How does lung cancer affect the body?

 Lung cancer is one of the two most common cancers in the world. In India alone, it constitutes about 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in males & females.

Lung cancer begins in the cells of the lungs. It is nothing like cancer that starts somewhere else and spreads to the lungs. The primary symptoms of lung cancer involve the respiratory system, but in later stages, it can spread to distant organs as well.

In all it’s stages, lung cancer is treatable by specialists like Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR.

However, the question we’re answering here relates to lung cancer’s effect on the body as a whole.

Lung cancer’s effect on the body

Lung cancer does not just affect your lungs. It is cancer after all, and it can spread. Once you have a tumor in your lung/s, the cancer cells can easily break off, forming new tumors nearby or anywhere in the body if it enters the lymphatic system or bloodstream. They can travel anywhere then, and this is called metastasis.

Commonly lung cancer spreads to:

-Lymph nodes

-Bones

-Brain

-Liver

-Adrenal Glands

Depending on where the cancer migrates, different organs/systems are affected.

An in-depth look:

• Respiratory system

Most lung cancer patients do not have any symptoms at first. However, if they do, they might have frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia. They can sound hoarse or notice other changes in their voice.

Then comes persistent cough which will eventually become intense and produce mucus. With disease progression, mucus can change color or have blood in it. A hacking cough can cause chest pain which worsens with breathing or cough.

Shortness of breath, wheezing, becoming breathless even on little exertion is seen.

The respiratory system is the first system to be affected by lung cancer, and that is why this is where the primary symptoms are seen, according to top cancer doctors.

• Circulatory and cardiovascular systems

Cancer cells can make their way into the bloodstream and spread through the circulatory system throughout the body.

People with lung cancer can cough up blood, have fatal blood clots, can cause pulmonary embolism, etc. Lung cancer can also spread to the heart or the pericardial sac. (Rare) Radiation toxicity due to lung cancer can damage the cells of the heart.

Ask any oncologist in Noida, pan India, or worldwide, they’ll confirm.

• Immune & excretory systems

If lung cancer has metastasized to nearby lymph nodes, it can form lumps and bumps around your collarbone, neck, or armpits and cause neck or facial swelling. According to experts, some types of lung cancer can cause hormone-like substances to enter the bloodstream and cause “paraneoplastic syndromes.”

If it has spread to the liver, it can cause jaundice or liver pain.

• Central nervous system

Lung cancer, if it has spread to the brain, can cause memory problems, visual changes, dizziness, seizures, numbness of the limbs, weakness of the limbs, an unsteady gait, balance problems, etc. Not only that, but it can also cause Horner’s syndrome, which affects the face & the neck.

• Skeletal and muscular systems

If lung cancer has spread to the bones, it can cause bone and muscle pain, weakened bones, and an increased risk of fracture. If a cancer doctor performs an X-ray, he/she can detect it easily.

Some types of lung cancer are associated with an autoimmune disorder that interrupts the signals from the nerves to the muscles, Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

These are only a few examples. Lung cancer can also affect hormonal balance, weight, appetite, and more.

Winding up

Lung cancer affects more than the lungs. But today, with the advent of modern medicine, it can be treated and managed very well. The best way to do it is to consult an expert of repute like Dr. Manish Singhal, a leading cancer specialist in Delhi NCR.

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Advancements And Improvements In Surgery For Cancer In Recent Times

 Surgery is one of the oldest methods of treating cancer. Its invasive nature and limitations urge scientists and doctors to find safer alternatives. Surgery is commonly performed for most types of cancers, except for blood cancer. There are conservative, preservative, and reconstructive surgeries performed with different types of cancers. With medical and technological advancements, and cancer research, cancer treatment is aiming for the least invasive treatments and minimizing the need for surgery.

However, modern technology has brought down the risks involved in surgical procedures for treating cancer, making the recent advancement in surgery as cancer treatment, a beacon of hope.

Surgical Palliation - Enhancements

With the tremendous rise in the technological aspects, palliative procedures have improved significantly, especially for advanced cancers. With advanced techniques like laser coring and endoscopic stenting of the cancer tumor, it can undergo muni am obstruction. Furthermore, these digitally-advanced technologies are also bringing hope for efficient palliation of malignant esophageal perforation, malignant dysphasia, malignant obstructive jaundice, and evening tracheoesophageal fistulae.

Improvement In Systemic Therapy

There are certain risks associated with surgery when it comes to cancer treatment. There are alternatives to surgery that are used to avoid the need for surgery. Modern medicine introduced systemic therapies, which include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They are non-invasive treatments, which include medications that reach the area affected to treat the site. These advancements reduce the need for surgery altogether. It is also used to shrink the tumor to limit the intensity of the surgery and minimize postoperative complications and discomfort. The overall fall in the risk of surgery is due to the advancement in systemic therapy.

