Bronchial squamous cell carcinoma symptoms and signs. Bronchial cancer: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Bronchial cancer - symptoms

Bronchial cancer or central lung cancer is a pathological process that is characterized by the formation of malignant neoplasms from the integumentary epithelium of the bronchi and bronchial glands. Medical statistics today are such that any form of disease (small cell, squamous cell, etc.) is diagnosed in patients aged 45 to 75 years. It is noteworthy that most often the signs appear in representatives of the stronger sex. Over the past few decades, the incidence of central lung cancer has increased several times. Scientists associate this trend with an increased carcinogenic effect.

As bronchial cancer progresses, a person becomes very concerned about the following symptoms: cough, severe shortness of breath, fever. Also, as the disease progresses, another characteristic sign of pathology appears - hemoptysis. To confirm the development of squamous cell, small cell or other type of central lung cancer in a patient, the patient is required to undergo a bronchological examination. One of the most informative diagnostic methods is endoscopy, which makes it possible not only to identify changes in the tissues of the bronchi and lung, but also to take a small piece of the tumor for cytological and histological examination.

Treatment of bronchial cancer depends on the stage of the pathological process, as well as on the severity of symptoms. Most often, surgical intervention is prescribed to remove the tumor. If it is no longer possible to operate, then the course of treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The prognosis for central lung cancer depends directly on the stage at which the pathological process was detected. Carrying out radical surgical intervention helps to achieve very high results in about 80% of cases. If the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes, then the survival rate is reduced and equals 30%. In the absence of surgical treatment, bronchogenic cancer will gradually progress and disrupt the functioning of vital organs and systems. In this case, the five-year survival rate is less than eight percent.

Causes

To date, scientists have not yet been able to establish the reasons why squamous cell, small cell or other types of bronchial cancer develop. Most researchers in this field agree that damage to the tissues of the bronchi and lung occurs as a result of active smoking. Statistics are that if you smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, the risk of progression to central lung cancer increases up to 25 times. If you smoke more, the prognosis will be even more disappointing. But we should not forget about passive smokers who inhale smoke. If you regularly inhale it over several years, metaplasia of the epithelium of the bronchial mucosa will gradually begin to develop. The reason for this is that smoke contains an increased concentration of carcinogens.

The risk of developing symptoms of bronchial cancer increases in those people who work in industries with hazardous working conditions. In this case, we mean those factories where people come into contact with arsenic, asbestos, nickel, mustard gas and other unsafe substances. In addition, squamous cell, small cell or other type of bronchial cancer can develop as a complication from inflammation of the airways, in particular after bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, etc. But with timely treatment, the prognosis will be favorable (in the early stages of development of the pathological process).

Classification

There are several classifications of central lung cancer, depending on the histological structure, clinical and anatomical form and growth pattern. Depending on the histological structure, the following types of disease are distinguished:

• adenocarcinoma. This disease is diagnosed in 10% of the total number of cases;
• squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms of this form of the disease are most often detected in patients (about 60% of cases);
• small cell and large cell. Is detected in about 30% of cases.

Depending on which parts of the bronchi were affected, peripheral and central cancer are distinguished. Squamous cell, small cell or large cell central cancer most often affects the large bronchi. According to medical statistics, in about 60% of cases. The peripheral type of the disease primarily attacks the bronchioles and subsegmental bronchi.

Classification by growth pattern:

• exophytic cancer. In this case, a malignant neoplasm grows into the lumen of the bronchus;
• endophytic. In this case, the tumor grows towards the lung parenchyma.

Stages

Squamous cell or other types of bronchial cancer occur in four stages, each of which has its own symptoms. Treatment will be more effective in the first two stages. The prognosis will be favorable if the pathology is detected as early as possible.

• stage 1 – no metastasis observed. The diameter of the neoplasm is no more than three centimeters. Most often localized in the segmental bronchus;
• stage 2 – metastasis to regional lymph nodes. The dimensions of the neoplasm are up to six centimeters;
• stage 3 – the neoplasm is more than six centimeters in size. Symptoms of pathology become more and more pronounced. Metastasis is observed in the lymph nodes. The cancerous process spreads to the main or any neighboring bronchus;
• stage 4 – manifestation of symptoms of cancerous pleurisy. Metastasis to vital organs. The prognosis is extremely unfavorable. Cancer at this stage is inoperable, so treatment consists of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications to reduce the intensity of symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease depend on the size of the affected bronchus, the anatomical type of the neoplasm and its structure (squamous, large cell or small cell). As central cancer progresses, the first symptoms are as follows:

• dry cough;
• stridor and wheezing;
• cyanosis of the skin;
• discharge of sputum streaked with blood.

If the cancer process affects the pleura, then pain occurs in the chest area. If the tumor blocks the bronchus, then the part of the lung that will not receive oxygen will gradually become inflamed, which will cause the progression of obstructive pneumonitis. The first signs of the disease are as follows: cough intensifies, a lot of sputum is produced, fever, shortness of breath and general weakness.

