PSA LEVELS AND LUNG SCANS: A SYNERGISTIC APPROACH TO DETECTION

PSA Levels and Lung Scans: A Synergistic Approach to Detection

PSA Levels and Lung Scans: A Synergistic Approach to Detection

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According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The estimated number of deaths due to lung cancer was 1.8 million in 2020. For the prevention of deaths by any cancer, early detection and diagnosis play an integral role. As per research and studies, the early detection of cancer increases the life expectancy of a person by 50%. Therefore, it is important to adopt a preventive approach to fight the deadly disease. In this post, we will focus on explaining the ways to detect lung cancer early. 

Understanding the Lung Cancer and its Types 


Before hopping on to the detection, it is important to know what lung cancer is about. Basically, the cancer starts to develop due to abnormal growth of cells within the lungs that take the form of tumors. These tumors are of two types, including benign and malignant. Benign tumors are those tumors that do not cause any harm to other parts of the body. On the other hand, malignant tumors are those tumors that continue to spread to other parts of the body. Until now, the exact cause of abnormal cell growth is unknown, as per studies. 

Apart from that, some other types of lung cancer include the following: 

  • Non-small cell lung cancer makes up 80% of the cases. The growth rate of this cancer is slow. This cancer has further types that include adenocarcinoma. This type develops on the outer part of the lungs, usually on the epithelial tissues. Another type is squamous cell carcinoma. It develops within the lungs in between the air tube.

  • One of the major types of lung cancer is small cells, which spread quickly to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is directly linked to cigarette smoking. 

  • A less common type is carcinoid, which grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. 


What is the Role of PSA Level in Lung Cancer Detection?


Most people have this misconception that PSA Levels play a role in the detection of cancer. Yes, it does help in the detection of cancer, but prostate cancer in men, not lung cancer. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is a specific type of protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood in men. The high level of PSA hints at prostate cancer. However, the level may differ depending on the age group. The specific type of cancer, including adenocarcinoma, does indicate a high level of PSA in some cases. However, it is not certain and is a direct indicator of lung cancer. 

What is a Lung Scan, and Why is it Important?


A lung scan is a type of scan that includes capturing detailed images of the lungs from different angles to find any abnormality. The scans are of various types depending upon the use of technology, such as CT, MRI, or X-ray scans. However, one of the most common types is a CT scan, as it allows cross-sectional images of the lungs. Further, it offers an in-depth view of the lungs, including the blockage within the blood vessels within the lungs. 

In that regard, it helps in detecting the presence of tumors or any other abnormality. The early detection allows doctors to make better decisions concerning the treatment process. 

Combination of PSA level and Lung Scan for Better Accuracy


When it comes to lung cancer detection, a lung scan is one of the best options. However, the combination of scan and PSA levels helps with the accuracy of the testing. In some cases, the cancer starts to spread to other parts of the body. In such cases, the combination of both tests can offer a better view of the body and the development of cancer. In either case, the results of the scan and PSA test allow one to adopt a proactive approach concerning treatment and adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

What are the Implications for Lung Scan?


Although a lung scan is an effective tool in the diagnosis of cancer, there are some implications that must be considered:

  • If you are pregnant, then before the scan, you must tell your doctor, as the scan includes exposure to radiation. 

  • There might be an allergic reaction due to the radioactive tracer. 

  • Sometimes, the scan shows abnormalities that are not dangerous, which call for further investigation.

  • In some cases, a scan shows a false negative result. 


Conclusion 


Lung cancer is a deadly disease, but the lung cancer scan acts as a tool in the early detection of it. Doctors suggest different kinds of scans depending upon the situation, and ViaScan of Las Colinas offers all types of lung cancer that significantly help in the treatment of the cancer. After all, it is better to adopt a proactive approach than waiting for the body to give signs.

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