Improvement In Robotic Surgery

While the need for operations persists, the technological developments have improved the risk-benefit ratio and precision of the procedure. Robotic surgery is an advancement in which the doctor uses tools and cameras to view the insides of the body. This decreases pain and blood loss, as well as increases the precision. The doctor controls the robot to reach otherwise hard-to-reach places.

Advanced Surgeries

 

Surgical methods of tumor removal have been a staple in cancer treatment. The brighter side shows us that it is improving with time, giving the patient the benefit of reducing the pain and risks associated with surgery. One need not worry about what is the success rate of surgery for cancer as surgical interventions have always been a form of prescribed treatment and are very safe.

To summarize, proper cancer treatment can only be facilitated by a cancer specialist. One needs to find the best doctor and facility to begin treatment. If you are looking for such a facility in Noida or Delhi NCR, you need not look any further as Dr. Manish Singhal is the trusted name in service. He is considered the best oncologist in Delhi NCR and a cancer specialist in Noida. One need not wonder how effective is surgery as a cancer treatment as Dr. Manish Singhal has been in service for over 11 years as a surgical oncologist, and his operations have seen overwhelming success. His continued service is accessible to all, as he is considered to be the best cancer treatment doctor in Delhi NCR.

Also Read: Latest Developments in Lung cancer treatment Research 2020

What does it mean to be immunocompromised in the times of COVID-19?

WHO, CDC, and all the other health agencies have identified the groups of people who are most "at-risk" of suffering from the severe form of Covid-19 disease. Several factors influence the vulnerability of people to Covid-19, including age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and the condition of their immune system. While age, gender, and pre-existing conditions can be measured to some extent, hence people can protect themselves; for immunocompromised individuals, the situation is a little trickier.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding who immunocompromised people are, although the term is used extensively.

Understanding the “immunocompromised” status

When someone is immunocompromised, it means that the person's immune system is weaker than the rest of the population, either due to a disease or due to medication. A weak immune system is unable to protect the body from some infections, and from the severe side effects of infection if contracted.

People can become immunocompromised primarily in two ways:

• Immunosuppression-In fighting a disease or a disorder, if immunosuppressors are given to ensure that your immune system does not act against you, it is called immunosuppression. For example, in cancer patients, this kind of immunocompromised status is quite common. 

• Immunodeficiency-Some people are born with immunodeficiencies or develop immunodeficiencies in later stages of life.

Just like other infections, the immune system plays a major role in fighting Covid-19; and no external factor can boost the immune system. If you are a cancer patient, i.e., among the immunosuppressed crowd, you can ask your cancer doctor, and if he/she is as experienced and as up-to-date about the current situation like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, he/she will tell you the same. However, although you cannot externally boost your immunity, you can still stay safer from the pandemic than the others by following the recommendations of the health organizations.

Are cancer patients, i.e. a big part of the immunosuppressed crowd, more at risk of Covid-19? Why?

According to some of the best cancer doctors around the world, cancer patients might be at a higher risk of Covid-19. Before you panic or jump into conclusions, cancer itself does NOT make you vulnerable to either getting infected by or experiencing severe symptoms of Covid-19. There has been no proof of cancer patients, both past and present, being more susceptible to this disease.

Are we sounding contradictory? Hear us out. 

• Solid-organ cancers & blood cancers can make you immunodeficient. If an organ is removed or is malfunctioning due to cancer, or in case of blood cancer, if the whole system is malfunctioning, you can imagine how your immune system must be suffering a little. 

• Chemotherapy and radiation, common cancer treatments, can weaken the immune system during the treatment and sometimes even in cancer patients in remission or cancer survivors. 

• Other infections due to cancer treatment can further weaken an already weak immune system.

• Co-morbidities like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, can all weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

• Sometimes, cancer patients lack appetite, which gives rise to malnutrition. This can also weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

How to function as an immunocompromised person in the Covid-19 pandemic?

• Keep taking your regular medications to keep yourself as healthy as possible. 

• Eat healthy, keep exercising.

• Wash your hands.

• Do not touch your face.

• Maintain social distancing at all times.

• Do not leave your house unless absolutely necessary.

• Keep your hospital/doctor’s appointments unless instructed otherwise.

• Have an emergency supply of medicines.

• Stock-up for a period of 14 days at a time in case you need to self-isolate.

• Avoid people who are ill even if they are your family members.

• Do not share personal items with others.