The third and fourth stages of cancer are characterized by the development of superior vena cava syndrome, as the outflow of blood from the upper body is disrupted. This condition is characterized by swelling of the venous vessels in the neck, arms and chest, as well as bluish discoloration of the skin on the face. Metastasis to regional lymph nodes, as well as vital organs.

Diagnostics

In the early stages, this type of cancer, like any other, is rarely diagnosed. It is usually detected by chance, for example, during an examination for another reason. To confirm the diagnosis, the following diagnostic measures are prescribed:

• X-ray of the lungs;
• bronchoscopy;
• biopsy;
• histology;
• MRI of the lungs;
• skeletal scintigraphy;
• thoracentesis with cytology of pleural effusion.

Treatment

Treatment of pathology includes surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The sequence of measures taken is determined by the doctor. Surgical treatment involves removing part or all of the lung (depending on the spread of the pathological process). If the patient has a common form of oncology, then surgical treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are combined.

For inoperable forms of cancer, only symptomatic treatment is prescribed - antitussives and painkillers.

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Diseases with similar symptoms:

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by short-term attacks of breathlessness caused by spasms in the bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane. This disease has no specific risk group or age restrictions. But, as medical practice shows, women suffer from asthma 2 times more often. According to official data, today there are more than 300 million people with asthma in the world. The first symptoms of the disease most often appear in childhood. Elderly people suffer from the disease much more difficult.

Bronchial cancer is a malignant neoplasm, the formation of which begins in the glandular tissue and integumentary epithelium, and can be peripheral or central. Central cancer is formed from small and large bronchial tubes, and peripheral cancer is formed in the lung tissues. Central cancer can be small cell, large cell, or squamous cell.

Description

The lungs are the respiratory organs, located in the chest and consist of the right and left lungs. Benign tumors of the bronchi are very diverse, although they make up less than 10% of the total number of tumors of the respiratory tract. They usually appear in young people over 30 years of age and often develop into cancerous tumors.

The tumor process begins to develop when the protective functions in the upper respiratory tract are reduced and the impact of various harmful factors increases. Epithelial cells of the bronchi and bronchial glands multiply chaotically and degenerate into malignant ones. Cancerous tumors most often appear in the bronchi, but can form in any other part of the lung.

In modern medicine, the term bronchopulmonary cancer is used, combining two diseases: bronchial cancer (bronchogenic) and (alveolar). According to statistics, about 85% of patients with such tumors are smokers with a long smoking history and age from 35 to 55 years. Similar cancer can also occur in non-smokers, but such cases are much less common. People over 60 years of age are also at risk, and this disease is diagnosed in men 8 times more often than in women. Bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common cause of death from malignant tumors. Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a particularly rare type of lung cancer.

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Must remember! Quitting smoking is the most important and necessary thing that anyone can do to prevent cancer in the respiratory system.

Varieties

Bronchogenic cancer is classified into three types based on its histological structure:

• small cell (oat cell) - characterized by rapid growth and gives metastases to the brain, bones, and liver. Rarely found in non-smokers, it occurs in almost 20% of cases of lung cancer;
• non-small cell - divided into three subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma. Occurs in almost 80% of cases;
• small and large cell – the neoplasm has features of both previous types.

Based on the nature of growth and development, bronchial tumors are divided into the following types:

1. exophytic - grow into the lumen of the bronchus and cause insufficient ventilation of the lungs (hypoventilation) or collapse of the lung or its lobe (atelectasis);
2. endophytic - grow in the direction of the lung parenchyma, can lead to perforation of the bronchial wall and tumor growth into adjacent organs (pleura, pericardium, esophagus);
3. mixed - have signs of both exophytic and endophytic neoplasms.

Symptoms

The growth of a malignant bronchial tumor is a long process, most often up to several years. For this reason, a lot of time passes before the first characteristic signs of the disease appear. Manifestations of cancer in the respiratory tract depend on the form of the disease and the stage of development. If the tumor has formed in the bronchus, then the first symptom of the disease is a prolonged dry cough.

In addition, the following signs of the disease are observed in the early stages:

At the initial stage, it is very difficult to determine the disease. This is due to the fact that the lungs have almost no nerve endings that are sensitive to pain. And therefore, obvious signs of the disease occur when the pleura and other tissues where there are nerve endings are affected. Symptoms of respiratory failure appear when only a quarter of the total lung tissue remains functional. The severity of symptoms depends on the patency of the airway. Early appearance of signs of pathology is observed in patients with endobronchial tumor growth, and imperceptible and slow - in peribronchial tumors, when the tumor grows outward

As the disease progresses and the bronchus is completely blocked, obstructive pneumonitis develops - an inflammatory process accompanied by such symptoms as:

• increased body temperature;
• fever;
• increased cough;
• dyspnea;
• general weakness;
• chest pain.

Most often, patients mistake this condition for simple bronchitis, do not go to the doctor to get an x-ray done, and treat themselves. But my health is not improving, on the contrary, it is getting worse. The chest pain intensifies, the cough becomes stronger, the temperature is higher and does not go down.

