Don't panic if you find lung nodules! Be alert to lung cancer if you have these 5 symptoms!

Lung nodules and lung cancer prevention: things you don't know

1. Lung nodules: "naughty" in the lungs

Our lung nodules, to put it bluntly, are the kind of focal, round-shaped, and increased density shadows seen during imaging examinations of the lungs. In fact, it's like a small meat ball that suddenly popped out of the lungs, which is really distressing to look at.

This little guy, lung nodules, has different "appearances" and is mainly divided into solid nodules, pure ground glass nodules, and mixed ground glass nodules.

Among them, mixed ground glass nodules are the most troublesome. They are like a hidden "little devil" with the highest probability of malignancy.

But don't panic, my dears. After finding lung nodules, you don't have to be too anxious, but you must pay close attention to them and go for regular check-ups.

If the nodule is larger than 8 mm, you should consider letting it "see the surgeon", an old friend; if it is larger than 1 cm, it should be treated and it cannot be left alone in the lungs.

2. Early symptoms of lung cancer: sneaky "bad guys"

Early lung cancer is really a cunning "thief" and has basically no obvious symptoms. It is like an "agent" that sneaks into your body silently.

Only when the tumor grows to a certain extent and begins to gradually compress the lungs, trachea and other organs will it reveal its "features" and then cough, sputum, chest tightness, shortness of breath and even difficulty breathing.

But you should be careful, if you have an irritating cough and feel that something is constantly irritating your throat and you keep coughing; or there is blood in the sputum, it is actually not a simple fire; hoarseness, and it is very difficult to talk to others; chest and back pain, as if there is a muscle pulling and hurting all the time.

If you have these conditions, don't hesitate, and go to the hospital immediately to "report" so that the doctor can take a look.

3. People at high risk of lung cancer: those who are easily "targeted"

The main risk factors for lung cancer include tobacco exposure, air pollution, occupational exposure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and family history of lung cancer in first-degree relatives.

The high-risk group, first of all, is children aged 50 or above. At this age, the body functions like an aging machine, and it is easy to have some minor problems.

If you meet any of the following conditions, you should be extra careful:

• Smoking pack-years greater than or equal to 20 pack-years, whether you have been smoking or have quit smoking for less than 15 years;
• Living or working with smokers for more than 20 years, you are simply "baptized" by secondhand smoke;
• For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the lungs are inherently fragile;
• For those with at least 1 year of occupational exposure history, such as long-term exposure to harmful chemicals;
• And for those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with lung cancer, genes are sometimes "tricky" and increase your risk of lung cancer.

4. Non-smoking women get lung cancer: the "real culprit" behind it

Many people wonder why non-smoking women also get lung cancer?

In fact, the culprit may be things like secondhand smoke; and that fumes; or hormones; and air pollution.

In the microenvironment where women live, they are like a group of "little naughty kids", triggering oxidative stress reactions, which then cause mutations in women's genes, and ultimately induce lung cancer.

If your husband smokes at home, the secondhand smoke is like a chronic poison, which harms women's lungs little by little.

5. Prevent lung cancer: "Little tricks" to protect your lungs

Preventing lung cancer requires some tips. First of all, you have to reduce smoking. This cigarette is like a "wolf in sheep's clothing". It looks cool but actually harms people. Both active smoking and passive smoking increase the risk of lung cancer. Long-term smoking can cause gene mutations in lung cells, which in turn causes tumors. So for the sake of lung health, smokers should quit smoking as soon as possible, and those around you who smoke should also persuade them.

When air pollution is serious, don't just stand there (and reduce outdoor activities or wear a mask. This mask is like a layer of "small armor" for the lungs, which can resist many harmful substances. After all, harmful substances in the air will aggravate lung discomfort and further worsen nodules.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C and vitamin E in them can resist the damage of free radicals just like the "antioxidant guards" in the body; dietary fiber can also promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, and reduce the absorption of harmful substances by the intestines.

Maintain a good A good attitude and proper exercise are also very important. A positive and optimistic attitude can keep the immune system "combat power" in full state; proper exercise is like injecting "vitality fuel" into the body, which can not only promote blood circulation, but also improve metabolism, and enhance cardiopulmonary function, which helps the body to remove waste toxins, so that the body can always stay in the best condition.

We must take lung health seriously. The lungs are the "little treasures" of our body. Only by taking good care of them can they accompany us and live a healthy life together!