does not work. Still, these are the best options when it comes to defeating lung cancer, with increased chances of success in cases of early detection. Treatments can be used in combination with one another, or as a standalone option depending on the particular case. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy has been one of the most common treatment options for a long time. It works by using strong chemicals that target rapidly dividing cells. When introduced into your body, chemotherapy drugs will attack all rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, these drugs cannot differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells that just happen to be dividing. The side effects of such treatments can be unpleasant, but most reverse when the treatment ends or can be reduced during the treatment. Common side effects include: Nausea/vomiting. Hair loss. Mouth sores. Pain. Bowel disturbances (diarrhea/ constipation). Loss of appetite. Bruising easily. [youmaylike] Harsher and potentially permanent side effects include: Organ damage (heart, lung, kidneys). Nerve damage. Infertility. Heightened risk of a second cancer. Side effects will also vary depending on the type of drug that is used in your treatment and the way you “take in” the drug. The most common chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer include the following: Afatinib. Bevacizumab. Ceritinib. Crizotinib. Erlotinib. Chemotherapy for lung cancer can be done in the following ways: Injected: Most often this is administered through infusions (IV) but can be given through shots. Implanted: Thin wafers containing the drug can be inserted directly into the site of a tumor or surgery. Pills: Pills and capsules containing the drug are sometimes available. Radiation Radiation is another treatment method. Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to damage cells in targeted regions of the body. The intense energy beams aim at precise locations in the body and damage the cells in that region. While this, unfortunately, means that healthy cells will also be attacked, they are often able to “bounce back” from the damage where cancer cells will be killed. As it is a targeted treatment, side effects are often limited to the region in which the treatment was applied. This means that patients can expect skin problems in the area of application as well as fatigue; these are mostly short-term side effects. Specific side effects characterized by treatments aimed at the chest include: Breast soreness. Stiff shoulders. Difficulties swallowing. Respiratory problems. Radiation fibrosis (permanent lung scarring). There is a low chance of developing long-term side effects, such as the development of a second cancer, as an effect of radiation exposure. Surgery If the cancer is caught early enough, then it can be treated by removing the cancerous tissue at the initial site. The operation can only be successful if the cancer has not yet spread to other regions of the body. The side effects of this treatment will depend on the depth of the removal, the nature of the removed tissue, and its size. For example, removing a tiny bit of the lung will not be as hard to recover from as removing a large piece. Other Lung Cancer Treatment Options Other treatments are being developed that aim to keep the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatments without the harsh side effects. While some remain experimental, recently emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy, offer the potential to battle lung cancer. Talk to a licensed care physician to get the most valuable recommendations on which cancer treatment is right for you. Everybody has a different experience and treatments are decided on a case-by-case basis.
The journey of pregnancy is one many couples look forward to. Unfortunately, an event that is supposed to be joyous and exciting is often filled with frustration and complications. Struggling to get pregnant is perfectly normal. However, when problems persist after a long time of trying, it may be time to start considering the possibility of infertility. Here we will take a look at infertility symptoms and the risk factors.
What is Infertility?
Infertility refers to when individuals struggle with getting pregnant. Your case is considered an event of infertility when you’ve failed to become pregnant after a year of frequent, unprotected sex. Although it is often portrayed as an issue involving deficits in the female reproductive system, both males and females can experience infertility symptoms when a couple is trying to conceive.
Struggling with infertility symptoms does not mean that a couple can’t become pregnant. Learning more about what infertility means and what to do about it is a great first step towards overcoming your obstacles.
Male vs Female Infertility
Anyone can suffer from infertility problems. While a doctor’s examination is necessary to pinpoint the reason behind it, there are a few common reasons why a couple struggles getting pregnant.
Common reasons for male infertility:
Sperm Production Dysfunction
Abnormalities in sperm production are a leading cause of male fertility problems. These issues may arise from physiological problems, such as undescended testicles, developmental defects, or diseases. Infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, or mumps, sometimes compromise sperm quality. Other general health problems, such as diabetes, may hinder your ability to produce enough sperm.
Sperm Delivery Abnormalities
Having enough sperm won’t get a partner pregnant if the sperm cannot be delivered. Several different physiological phenomena may impede one’s ability to ejaculate properly. Structural abnormalities, such as blockage to the testicle, may cause this. Premature ejaculation may also be a contributing factor if it impedes an individual’s ability to impregnate their partner.
Reproductive Damage
While structural blocks may be due to genetic defects, disease and injury may cause these problems. Physical trauma or injury to the reproductive system may impede one’s infertility. Several environmental factors may contribute to this damage. Undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments may cause these issues. Other issues may come from smoking cigarettes, alcohol, steroids, and medication. Exposure to high heat, such as frequent hot tub use, may also impact sperm production.
Common reasons for female infertility:
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation refers to the time in a woman’s reproductive cycle when her ovary releases an egg for fertilization. If she is unable to release an egg, she won’t be able to get pregnant. Problems can be due to hormonal disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) or other hormonal imbalances that mess up a healthy menstrual cycle.
Uterine or Cervical Problems
If there are structural abnormalities (such as in the shape of the uterus) or polyp development, it may impede one’s ability to get pregnant.
Fallopian Tube Abnormalities
If the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, it may be more difficult for an individual to conceive.
Health Conditions
Different diseases and health conditions may cause damage to the reproductive system. Conditions like endometriosis are often linked with infertility problems. Primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as early menopause, causes women to cease menstruation earlier than average. Early menopause is often correlated with genetic diseases, immune system abnormalities, and previous cancer treatment.
Pelvic Dysfunction
Following injury or surgery, scar tissue in the pelvic region may make it difficult for some men and women to get pregnant.
Infertility Treatments
There are several different treatments a fertility specialist may recommend to encourage pregnancy. These treatments may be simple things such as lifestyle changes or tracking one’s cycle in order to enhance the chances of conception.
For more complicated situations, individuals may need to seek hormonal interventions or undergo further procedures to facilitate pregnancy. These involve medical supervision.
How to Receive Help for Infertility Problems
If you and your partner are struggling to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to reach out to a fertility clinic. A thorough physical examination is necessary to determine the exact cause and how it can be treated. Trained physicians can help you determine the underlying causes of your infertility and find the treatments that work best for you.