At the last stage of bronchogenic cancer, superior vena cava syndrome is observed, in which the outflow of blood in the upper part of the body is disrupted. Patients experience swelling of the veins in the neck and upper extremities, swelling of the face and neck, the voice may become hoarse and pain in the heart may occur (if it spreads to the heart sac). With advanced bronchial cancer, metastases develop to regional lymph nodes, brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones.

Bronchial cancer is classified into four stages according to the level of progression:

• I – the size of the neoplasm does not exceed 3 centimeters, is located in the segmental bronchus, there are no metastases;
• II – the size of the neoplasm is up to 6 centimeters, located in the segmental bronchus, there are metastases to the regional lymph nodes;
• III – the size of the tumor is more than 6 centimeters, the cancer has spread to the adjacent or main bronchus, there are metastases in the lymph nodes;
• IV – the most advanced and aggressive stage, the spread of distant metastases to organs important for life, cancerous pleurisy develops.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing bronchial cancer is often difficult, since a malignant neoplasm is often mistaken for other lung diseases (bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, etc.). To check the bronchi and lungs for the presence of a tumor, an X-ray examination of the chest organs is first prescribed. What does an x-ray show for bronchial cancer? X-rays may show spots and shadows, indicating the possibility of a tumor. X-ray can detect a neoplasm of at least 4 mm in diameter; tumors of smaller sizes are not detected. X-ray is considered the most effective way to determine a tumor in the respiratory tract at an early stage of its development. in case of bronchogenic cancer, it determines the presence of a neoplasm if it grows into the bronchial cavity, and also helps to obtain a sample of lavage water and tumor cells for biopsy.

In addition, a complex of diagnostic studies is carried out, including:

• histological and cytological examination is the most informative, since the genesis of neoplasm cells is accurately determined;
• MRI of the lungs;
• Ultrasound of the pleural cavity, mediastinum, pericardium - reveals signs of cancer spreading to nearby organs;
• PET-CT – used to determine the stage of a small cell type of neoplasm;
• mediastinoscopy - used to determine the extent of metastasis of the mediastinal lymph nodes;
• Skeletal scintigraphy - prescribed to assess the extent of cancer spread to the bones.

Examinations of other organs are also carried out to determine distant metastases.

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Treatment

Treatment of bronchogenic cancer is usually carried out with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Treatment methods are divided into three types:

• radical - removal of the tumor, affected lymph nodes and metastases;
• conditionally radical - the main method is supplemented by drug treatment and radiation therapy;
• palliative – used when it is no longer possible to cure the patient. They alleviate the symptoms of the disease (pain and other manifestations) and psychologically support the patient.

For non-small cell cancer of the respiratory tract, the best effect is achieved by combined treatment, which begins with radiation therapy to the area of ​​the primary tumor and metastases.

After 15-20 days, one of the surgical operations is performed:

• pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung);
• pneumonectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy (removal of the lung and regional lymph nodes);
• lobectomy - resection of one lobe of the lung;
• bilobectomy - resection of two lobes of the lung;
• circular resection of the tracheal bifurcation;
• circular resection of the thoracic aorta or vena cava.

When diagnosing bronchial oncology early, in very rare cases, fenestrated or circular resection of the bronchial tube is used. In cases of bronchial cancer, sparing surgery, that is, preserving at least some part of the lung, is most often unacceptable. Malignant cells may remain in the lung tissue, and the tumor will begin to develop again. And relapses of such cancer usually have serious consequences and are treated only with a palliative method.

For small cell bronchial cancer, which is more aggressive, surgery is most often impossible or pointless. In this case, the patient is recommended chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation therapy. In addition, painkillers and supportive medications are prescribed.

Radiation therapy is used when there are contraindications to surgery or the patient refuses surgery. Both the focus of the malignant tumor and the mediastinum are irradiated. Chemotherapy is also used to treat respiratory cancer. But there are no big positive results from its use. Chemotherapy only reduces the size of the tumor and stops the spread of metastases. Used in palliative treatment.

Remember! Bronchial cancer is a very serious disease that changes the patient’s entire subsequent life. Even if the operation was successful and the disease was overcome, the patient’s life will no longer be as fulfilling as before the illness.

Measures to prevent bronchial cancer include:

• healthy lifestyle;
• regular examination with fluorography;
• treatment of respiratory diseases to prevent them from becoming chronic;
• to give up smoking;
• Those working in hazardous industries must observe safety measures and use personal protective equipment (masks and respirators).

Forecast

The prognosis of bronchogenic cancer primarily depends on the stage of the disease and histological features of the tumor. Radical surgical intervention in the early stages gives high positive results in almost 80% of patients. With a non-small cell type of tumor at the initial stage, the five-year survival rate of patients is about 50%, in the second stage - up to 25%. In inoperable or advanced cases, survival rate is less than 10%. With small cell cancer, after undergoing courses of chemotherapy and radiation, the life expectancy of patients ranges from 15 to 55%. At stage 4 of the disease, the prognosis is unfavorable.

The first symptoms of bronchial cancer may appear already at stages 1-2 of the disease. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. In the early stages, the pathology can be cured, but if it is neglected, it can lead to the death of the patient.