The ending address

Covid-19 has already uprooted many lives, destroyed families, livelihoods, and infected almost 6 million people worldwide, killing over 346K. It is decidedly a little more dangerous for the immunocompromised people. So, be alert, be safe, don't panic, and remember you're not alone. 

If you are an immunocompromised cancer patient, consult your oncologist, if you need a second opinion or some more information and recommendations, consult with an experienced, renowned cancer doctor like Dr. Manish Singhal, a revered cancer specialist in Delhi NCR.

ALSO READ: Possible side effects of Breast cancer Treatment: How they affect a cancer patient's body

Expert Tips for Cancer Patients to prevent COVID-19

The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm, and it is spreading through countries like wildfire. Older people, people with pre-existing conditions, and immunocompromised people are the most at risk of bearing the brunt of severe symptoms if they get infected by the virus. Cancer patients, people who are immunocompromised and are prone to co-morbidities associated with cancer or cancer treatment, are among the high-risk crowd.

However, if you are a cancer patient receiving treatment or if you are looking to consult a cancer specialist, you need not worry too much about the virus, as there are some excellent tips you can check out to enhance safety from Covid-19.

How to prevent Covid-19 in cancer patients?

• Keep yourself updated

Just like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, any cancer specialist will tell you that no correlation has been found between cancer and increased rate of coronavirus infection. However, due to their immunosuppression, cancer patients are at high risk of experiencing the worst symptoms. Should you be worried about getting the virus because you have cancer? No. But, you should follow the health guidelines doubly. Everyday a new set of guidelines are brought into effect, it is in your best interest to keep yourself updated and consult your cancer specialist regularly as the situation progresses.  

• Social Distancing

Stay home if you and your family members can. If you are a cancer patient, even if you feel well, do not go out of your house unless necessary. You can get your essentials online now, or if you live with family, you can ask them to get the essentials for the time being. And if you have to get out of the house to visit your cancer specialist, do not forget to maintain social distancing.

• Hygiene first

Keep washing your hands repeatedly for 20 seconds, cough into the crux of your elbow, if you need to get out of the house, when you come back in you can practice complete sanitization. If needed, you can create a sanitization zone in your home.

• Immunity boost

There is no shortcut to boosting your immunity; so, no booster shots or essential teas will help bring your immune system at par with the healthy immune systems. You know what the best cancer doctors are suggesting to boost immunity? Cancer specialists worldwide are advising their patients to exercise and eat nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and well-cooked meals.

• Its medicine time

Being a distinguished cancer specialist in Delhi NCR, with years of experience and expertise, Dr. Manish Singhal, along with other stalwarts practicing oncology, advises against skipping regular medicines. Your regular medicines will not weaken your immune system, so do not stop taking them.

• Try at-home options

Some cancer specialists are offering at-home treatment options for cancer patients. You can either look into such treatment plans or consult your cancer specialist to create a treatment plan that best suits your requirements and the current situation.

The ending note

Covid-19 is a disease that does not discriminate. So, we all need to be careful about how we go about our lives. However, if you are a cancer patient, practicing a little more caution might be better for you. If you need any more advice or information regarding the recommendations and best practices for cancer patients during Covid-19, you can always consult one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal.

Also Read: Myths and facts about breast cancer treatment and diagnosis during Covid-19

Does Cold Water Cause Cancer? Know What Expert Oncologist In Noida Says

Time and again, we have been reminded of the benefits of drinking water. Water has enormous benefits for the mind and the body. However, drinking cold water can have consequences, or so it is believed.

Some people like to nurture the belief that cold water can cause negative impacts on one’s body and cause ill effects on one’s long-term health. It is said to make the stomach hard. Some say that it solidifies the oil-rich food that we consume, which interacts with acids in the stomach to produce fats. This fact accumulates on the intestinal walls to pave the way for cancer.

Alternatively, Indian Ayurveda suggests that cold water slows down bodily functions and disrupts the digestive process. Let us delve into the topic of discussion to find out whether cold water causes cancer.

Cancer specialists at CCI and well-known cancer doctor, Dr. Manish Singhal tells you the real story behind the fact and the fiction.

How Is Cold Water Related To Cancer?

It is true that cold water affects one’s body. Coldwater aggravates cold and flu. It causes nasal blockages. Coldwater also affects migraines and increases achalasia pain. The pain while passing food through your esophagus is called achalasia and that can increase if you take cold water with your food. Alternatively, cold water can also cool you down on warm, humid days of the summer season. But how can cold water cause cancer symptoms?

