About Lung Cancer – Everything That You Need To Know!
Facts About Lung Cancer
Learning about lung cancer is important to understanding what causes it and how it can be treated.A� This disease is one of the main causes of deaths in male and female cancer patients, and kills hundreds of thousands worldwide each year. It can be difficult to treat because of its proximity to vital organs, airways and blood vessels. Once malignant cells invade the lymphatic system or blood stream, they metastasize and infect other areas of the body.
Symptoms
Lung cancers are generally divided into non small-cell (NSCLC) and small cell (SCLC) varieties. Because they do not cause any noticeable discomfort, small-cell carcinomas are hard to detect in the early stages. However, even in its early stages, NSCLC can create discomfort. Common symptoms of this disease are bloody cough, dysphonia (hoarseness), shortness of breath and dysphagia, making it difficult to swallow. An individual can increase their chances of a healthy prognosis by seeing a doctor as soon as these signs appear.
These signs of discomfort result from a growing cancer for several reasons. A tumor invading the airways can cause dysphonia or make it difficult to breathe. Cancerous lesions can rupture and bleed, which the individual then coughs up. A small percentage of people have no noticeable symptoms.
Diagnosis
Suspected cancer is diagnosed with biopsies and imaging technology. After an initial physical examination, chest x-rays, computed tomography or a chest radiograph may be taken to identify malignant masses. Biopsies provide tissue samples to identify the type of carcinoma.
Treatment
Stage 1a, 1b, 2a and sometimes 3a NSCLC is often treated by surgical resection of tissue in the lung, followed by chemotherapy. Stage 3b and beyond may be too advanced to remove surgically. In these patients, treatments of chemotherapy and radiation protocols help reduce if not eliminate the cancerous cells. Palliative care for increasing patient comfort is the common goal at this stage.
Causes
The majority of NSCLC and SCLC cases are attributed to cigarette smoke and tobacco products. Exposure comes from primary and secondary smoke containing dozens of carcinogenic elements. Asbestos, radon, nickel, and pollution also cause lung carcinomas. Limiting or avoiding exposure to these agents lowers the risk of developing a problem.