What is sarcomatoid cancer of the lung?
Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is a rare type of cancer that invades the deeper tissues of the lungs and shows poor response to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These are rare cancers and account for 0.1-0.4% of all cancers of the lungs. It has a high tendency to spread to the other parts of the body.
Causes of sarcomatoid cancer of the Lung
Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is more prevalent (common) in males who are doing cigarette smoking for a long duration; Exposure to certain chemical substances at the workplace may also be a cause for the development of sarcomatoid cancer of the lung. The mean age for the development of the disease is 59-61 years. The 5-year survival rate is 11-25%.
Sign and symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Difficulty in breathing while walking, climbing stairs, or doing any routine physical activity
- Wheezing ( continuous appearance of coarse, whistling sound from mouth while breathing)
- Cough
- Obstruction of the airway (Trachea, windpipe)
- Bloody sputum (mucus with cough on coughing)
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood from some part of the lung)
- Pain in the chest
- Weight loss without doing any dieting and exercise (unhealthy weight loss)
- Loss of hunger
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic Techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Physical Examination of the nose, throat trachea, bronchi, and chest
- Use of imaging Techniques such as Chest X-ray, CT-scan (Computed tomography scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- Bronchoscopy (It is the inner examination of the bronchi and lungs by using a medical instrument named bronchoscope).
- Biopsy: Taking a sample of the lung tissue and sent for cancer tissue examination called histopathology.
Treatment:
The primary treatment for sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is lobectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the affected lung lobe, or pneumonectomy, the removal of the entire lung.
In advanced metastatic cases where the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgical removal of the lung along with affected lymph nodes is recommended. For cases where the tumour has metastasized to distant parts of the body, Targeted chemotherapy radiation therapy or immunotherapy along with the surgery are the most suitable treatment options.
What support can we give for the Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung?
Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well-known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon are grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.