How to treat dry cough caused by lung cancer?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Dry cough is a very common symptom in clinical practice, caused by many factors which are also very complex. Some patients might clearly have lung cancer. Due to the presence of lung cancer lesions, patients can experience irritating dry cough as well as symptoms like hemoptysis, chest pain, and chest tightness. It is possible that some patients do not exhibit symptoms of dry cough, perhaps due to other causes. Therefore, for dry cough, we need to identify if it is caused by lung cancer, as it often requires surgical treatment to control the symptoms. Some patients with minor lung cancer who experience dry cough might be able to control it with appropriate medications. However, to effectively control symptoms of dry cough caused by lung cancer, surgical removal is generally necessary and is the ultimate treatment plan.

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Can lung cancer be cured?

Lung cancer is a type of malignant tumor, so whether it can be cured depends on the circumstances and can only be assessed over time. If the patient is eligible for surgery and there is no recurrence or metastasis after the operation, then adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be effective. If the evaluation after treatment shows no recurrence or metastasis and the condition is stable, then naturally, the patient's five-year survival rate will be higher. However, if there is recurrence or metastasis after surgery and the cancer is not very responsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, then the five-year survival rate will be much lower. The same applies to small cell lung cancer. Generally, small cell lung cancer is more responsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but if it is not, then the five-year survival rate is also low. Thus, this question can only be addressed by considering the individual's pathology stage, nutritional status, physical condition, cardiopulmonary function, and many other factors. It cannot be broadly answered.

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How is lung cancer caused?

The specific causes of lung cancer are not completely clear, but there are some high-risk factors. Research has shown that lung cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic defects and internal and external environmental carcinogens. It is undeniable that long-term heavy smoking is the most important carcinogenic factor for lung cancer, with the amount and duration of smoking being positively correlated with the incidence of lung cancer. Secondly, environmental factors, such as working with asbestos or in mining areas, are also very relevant to the incidence of lung cancer. Thirdly, irregular eating habits, rest, alcohol consumption, indoor combustion, coal smoke, fumes from kitchen cooking, and carcinogenic substances released from indoor decorations and materials are also related. Fourthly, the body's internal immune status, metabolic abnormalities, genetic factors, and chronic lung infections also have a significant impact.

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Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer differences

Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are both types of primary bronchogenic carcinoma, differing only in their cellular morphology. They also differ in clinical symptoms and characteristics of metastasis. Small cell lung cancer is more prone to metastasis clinically, including strenuous and distant spread, such as to the brain and liver. The medications used for each are also different; small cell lung cancer typically involves chemotherapy drugs like etoposide and cisplatin, whereas non-small cell lung cancer commonly uses drugs like paclitaxel and platinum-based drugs.

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Is coughing up blood lung cancer?

Patients with lung cancer can experience hemoptysis, but the occurrence of hemoptysis does not necessarily mean that it is caused by lung cancer. Although hemoptysis is a symptom of lung cancer, there are many other diseases that can cause it as well, such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, various pneumonias, certain heart diseases, blood disorders, etc. Therefore, it can only be said that hemoptysis may be an indication of lung cancer, not that hemoptysis confirms the presence of lung cancer.

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Symptoms of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Brain metastasis of lung cancer is caused by hematogenous spread of lung cancer to the brain. Brain metastasis typically presents with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting, including projectile vomiting. The headaches may be severe, and there may be abnormalities in sensory perception and motor function, possibly accompanied by seizures, mental confusion, olfactory disturbances, visual impairments, and other symptoms. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the location of the metastasis in the brain. However, most patients experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Individual differences are significant, and it's important to analyze the specific issues and the specific areas of the brain affected.