Main causes of cancer

Bronchial cancer itself is quite rare, only stomach cancer is rarer. Appears mainly in older people - over 50 years old. Men are several times more susceptible to the disease.

Cancer can appear for the following reasons:

• Smoking. If a person smokes more than 1 pack of cigarettes per day, he is susceptible to bronchopulmonary cancer. Tobacco smoke contains a large number of chemical components that negatively affect the bronchial mucosa and act as carcinogens. The dry mucous membrane tries to protect itself and begins to produce excessive amounts of mucus. The ciliated epithelium does not have time to remove it, so the airways are not cleaned properly.

All this increases the risk of developing tumors by 10-15 times. Therefore, to prevent the disease, you should stop smoking or smoke less than one pack of cigarettes per day.

• Work in industrial factories. The risk of respiratory disease is associated with frequent human exposure to nickel, chromium, arsenic, mercury and other substances.
• Chronic diseases. If a person has frequent bronchitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis, the mucous membrane of the bronchi begins to deplete. A number of destructive changes occur on it, which over time can lead to cancerous tumors.

The risk group includes smokers with many years of experience. In addition, pathology can develop in so-called passive smokers - if a person is near smokers. Therefore, smoking should not be allowed indoors, especially around children.

Main symptoms

Signs of bronchial cancer depend on the stage and form of the pathological process. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms of the disease. Some people experience respiratory failure, dry cough, and chest pain. But these manifestations are so mild that they are often ignored. And when more noticeable symptoms appear, it may already be too late.

Bronchial cancer can be central or peripheral. In the first case, the main bronchi are affected - left or right, or both at once. The following symptoms are observed:

• Cough. It is dry, paroxysmal, and manifests itself mainly at night. Gradually it turns into wet and is accompanied by copious sputum. The mucus may be clear or pink, with small streaks of blood. But it is always sticky and hard to come off.
• Pneumonitis. Bronchial cancer is characterized by conditions that resemble pneumonia in symptoms. Pneumonitis is regular inflammation of the bronchi, during which a severe cough appears, body temperature rises, general weakness and discomfort in the chest are observed. Such manifestations occur periodically, and patients confuse them with colds. However, with each exacerbation the patient’s condition worsens even more, the pain becomes severe, and the body temperature may not subside for a long time.
• Respiratory failure. A person complains of difficulty breathing. At first this is tolerable, but as the tumor grows the condition becomes worse. Asthmatic syndrome is possible, which makes itself felt at night.
• Insomnia. A person cannot sleep in a lying position, since in this position he cannot take a normal breath. He needs a high pillow that allows him to sleep with his head elevated. This symptom appears mainly in the later stages of the pathological process. The face, neck and shoulder girdle may also swell due to insufficient oxygenation of this area and stagnation of fluid in the blood.

In peripheral cancer, the tumor appears on the secondary or tertiary bronchi. With bronchial cancer in women and men, symptoms and first signs may be absent, especially in the early stages. A tumor is usually discovered by chance - during routine fluorography. Signs of damage appear only when the neoplasm reaches a large size and begins to grow into the tissue of the bronchi. Pain, severe coughing, and difficulty breathing appear.

In order not to waste time, you need to consult a doctor when the first unpleasant signs appear. Otherwise, the tumor will become too large and inoperable, which is likely to result in death.

Stages of the disease

There are 4 stages of bronchial cancer. In the early stages of the disease, treatment may be conservative, but in the later stages, even surgical intervention may be ineffective. Each stage is accompanied by special features:

1. At the first stage, the tumor is small and its size does not exceed 3 cm in diameter. In this case, the lymph nodes are not affected, there are no metastases. Treatment of the tumor is carried out using radiation therapy.
2. At the second stage, the tumor is already quite large and reaches 5-6 cm in diameter. The nearby lymph nodes are affected, but there are no metastases yet. Therapy should be comprehensive - combining radiation and surgical methods.
3. At the third stage, the size of the tumor exceeds 6 cm. The tumor can spread to other organs beyond the bronchi (trachea, heart and blood vessels).
4. Stage 4 bronchial cancer is the most severe, as metastases are already observed. In this case, the size of the tumor can be very large, it spreads to other organs, leading to their partial damage.

At stages 3-4, a malignant tumor may not respond to treatment. Therefore, the therapy is aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition, but complete recovery cannot occur.

Diagnosis of bronchial cancer

Bronchial cancer in the early stages is difficult to diagnose, as it is almost asymptomatic. Even if the patient consults a doctor, an erroneous diagnosis may be made. At first, the visual examination of the patient is uninformative. As the tumor develops, retraction of the supraclavicular region and some parts of the sternum occurs.

During auscultation, the doctor may detect vague, dull sounds in the affected area. Sometimes there is no sound at all in the area where the tumor is located. This phenomenon is also considered phenomenal. Therefore, if such inconsistencies are detected, the doctor should prescribe additional research methods.

If respiratory tract cancer is suspected, an x-ray is prescribed in two projections. The image shows darkening in the lungs. But to clarify the exact location of the tumor and its size, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary.

