Lung cancer, or carcinoma of the lung, is one of the most common forms of cancer today. It is one of the most frequent causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States today.Cancerous cells can break down and can spread in other parts of the body by forming secondary tumor sites, which makes it more fatal. When the tumor is already on its advanced stage, managing it is somewhat harder.
Health experts say more needs to be done to educate women about the risk of lung cancer. Bearing in mind that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.The growth of the cancer and invasion of lung tissues and surroundings may interfere with breathing, leading to symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
There are different types of lung cancer, depending on which cells are affected. The two main types are:
Small cell carcinom : Around 15 per cent are small cell carcinomas. This type of cancer spreads early and shows few early symptoms.
Non-small cell carcinoma : These cancers affect the cells that line the main bronchi.
Despite the high rates of cancer deaths, lung cancer receives much less attention compared to other cancers, especially breast cancer.Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While it may take a period of years to develop, the cancer often goes undetected until late in the process.
Most people would know the primary cause of lung cancer (after all there is so much propaganda about what increases the risk of lung cancer the most). Yes, smoking tobacco is the main culprit behind lung cancer (or behind increasing the risk of lung cancer).
The symptoms and signs of Lung Cancer are difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss and general fatigue, but there are some signs of Lung Cancers that do not have any noticeable symptoms.
Late stage signs are: with epidermoid and small cell carcinoma; smokers cough, hoarseness, wheezing, dyspnea, hemoptysis and chest pain. With adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma; fever, weakness, weight loss.
The risk factors for lung cancer:
Gender
A family history of lung cancer
Scarring from previous lung disease
Second-hand smoke
Exposure to radon
Air pollution
Past Cancer Treatment
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
There are some simple things you can do to decrease your risks:
Eat your broccoli and arugula
Get your zinc, selenium, and vitamin C each day
Avoid exposure to smoke or fumes in the air
Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Lung cancer that originates in the cells of the lungs is called primary lung cancer; however, cancer may also spread to the lung from other parts of the body.
In the case of targeted drug therapy, these are newer cancer treatments that work by targeting specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Targeted therapy options for treating lung cancer include Bevacizumab (Avastin), which stops a tumor from creating a new blood supply.
Treatment of lung cancer depends on the cell type and on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Survival rates depend on the type and stage of lung cancer at the time of diagnosis.
Read about fast weight loss and also read about obesity diseases and sources of calcium
