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Lung cancer must be diagnosed as early as possible. Early diagnosis is the key to ensuring a better survival rate. The five year survival rate for those whose cancer is detected in the initial stages is about 49%. In contrast, the five year survival rate for all lung cancer patients is just 15%. This shows that early detection confers a significant advantage.

The key to timely detection is an awareness of common lung cancer symptoms. If a person is aware of what symptoms he should watch out for, it will allow him to consult a doctor when any of these signs are present. For this reason, some doctors emphasize that the facts about lung cancer must be spread as widely as possible.

Unfortunately, about a quarter of all those who are diagnosed with lung cancer report no symptoms at all. So how did the cancer get detected? It usually showed up in a routine CT scan or chest x-ray.

In many such cases, the cancer is present as an isolated small tumor. This is called a coin lesion. Such cases need not involve any discernable symptoms of lung cancer. At this stage, the cancer has the best chance of being successfully treated. Although there are dissenting views about the issue, some doctors are of the opinion that a chest x-ray should be part of routine medical checkups.

The presence of other health conditions like hypertension may introduce complications. While indications of elevated pressure in a lung cancer patient, the doctor will be extra careful. Here is another resource that has information on these health issues.

The further a cancer progresses, the more difficult it becomes to treat and cure. In the initial stages, the cancer is usually confined to the lung tissues alone. This is called Stage 1 of the disease and detection at this stage offers the maximum chances of long term survival.

In contrast, stage 4 lung cancer has spread to many other body parts. Lung cancer has a tendency to affect vital organs like the brain, liver, adrenal glands and so on. Obviously, this type of advanced cancer is very difficult to treat and survival rates at this stage are very low.

Please note that the above does not constitute medical, health or any other kind of professional advice or assistance. Make sure you get in touch with a doctor / medical professional for advice and assistance on all health related issues.

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