Bronchoscopy is also performed. This is a procedure in which a special instrument with a camera on the end is inserted through the nose. With its help, you can visualize the bronchi and clearly see the tumor. During it, bronchial lavage water is taken, which is subsequently subjected to cytological analysis.

Bronchoscopy is a very unpleasant examination. After it, a person may have a sore nose and respiratory tract for several hours, and discharge in the form of clear mucus is observed.

To determine the structure of the tumor, a biopsy is performed during bronchoscopy. This is the sampling of a small area of ​​the tumor, which will later be submitted for histological examination. During the procedure, the composition of the tumor and the presence of atypical cells in it will be determined. After this procedure, it will be known whether the tumor is malignant or benign.

Using ultrasound of the pleural cavity, it is determined whether the tumor has begun to grow into neighboring tissues. During diagnosis, it is important to differentiate the disease from other pathologies - bronchial adenoma, bronchitis, the presence of foreign bodies in the bronchi and others.

How is the disease treated?

Treatment of bronchial cancer involves the use of surgical methods, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The combination of these methods depends on the severity of the tumor process. At an early stage, radiation therapy may be sufficient, but surgery may also be prescribed if necessary.

Application of radiotherapy

Radiation therapy is a method in which a malignant tumor is exposed to electromagnetic waves or high-energy beams. As a result, tumor cells lose moisture, which leads to their destruction. The greatest effect is achieved by destroying cells that have the ability to multiply quickly, which are cancer cells.

It is used as an independent treatment method or in combination with surgery to avoid relapse of the disease. Therapy consists of three stages:

1. Pre-radial. During it, the patient and all necessary equipment are prepared for the procedure.
2. Ray. Several irradiation cycles are carried out, each of which includes several sessions.
3. Post-radiation. Includes additional measures to prevent relapse of the disease. During this period, the patient stays at home and visits a medical facility once in a while.

However, radiation therapy has some disadvantages. It affects not only sick cells, but also healthy cells. This can lead to various complications: hair loss on the body and head, the esophagus narrows, and the patient’s well-being worsens.

During rehabilitation, you must follow a special diet - give up sweets, hot and spicy foods. Include soups, cereals, and potato dishes in your diet. You need to eat often and in small portions. You should also drink plenty of fluids.

At stages 1-2 of bronchial cancer, radiation therapy is effective in 70% of cases. But if treatment is not started in time, other methods may also not produce results.

Chemotherapy

This is one of the main methods of treating bronchial cancer. A drug is injected into a vein, which enters the bloodstream and has a systemic effect on the body. The substance penetrates pathological cells and causes their death.

But the drug used also negatively affects healthy cells.. This can lead to various complications, sometimes very serious. To reduce the negative impact of chemotherapy on the body, it is carried out in several courses. The duration between cycles can be 14, 21 or 28 days.

The procedure itself is almost painless, but immediately after it the patient will begin to experience a burning sensation throughout the body. Sometimes this is accompanied by vomiting, loss of consciousness and spontaneous bowel movements.

Surgical intervention

Removal of a bronchial tumor can be carried out in the early stages, but only if there are indications for this - cancer cells multiply quickly, which is why the tumor increases in size very rapidly.

Partial resection of the lung or its complete removal may be performed. Sometimes in the early stages, if the tumor is small, only partial removal of the bronchus is sufficient.

In later stages, surgery is combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If the cancer is no longer operable, symptomatic treatment is performed to alleviate the patient's condition. It consists of taking cough suppressants and painkillers. In case of developing respiratory failure, oxygen therapy is carried out.

Bronchogenic cancer can be completely cured if you consult a doctor in time and start treatment. If it is detected in the first stage, the patient has a high chance of making a full recovery, in the second - only 40%, and in the third - 20%. Therefore, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

Over the past few decades, the number of cases diagnosed with bronchial cancer has increased several times. In this pathological process, neoplasms are formed from the integumentary epithelium and bronchial glands, which are malignant in nature.

Bronchial cancer - causes

There is a certain list of factors that can provoke the development of the formation of an oncological process in the bronchi.

1. Malignant tumors form when healthy tissue degenerates. Doctors have not yet found an exact explanation for why this happens.
2. A tumor in the bronchi can develop due to smoking, since nicotine can damage the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract. In addition, temperature disrupts the process of cell division, which leads to the rapid development of neoplasms.
3. Working in poor conditions, such as in a mine, chemical plant or nuclear power plant.
4. The presence of chronic diseases, scars on the lungs after treatment for tuberculosis, and so on.

Types of bronchial cancer

There are two main types of tumors that arise in the bronchi:

1. The situation when neoplasms concern only the lobar and segmental parts indicates central bronchial cancer. In this case, the tumor quickly grows inside the organ.
2. Peripheral bronchial cancer in women and men is accompanied by neoplasia of the distal respiratory tract. This type of disease is asymptomatic for a long time.

