This type of cancer is called "cancer that is not cancer", and three high-risk groups must be vigilant!

NO. 1 Pulmonary fibrosis is irreversible and is called "cancer that is not cancer"

There are more than 200 causes of interstitial lung disease, and their clinical manifestations and prognosis vary greatly. Some patients with pulmonary fibrosis may develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis. If not promptly and correctly diagnosed and treated, dyspnea may progressively worsen, respiratory failure may even endanger life, and seriously affect the quality of life and survival.

Among them, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a typical type of fibrotic interstitial lung disease. The cause is still unclear and its progression is unpredictable. Once idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed, the five-year survival rate of patients is about 20% to 30%, which can be called "cancer that is not cancer."

NO. 2 Pulmonary fibrosis is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late

Pulmonary fibrosis patients are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, and the awareness of pulmonary fibrosis among ordinary people is very low. Due to the lack of knowledge about the disease, even if early symptoms appear, patients do not pay attention to them, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

On the other hand, some doctors also need to improve their understanding of pulmonary fibrosis. If anti-fibrosis treatment is not carried out as early as possible, the best time for treatment may be missed.

Patients with mild pulmonary fibrosis in the early stage will experience dyspnea after activities, and the symptoms will progressively worsen as the disease progresses. In severe cases, dyspnea will occur even at rest. At the same time, some patients will experience hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and clubbing of the distal ends of their fingers or toes.

Early detection, early diagnosis and standardized treatment are the key to delaying disease progression and improving quality of life! Therefore, when relevant symptoms appear, you must pay attention to them and seek medical treatment in time.

NO. 3 Three groups of people are at high risk of pulmonary fibrosis

Which high-risk groups should be vigilant and prevent pulmonary fibrosis as early as possible?

0 1****Long-term smoker

People who smoke for a long time are more likely to suffer lung damage, which not only leads to a decrease in the body's immunity and weakened lung function, but also induces damage to the alveolar epithelial cells. Repeated damage and repair of the alveolar epithelium will lead to pulmonary fibrosis.

0 2****People who work in dusty environment for a long time

For example, coal miners, stone processing workers, etc. will inhale a large amount of dust and harmful substances. If they do not take protective measures, it is very easy to cause pulmonary fibrosis.

0 3**** “Old Patient” in Rheumatology and Immunology Department

People who suffer from autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, etc., if the disease affects the lungs, will develop interstitial lung disease.

In addition, some chronic disease patients also need to pay attention, such as patients with gastroesophageal reflux, or patients with viral infections, such as hepatitis C virus infection, which can also lead to interstitial lung disease. Therefore, Professor Zhao Yabin reminded that high-risk groups or people over 50 years old should have a chest CT scan once a year to achieve early detection and early treatment.