Squamous cell lung cancer is usually found within the air sacs of the lungs. This type belongs to NSCLC or non-small cell lung cancer. In case the condition is undiagnosed and untreated, this type of cancer can also develop to advanced metastatic carcinoma, which can affect various body organs and the spread of the cancer can be fatal. On early diagnosis, physicians usually administer drug therapy for the management of the condition. Some of the most commonly used medications for this condition are the following:
· Vinorelbine: this medication is useful in fighting squamous cell lung cancer and is also known as Navelbine. This type of medication belongs to the family plant alkaloids. Based on studies, Vinorelbine or Navelbine works by destroying the structures known as microtubules that are helpful in making the cytoskeleton of the cancer cells and provides support for the cell. The cancer cells have to reorganize the microtubules during the process of cell division. Inhibiting the function of these microtubules prevent the cells from dividing further. Due to this, the cancer cells are unable to divide and its growth is stopped. It was said that the combination of Vinorelbine and chemotherapy drugs could be very effective in treating squamous cell lung cancer conditions.
· Cisplatin: this is another commonly used medication for squamous cell lung carcinoma. This is a type of chemotherapy medication that belongs to the class of medications that contain platinum. Platinum, on the other hand, is a known metal that acts as toxin in cells. Once the platinum contained in cisplatin entered a squamous cell, it interacts with the DNA of the cell thus resulting to the buildup of toxic DNA. When this happens, the tumor will not be able to replicate its DNA, which is necessary for the process of cell division. This also prevents the cancer fell to generate protein necessary for the survival of the cell, thus leading to its death. According to studies, cisplatin is also helpful in slowing down lung cancer prognosis and is often being used as palliative or curative therapy for NSCLC conditions.
· Gemcitabine: this is also known as Gemzar, a medication that is also useful against squamous cell carcinoma. This medication is a nucleotide analogue. It contains the similar structure as the components making up DNA. In the process of cell division, the cancer cells within the lungs have to replicate its DNA into billions of nucleotide. With the absence of the DNA replication process, the cells will not be able to divide. During the process of DNA replication, gemcitabine or Gemzar is incorporated with the new DNA that stops the synthesis of the old DNA, thus preventing the cancer cells from replicating and stopping its division. Based on studies, combining gemcitabine with cisplatin is proven effective against various types of NSCLC.
Based on lung cancer statistics more and more people are being affected with squamous cell lung cancer or any type of non-small cell lung cancer. To prevent this, you have to avoid the risk factors of the condition and this often includes smoking and exposure to asbestos and radon gas. In case you are afflicted with this condition, make sure to learn of ways on how you can improve the quality of life and slow down the prognosis of the cancer.
Check out the internet for more information on how to squamous cell lung cancer and ways on prevent lung cancer. This can help you stay on the safe track and maintain a healthy body without worrying about such condition.