Cancer
of the lungs is a common type of cancer that is associated with the human
lungs. The human lungs are two spongy shaped organs in the chest that takes in
oxygen when we inhale and expels carbon dioxide when we exhale.
Cancer
of the lungs has been proven to be the major cause of death in many countries
as it affects both men and women. It is more deadly than other diseases like
colon, prostate, ovarian, and breasts
cancers.
The
two general types of lung cancer include:
Small cell lung cancer :
This type of cancer
is more evident in heavy smokers and is rarer than non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer :
This type of cancer
is used to classify several types of cancers that have the same effect on the
human lungs. It includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large
cell carcinoma.
Causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers:
•
Smoking
on a minimal basis and inhaling smoke from people smoking can result in lung
cancer.
•
Lung
cancer can also result from air pollution caused by wastes from cars,
factories, and other sources.
•
The
effect of asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and a combination
of this with cigarette smoking raises the risk to a higher level of
approximately 50 times.
•
The
risk of cancer of the lungs is also increased when one has lung diseases such
as tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
•
Exposure
to radon also increases the risk of lung cancer.
•
The
risk of lung cancer is increased when one is constantly exposed to arsenic,
chromium, nickel, aromatic hydrocarbons, and others.
•
A
consistent cough that doesn't go away
•
Coughing
up blood
•
Shortness
of breath
•
Chest
pain
•
Hoarseness
•
Losing
weight without trying
•
Bone
pain
•
A
headache
The
treatment of lung cancer greatly depends on the presence of SCLC or NSCLC, and
also on the tumor stage.
Lung Cancer Medical Treatment
In
the case of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), patients whose diseases are confined
to one lung and its regional lymph nodes (limited disease) are identified and
separated from those with extensive stage disease. Limited stage diseases are
often treated with radiation and chemotherapy, causing the disease to become
hibernate. More than 80% of the patients that undergo this treatment will
experience this disease again after 2 years, while 10% of patients may
experience it again in 5years or more.
Lung Cancer Surgery
Lung
cancer surgery is a preferable treatment for patients showing early stage
NSCLC. However, a great number of these patients have an advanced or metastatic
disease and as such are not suitable for surgery upon completion of their
staging evaluation.
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