Bronchial squamous cell carcinoma

Epidermal cancer is the most common and in this case the formation is formed from large flat cells that are arranged in a spiral or polar manner. The tumor may be of low differentiation, with or without keratinization. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bronchus is highly malignant and often has a poor prognosis and low survival rate.

Small cell bronchial cancer

An undifferentiated type of cancer, in which the formation grows infiltratively, and in most cases the tumor originates directly in the lung. It consists of small cells, without signs of multilayered epithelium. They are arranged in the form of a garland or path. In some cases, small cell cancer produces extensive metastases and aggressively spreads to nearby tissues.

This form of the disease accounts for about 20-25% of all diagnosed types and is directly related to smoking. It is worth noting the high aggressiveness of such bronchial cancer, since the tumor metastasizes to distant organs, for example, the adrenal glands, brain and bones. The malignant formation is inoperable, so chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used in treatment.

Large cell carcinoma

In this type, the formation consists of large cells. There are two types of cancer: those with mucus secretion and those with cavities filled with atypical cells. Large cell cancer is the disease that occurs the least often, and this is for the best, since death occurs in the early stages. Oncologists note that the formation of this type is influenced by passive smoking and long-term drug addiction.

Bronchial adenocarcinoma

Glandular cell carcinoma is characterized by the appearance of a tumor with a well-formed structure. It is characterized by the production of mucus. The tumor occurs in the peripheral part of the lung, and in the first stages the symptoms of the disease do not appear. Bronchial adenocarcinoma metastasizes to the brain. If a tumor is diagnosed in the early stages, it can be removed through surgery.

Bronchial cancer - symptoms

It’s worth mentioning right away that tumor growth takes a long time, so more than one year passes before the first specific symptoms are identified from the onset of the disease. When figuring out how bronchial cancer manifests itself, it is worth noting that, according to clinical signs, the following stages are distinguished:

1. Biological. At this initial stage there are no clinical or radiological signs. When performing fluorography, you can see changes in the pulmonary structure.
2. Asymptomatic. The development of the first signs is observed, which are determined during an x-ray.
3. Stage of clinical manifestations. The patient notices various symptoms and the disease is already actively developing.

At the second and third stages, changes in a person’s condition may be observed that are characteristic of other diseases, for example, ARVI, pneumonia, and so on. In the later stages of cancer, signs of pulmonary failure are revealed, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and problems with the heart are noted.

Bronchial cancer - symptoms, first signs

Many oncological diseases have nonspecific early signs, so patients rarely come to the doctor in the first stages of the disease, when treatment is most effective. Symptoms of bronchial cancer at an early stage: coughing, decreased performance and chronic fatigue, loss of weight and appetite. Over time, signs of respiratory failure gradually increase. The first symptoms of bronchial cancer include the appearance of pain when the tumor grows into the surrounding tissue.

Stages of cancer

There are 4 stages of development of the disease and each has its own symptoms. Doctors say that treatment will give results only in the first two stages and the earlier signs of bronchial cancer are detected, the better the prognosis.

1. Stage No. 1. The neoplasm does not reach more than 3 cm in diameter. In most cases, it is localized in the segmental bronchus, but metastasis is not observed.
2. Stage No. 2. Metastases begin to spread to regional lymph nodes. The diameter of the formations reaches 6 cm.
3. Stage No. 3. At this stage, the tumor in the bronchi becomes even larger, symptoms appear and metastasis in the lymph nodes is already observed. Another important point is that the oncological process spreads to the neighboring bronchus.
4. Stage No. 4. Symptoms of cancerous pleurisy are noted and metastases develop in other important organs. At stage 4, bronchial cancer has a poor prognosis. The formation is inoperable, and treatment will consist of radiation and chemotherapy.

Bronchial cancer - diagnosis

To confirm or refute the diagnosis, doctors use the following diagnostic methods: CT, MRI and X-ray. They help to identify not only the presence, but also the location and volume of the tumor. X-rays and other techniques help determine bronchial cancer, and the diagnosis also necessarily includes a general blood test to find out the level of leukocytes and ESR indicators. Cytological examination is important because it helps determine the nature of the formation.

Bronchial cancer - treatment

To help the patient, doctors use conservative and surgical treatment methods. The first group includes radiation therapy, which in the final stages is used together with surgery. Irradiation is carried out for 2 months. and the total dose is up to 70 Gray. To remove a tumor without anesthesia and complex surgery, doctors, based on individual indicators, can prescribe stereotactic radiosurgery, which uses a cyberknife. This instrument emits radiation that removes tumors and metastases.

Non-small cell bronchial cancer (stage 3 and other complex stages) is treated with chemotherapy. It is used when surgery is not possible. Chemotherapy drugs are prescribed when it is necessary to treat a small cell tumor that is sensitive to such drugs. For non-small cell types, chemotherapy is used to reduce the size of the formation and pain, and also restore respiratory function. Treatment of bronchial cancer with folk remedies is impossible and very dangerous.