If you visit an oncologist in Delhi, they will tell you exactly how cold water affects you in a negative way. The cold water turns oily food into solids, which react with acids to form fats that accumulate in the intestinal linings. Apart from the story of consolidated mass turning into fat, there is not much credibility to the myth. Water; be it hot or cold, attains the body temperature once it is inside it. Furthermore, oils are fats essentially. Thus, stomach acids break down all food and do not ‘convert’ oils into fats, thereby rendering them harmful to the body.

Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR and cancer specialist in Noida, is often faced with the questions of cold water-related to cancer. He says that the answer to the question is a loud no.

How Can Cancer Be Prevented?

There are multiple ways to prevent cancer, but avoiding water is certainly not one of them. From the best cancer doctor in Delhi to an oncologist in Noida, everyone will tell you that the ways of avoiding cancer are simple.

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol
• Using a sunscreen
• Practicing a healthy lifestyle
• Nutritious diet
• Regular exercise
• Cancer check-ups on a regular basis.
• Adequate amounts of water

These daily practices help you avoid cancer.

Conclusion

Make an appointment with doctors, oncologists, and cancer specialists at CCI for the best cancer treatment in India.

Also Read: Is vaping a cause of Lung Cancer: Know what Oncologists say ​

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Tips to help fight with cancer by a cancer patient

Cancer is a disease that cannot be predicted under any circumstances, but there are a lot of things that can be done to lower the risks of suffering from cancer and improve the possibilities of beating this disease if you follow certain tips diligently.

When someone you love is diagnosed with a serious disease like cancer, it’s important for you to take care of the patient and help them in fighting with the disease. Although, there’s a little that you can do to protect him or her if they are in the last stages of cancer, however, your moral support can help them in improving their will power to a significant extent.

Here are some of the best tips that you can follow in order to lower all sorts of risks and live a healthier life.

1. Perform cancer screening tests regularly – Regularly perform all the screening tests related to cancer in order to determine the stages of cancer, and if you don’t have till now, whether you are taking enough precautions to protect yourself from getting cancer. In order to perform the tests and determine cancer, get in touch with the best oncologist in Delhi NCR who will help you out in carrying out all the screening tests smoothly. With cervical, colon, and other cancers, that are commonly found in the human’s body, it’s important to prevent such cancers from developing in our body in the first place.
2. Maintain a healthy weight – Most of the people who get cancer are because of being obese. Therefore, obese is considered a high-risk factor and have to be taken care off in order to prevent yourself from getting exposed to cancer. You can get in touch with a cancer doctor in Delhi NCR to understand why being overweight improves the risk of getting cancer easily. Try to maintain your weight, especially in the regions of breast, colon, stomach, and throat. Usually, in a human body, cancer is mostly found in these regions causing endometrium cancer, kidney cancer. Esophagus cancer, and pancreatic cancer in common.
3. Exercise regularly – Physical activity is the best way to lower the risks of getting cancer and saving yourself from this fatal disease. For the patients who have cancer presently, it’s also important to exercise regularly in order to lower all the risks involved and ensure that you get yourself cured of the disease. You can also get in touch with a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR to determine which are the best exercises you should be doing in order to treat cancer that you have. For all the patients, try to overstress or burden yourself by performing heavy weight exercises which can cause serious complications in your body.
4. Eat healthily – For all cancer patients, eating healthy food and diet is not an option, but a necessity. Therefore, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, fishes, chickens, and other healthy food items that can lower the risks of cancer and start the curing process within your body. Eating processed or red meat food items are not advisable at all as it increases the risks of cancer and also becomes difficult to treat it at a certain point in time. Eating less amount of red meat such as beef, pork, etc. will lessen the chances of getting cancer if you don’t have it. Rather, you can choose bread, pasta, cereals that are made from the whole grains are also advisable.
5. Avoid Tobacco – Tobacco use also increases the possibility of getting various types of cancer. If you are a cancer patient, then try to avoid consuming tobacco such as cigarettes, weed, etc. so that you don’t increase the levels of cancerous cells in your body. Therefore, avoiding these will help you in treating cancer effectively and for those who don’t have it, can save themselves from getting this disease.
6. Limit alcohol- If you are a drinker, then try to quit drinking alcohol as it may be the main cause of you getting the disease of cancer. If you don’t have cancer, try to limit your alcohol consumption so that you don’t get exposed to cancerous cells anytime soon.

These are the best ways to prevent yourself from getting cancer, and if you already have cancer, then making the treatment processes effective. Dr Manish Singhal, best Cancer Specialist In Delhi NCR has the vast knowledge in treating cancer and considered as the best doctor of the city.

Also Read: Does an Unhealthy Lifestyle Increase Mouth Cancer Risk?