Medical testing can determine if you have stage 1 lung cancer. Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, your medical team can determine the best course of treatment for you. If you have a history of smoking tobacco products or exposure to asbestos, you are at an increased risk of developing this disease.
About 8 million Americans qualify as high risk for lung cancer and should monitor their health through yearly medical examinations, according to a 2018 study in Annals of Internal Medicine. If you are at risk for developing lung cancer or exhibit symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of Stage 1 Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can exhibit symptoms that mimic other conditions, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, around 228,820 new cases of lung cancer will occur in 2020.
Signs and symptoms of this condition include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Bone pain
- Coughing up blood
Doctors typically use imaging tests, such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, to look for malignant tumors. In some cases, a biopsy of the lung may be necessary for determining if cancer is present.
Types of Lung Cancer
Medical professionals will run a series of tests to determine what kind of cancer is present in the lungs. The type of cancer you have depends on the size of the abnormal cells in the lungs.
There are two major types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer: This accounts for around 80% to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. This mostly occurs in smokers.
- Small cell lung cancer: This accounts for 10% to 15% of all lung cancer cases. Although this condition can respond well to chemotherapy and radiation, it spreads quickly.
The odds of recovery for both types of cancers greatly depend on how early doctors catch the disease and how quickly it spreads throughout the body. The five-year survival rate for localized lung cancer is 56%, according to the American Lung Association. However, if the disease spreads outside of the lungs, the five-year survival rate drops to 5%.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Stage 1 Lung Cancer Treatment Can Be Effective if Started Early
Once a doctor diagnoses you with lung cancer, they will run a series of tests to determine the spread and stage of your condition.
Stage 1 lung cancer means the tumors only appear in the lungs, and for most patients, a segmentectomy can be an effective option. Your doctor may run additional tests to see if chemotherapy or radiation treatment is right for you.
Cancer patients must stay on top of their health for years to come. Frequent check-ups and examinations are a proactive approach in the event of a relapse.
Smoking and Asbestos Exposure Increases Risk of Lung Cancer
Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer.
Lung cancer can also develop due to exposure to asbestos. When a person inhales these fibers, they lodge themselves deep inside lung tissue and can cause cell abnormalities. Typically, conditions that result from asbestos inhalation can remain dormant for more than 10 years after the first exposure.
Most people who develop asbestos-related cancer suffered exposure to this material daily and typically through their place of employment. If you worked in the construction, shipyard, demolition, or mining industries, you may be at an increased risk for asbestos exposure. Talk to your doctor about scheduling yearly appointments to monitor your health.
Click to contact our lawyers today
Determining Liability for Your Cancer Diagnosis
If you have prior exposure to asbestos and have developed lung cancer as a result, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand that your lung cancer diagnosis is frightening and stressful. You may be facing extensive treatment that affects how you can support your family financially.
If you received a lung cancer diagnosis and you believe your case may qualify for a personal injury claim, our legal team can help. We can investigate the cause of your cancer diagnosis by examining your medical records and consulting with experts regarding your health. Once we determine the cause of your diagnosis, we can work to assign liability and lay out a plan for pursuing compensation.
We work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we receive no fee unless we secure compensation for you.
Cancer is an unpredictable disease. While there is no cure, surgery, and treatment options along with advances in technology are helping patients every day.
If you believe the negligence of another party has caused your condition, we can help. We do not shy away from tough cases. For a free case evaluation, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099.
Call or text (800) 217-6099 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