Surgery cannot be performed in all cases. Bronchial cancer is treated faster if the formation is completely removed, which will ensure a quick recovery for the patient. At stage 4, surgery is not performed, since metastases affect nearby tissues, and such intervention is ineffective. Surgical treatment of cancer is carried out in several ways, and the choice of option takes into account the extensiveness of the process:

1. Lobectomy refers to the resection of a lobe of the lung. The doctor makes the final decision after the chest is opened. If indications are found, for example, the spread of the oncological process, the operation can be expanded.
2. Bilobectomy is based on removing the upper or middle, or lower and middle lobes together. The lobes that remain are sutured to the mediastinum. Immediately during surgery, nearby lymph nodes are removed.
3. During a pneumonectomy, the lung and nearby lymph nodes are completely removed. This operation is performed only if the patient is in good condition.

Bronchial cancer - prognosis

It's no secret - the earlier the problem is identified, the more likely the chance of a complete recovery. If you are interested in how long people live if they have bronchial cancer, then you should know that if the tumor is identified in the initial stages and treated in a timely manner, the five-year survival rate is up to 80%. When the disease is advanced, according to statistics, approximately 30% of operated patients survive. If a person refuses treatment, then only 8% of patients survive to five years.

Bronchial cancer - symptoms, prognosis and treatment at all stages of the disease - Magazine about weight loss website

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Bronchial cancer, or as it is also called lung cancer, is an oncological disease during the development of which bronchial cells cease to perform their functions and begin to grow, forming a tumor. This disease in women and men can be triggered by various factors.

Etiology, development mechanism, factors and varieties

The development of bronchial cancer occurs against the background of a decrease in the activity of metabolic and enzymatic processes in the lungs, which perform a very important function - they remove harmful substances coming from outside from the lungs.

As a result of such disorders, endogenous carcinogens are formed in the bronchi in combination with impaired trophic innervation, which leads to the development of the blastomatous process, causing the formation of cancer cells.

Oncology of the respiratory tract develops for various reasons. The most important factor that provokes pathology is smoking. Scientists have proven that the tobacco smoke that a smoker inhales contains a huge amount of harmful carcinogenic substances that settle in the lungs.

Their regular impact on the mucous membrane disrupts the functioning of the bronchi, provoking the replacement of columnar epithelium with flat epithelium. It is these changes that lead to the development of cancer cells, which then begin to grow and form a tumor.

But not only smoking provokes bronchial cancer. Other reasons may also cause its development. For example, this disease often develops in people whose professional activities involve constant inhalation of harmful chemicals (miners, cement plant or paint production workers, etc.).

Hereditary predisposition also plays an important role. If a family member has previously been diagnosed with cancer, the risk of developing it in other family members increases several times.

In addition, chronic lung pathologies, which include scars, bronchiectasis and other diseases, can provoke the development of oncology.

Tumors in the bronchi are divided into two main types:

• Central cancer in which tumor processes affect only the lobar and segmental bronchi;
• Peripheral cancer, which is characterized by neoplasia of the distal respiratory tract.

In addition, bronchial cancer is divided into several subtypes:

1. Squamous. This is one of the most common forms of lung cancer that occurs today. During its development, the tumor is formed from areas of squamous metaplasia of the mucosa. Such bronchogenic carcinoma is easily treated surgically and in most cases, when it appears, the prognosis is relatively favorable.
2. Small cell. The prognosis for this type of cancer is poor. In 90% of cases, it leads to mortality, since small cell cancer is characterized by rapid growth and early metastasis.

Separately, we should highlight central bronchial cancer that occurs in a segmental or lobar area. As it develops, a tumor appears and begins to actively grow inside the bronchi. As a result, the lumen of the airway becomes blocked. In rare cases, central cancer forms a tumor that grows infiltratively, enveloping the bronchi and compressing them, thereby narrowing their lumen.

There is also the so-called mixed lung cancer, which manifests itself with signs of several forms of this disease.

First symptoms and signs

Symptoms of bronchial cancer can be different and they depend not only on the type of cancer and the growth of the tumor, but also on the location in which it appeared.

If we talk about the main symptoms in women, which manifest themselves in all types of lung tumors, then the following signs should be highlighted:

• dyspnea;
• cough;
• menstrual irregularities;
• signs of intoxication of the body (fever, headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite, etc.), which most often appear when a tumor develops in the large bronchi.

Bronchogenic cancer of the main bronchus is quite often accompanied by a dry cough, which then becomes wet and is accompanied by the release of sputum mixed with pus or blood.

This type of cancer is dangerous in that during its development, the lumen of the bronchial tube may be completely blocked, as a result of which air will not flow into it and the lung tissue will cease to function.

In other words, cancer of the main bronchus is fraught with atelectasis. A condition such as atelectasis provokes the development of pneumonitis (inflammation), due to which fever, chills and weakness are added to the main symptoms, which indicate the development of an acute infectious process.

When the formation disintegrates, the size of the tumor decreases, as a result of which the lumen of the bronchi partially expands. This causes a decrease in the intensity of the symptoms of atelectasis. However, after their disappearance, one should not assume that the disease miraculously went away on its own.

After a certain period of time, the neoplasm again begins to increase in size, compress the bronchi and provoke the appearance of symptoms of atelectasis and pneumonitis.

Upper lobe lung cancer is diagnosed in women more often than lower lobe lung cancer. Scientists suggest that this is due to the fact that the upper section of the bronchi is most exposed to harmful carcinogenic substances.

The most dangerous is considered to be peripheral bronchial cancer, which for a long time does not manifest itself in any way. The main sign of the development of an oncological process appears when the tumor becomes large. In this case, there is a severe cough and pain in the sternum, the occurrence of which is associated with the growth of the formation into nearby tissues.

If a peripheral tumor grows into the pleural cavity, pleurisy begins to develop and, accordingly, the general symptoms are supplemented by signs characteristic of this disease - fever, severe pain in the chest, shortness of breath, etc.

In the final stages of its development, the tumor becomes large, compresses the bronchi, disrupting their ventilation, and leads to the accumulation of exudate in the chest cavity. All this puts strong pressure on nearby organs and contributes to their displacement. Such processes lead to:

Stages of development and diagnosis of pathology

Treatment of bronchial cancer and its symptoms directly depend on the stage of development of the disease. It is determined by several factors: the volume and degree of damage to nearby tissues:

The most favorable prognosis is for stages 1 and 2 of the disease. In this case, the patient has every chance of a full recovery. Stages 3 and 4 are the most dangerous and lead to mortality in 80% of cases.

Lung cancer is diagnosed using the following modern diagnostic methods:

1. MRI.
2. X-ray examination.

These diagnostic methods make it possible to detect not only the presence of a tumor, but also its volume, as well as the extent of spread to nearby tissues.

Diagnosis of bronchial cancer also necessarily includes a general blood test, which allows you to determine the level of leukocytes and acceleration of ESR, and a cytological examination of bronchial discharge.

The last analysis is the most important, as it allows you to determine the exact nature of the formation - malignant or benign.

Treatment methods

If a patient has been diagnosed with lung cancer, treatment can be carried out either conservatively or surgically.

Conservative treatment

Radiation therapy is used to treat bronchial cancer. In the final stages of tumor development, it is used in combination with a surgical method.

To cure bronchial cancer, irradiation is performed at a total dose of up to 70 Gray. The course of treatment is about 2 months. There are types of tumors that are most sensitive to radiation. This is a squamous cell and undifferentiated carcinoma. In this case, not only the place where the tumor is located is irradiated, but also the area of ​​the mediastinum with the lymph nodes.

For terminal stage cancer, such treatment helps reduce pain and improve the general condition of the patient.

To remove a tumor without anesthesia and complex operations, some doctors offer their patients stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves the use of the latest development by scientists - a cyber knife. It emits radiation, which allows you to remove not only tumors, but also metastases in the lung tissue.

As for chemotherapy, it is usually used to treat patients with bronchial non-small cell cancer when surgery is not possible.

Chemotherapy drugs are also used to treat small cell tumors, which are highly sensitive to conservative treatment. Non-small cell lung cancer is difficult to treat with chemotherapy and in this case they are used to reduce the volume of tumors, relieve pain and restore respiratory functions.

Most often, treatment of bronchial cancer is carried out using chemotherapy drugs such as:

1. Matotrexate.
2. Cisplatin.
3. Cyclophosphamide, etc.

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful drugs that can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. You cannot independently decide to extend the course of treatment or increase the dosage of the drug used. This can lead to dire consequences.

Surgical treatment

The main and only effective method of treating bronchial cancer is surgery. It allows you to remove the entire formation and ensures a quick recovery for the patient. However, surgical treatment is not possible in all cases.

At stage 4 of the disease, when the tumor has already metastasized to nearby tissues, surgery is not performed, as it is pointless.

To remove the tumor completely, doctors will have to remove all the organs that were affected. And their removal is incompatible with life. Surgical treatment of lung cancer in women and men is carried out in several ways:

The last method of surgical treatment of oncological diseases is the most radical, in which not only the lung is removed, but also the mediastinal lymph nodes and tissue. If the tumor is very large and has grown into large vessels or the trachea, then partial resection of these areas is performed.

Such treatment of oncological diseases requires the patient to be in good condition, so it is not possible for every patient.

If the patient has contraindications to surgery to remove the tumor, then treatment is carried out only with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They do not give such quick results, but are still highly effective in treating cancer.

Features of the postoperative period

After the operation, the patient must be under strict medical supervision. Constant monitoring of pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, etc. is required. For the first few days, the patient undergoes active aspiration of the lungs through drains specially installed during the operation.

Antibacterial therapy is mandatory in the postoperative period. Depending on the general condition of the patient and the complications that arise, other medications may be prescribed.

For the first few days, the patient is prescribed a strict diet, after which, in the absence of contraindications, he can gradually return to his usual diet. 48 hours after the operation, breathing exercises are prescribed, which are aimed at improving blood circulation and preventing congestion in the lungs.

Otherwise, all measures taken during the postoperative period depend on the general condition of the patient.

It is very important to identify this pathology in a timely manner, since the longer therapy is delayed, the faster the cancer will progress.

And this, in turn, in most cases does not lead to the most favorable consequences.