Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Lung Cancer Awareness: Is a mass in the lung always cancer?

Lung cancer is a mass or growth made up of cancer cells. However, less than 40% of lung masses are cancerous. So, if your doctor has told you that you have a lung mass or few, there is no need to panic. You see, "lung mass" is a broad term used to characterize multiple abnormalities in the lungs.

What EXACTLY are lung masses?

Lung masses are abnormal spots or areas in the lungs, which are more than 3cms or one and a half inches in size; anything smaller and even the best cancer doctors call them lung nodules. There are two major categories of lung masses, malignant and benign. More often than not, lung masses are non-malignant, which translates into non-cancerous.

Benign vs. Malignant Lung masses

According to clinical researchers and some of the best lung cancer doctors worldwide, hamartomas, bronchial adenomas, and papillomas are some of the common types of benign lung masses. These can occur due to tuberculosis, abscesses, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, pneumonia, and other co-
morbidities. The general symptoms of benign lung masses are shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, and coughing.

The same clinical researchers and best cancer doctors agree that some of the common malignant lung masses are non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. While there are no known causes of lung cancer, the chances of lung cancer are aggravated by smoking, age, family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, exposure to air
pollution, and carcinogens.

Symptoms of Lung cancer

While most people experience lung cancer symptoms differently, these are some of the common symptoms:


  • Chest pain that doesn't go away
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • constant coughing & coughing up blood
  • Recurring lung infections
  • Hoarseness
  • Swelling in neck or face
  • Fever


However, even the best cancer doctors will tell you that even with all the said symptoms, you might not have lung cancer. The best way to know whether your symptoms might be of lung cancer is to get yourself checked. And, remember, even if you do have the disease, with the right lung cancer treatment from the best lung cancer doctor in town, your chances of coming out of this storm
stronger, are extremely high.

Statistical analysis of lung masses
As mentioned above, about 40% of lung masses and nodules are cancerous. Lung masses and nodules for people below 35 years of age are rarely cancerous, about 1%; however, for your above 50 years of age, chances of lung a mass being cancerous is a little less than 50%, according to researchers and lung cancer specialists.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death accounting for 25% of the mortality rate; however, lung cancer treatment and diagnosis have come a long way and the numbers are improving every day.

Not all lung masses are lung cancer; but, if you are suffering from the extended symptoms of lung cancer or if you are at high-risk, you can always consult the best lung cancer doctor in town. For Delhites, it is Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, and also regarded as the best Oncologist in Delhi NCR. Dr. Manish Singhal also offers treatment for lung cancer in Noida and the adjoining areas.

Also Read: Prognostic factors affecting survival rates in Lung Cancer Patients

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