Image Source: livehealthy.chron.com
A cough that keeps getting worse, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss are just some of the earliest signs of lung cancer. These symptoms, for most patients, are detected at the earliest stages of the disease. Late detection, however, could be subject to change as a new study reveals that the first genetic mutations of lung cancer could go undetected for 20 years.
The research, which was funded by Cancer Research UK and the Rosetrees Trust, carried out a genetic analysis of seven lung cancer patients. From their data, the scientists discovered a surprising distinction among tumors in their nature.
Image Source: sciencedaily.com
According to the researchers, the dormancy of the cancer varies from case to case, regardless if the patient is a smoker, ex-smoker or non-smoker. Distinctions lie on their “genetic faults” that appear in separate areas of their tumors. From this point, the expansion of the cancer takes different paths, which makes lung cancer genetically unique among those with the disease.
The scientists further revealed that two-thirds of the patients were diagnosed with advanced forms of lung cancer where treatments are less likely to work.
Also showing low survival rates for the disease, the study sheds light on the need for better diagnosis systems, especially for early lung cancer detection. Furthermore, it also emphasizes the importance of having a healthier lifestyle, especially among smokers who are the main victims of the disease.
Image Source: thechronicle.com.au
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician who specializes in pulmonology, internal medicine, sleep medicine, and critical care. Subscribe to this blog for more health news and articles.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon 