What are the differences between lung cancer and pneumonia? They are mainly different in these three aspects

The differences between lung cancer and pneumonia are mainly reflected in the causes, diagnosis methods and treatment methods. The cause of lung cancer is DNA mutation in lung cells; the cause of pneumonia is infection with bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms. The diagnosis of lung cancer requires chest X-rays, PET-CT examinations and cell tissue biopsies; pneumonia requires physical examinations, blood tests and chest X-rays. In terms of treatment, lung cancer requires surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy; pneumonia requires medication, ventilator therapy, oxygen therapy, and intravenous injection therapy.

Clinically, many lung cancer patients will show pneumonia-like symptoms in the early stages, such as persistent irritating cough, fever, chest tightness, etc. It is because these patients ignore their condition that they miss the best time for treatment when they seek medical treatment, which directly affects their life span. Therefore, we need to understand the differences between lung cancer and pneumonia in order to better perform differential screening. So, what are the differences between lung cancer and pneumonia?
1. The causes of the two diseases are different
1. Causes of lung cancer <br/>The occurrence of lung cancer is mainly due to DNA mutations in lung cells. When the cell DNA mutates, the cell functions become abnormal and will further replicate and multiply involuntarily. In this way, a large number of cancer cells will gather in the lungs and form tumor tissue, which will directly destroy the normal function of the lungs and cause serious harm to the body.
2. Causes of pneumonia <br/>Pneumonia is mostly caused by infection with bacteria, viruses or other pathogenic microorganisms, and bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia are the most common clinically. A small number of patients may have combined bacterial and viral infections, and viral pneumonia is clearly contagious.
2. The diagnosis methods of the two are different
1. Diagnosis of lung cancer <br/>To diagnose lung cancer, a chest X-ray is first performed. If abnormal test results are found, a PET-CT examination will be performed to locate the cancer cells that have been produced. In addition, in order to determine the degree of development and specific classification of pneumonia, bronchial examination and tissue biopsy are also required. This can determine the type of lung cancer and the primary location of the tumor, so as to facilitate the formulation of a treatment plan.
2. Diagnosis of pneumonia <br/>The diagnosis of pneumonia is relatively simple. First, a physical examination will be performed to observe whether the glands are swollen and whether the respiratory tract is open. Then blood tests and chest X-rays will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
3. The treatment methods of the two are different
1. Treatment of lung cancer <br/>The treatment of lung cancer is relatively complex and difficult. Currently, the most commonly used method in clinical practice is basic surgery, followed by chemotherapy or targeted therapy at a later date based on the patient's condition. At present, the latest immunotherapy is also being actively applied to the treatment of lung cancer.
2. Treatment of pneumonia <br/>The treatment of pneumonia mainly depends on the type of pneumonia and the patient's physical condition. Most mild pneumonia can be treated at home as long as enough fluids are replenished and medication is taken actively. Only when the condition is more serious, hospitalization for fluid replacement and injection of antibiotics is required. More serious cases require the use of a ventilator and oxygen therapy.