Lung cancer is the malignant transformation and expansion of lung tissue, and is the most lethal of all cancers worldwide, responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk. There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Treatment also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is. 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. Metastatic cancers spread to the lungs most commonly from the breast, colon, prostate, kidney, thyroid gland, stomach, cervix, rectum, testis, bone, and skin (melanoma). More than 90% of primary lung cancers start in the bronchi such lung cancer is called bronchogenic carcinoma. The specific types of lung cancer are small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The last three types of lung cancer are often referred to as nonsmall cell lung cancers. Alveolar cell carcinoma originates in the small air sacs of the lung (alveoli). Although alveolar cell carcinoma can occur at a single site, it often develops simultaneously in more than one area of the lung. Less common lung tumors are bronchial carcinoid (which may be cancerous or noncancerous), chondromatous hamartoma and sarcoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system; it may start in the lungs or spread to them.
Lung cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung. It can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system . When we breathe in, the lungs take in oxygen, which our cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. When we breathe out, the lungs get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the body's cells. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope.
Causes of Lung Cancer
1. Breast cancer
2. Colon cancer
3. Rectal cancer
4. Stomach cancer
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
1. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
2. Difficulty swallowing.
3. Fatigue.
4. Loss of appetite or weight loss.
5. Constant chest pain.
6. Breathlessness.
Treatment of Lung Cancer
1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation therapy
3. Surgery
Lung Cancer And Treatment
Generally, lung cancers originate in the lining of the bronchi. Plus it can also form in the glands below the lining of the bronchi, usually in the periphery of the lungs.
There are four recognizable stages of lung cancer. Stage one is the mildest and stage four is the most severe form. Remember though, that all stages of lung cancer are very serious.
Let us now examine the four stages:
Stage One:In this stage, the cancer is confined to the lung tissue will only. Your chance of recovering from this type of cancer is the best.
Stage Two:Here the cancer is confined to the lung tissue and lymph nodes only.
Stage Three:At this stage, the cancer is in the lung tissue and lymph nodes inside and outside the lungs.
Stage Four:When you reach this stage, the cancer has spread to the liver, bone, adrenal glands, brain, and other areas.
The state of development and the type of the cancer are very important when trying to heal the patient. There are two types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Small Cell Lung Cancer. What follows are the likely treatments and approximate cure rates for each stage of lung cancer:
Stage One:The main treatment here involves surgery.
Cure rate is around 67%.
Stage Two:The main treatment for this type of cancer also involves surgery.
The cure rate for this type of cancer is generally in the 40 to 50% range.
Stage Three:The main treatment here includes chemotherapy and radiation.
The cure rates is generally less than 60%.
Stage Four:The main treatment involved here also includes chemotherapy and radiation. The cure rate at this stage is less than 80%.
Research is continually ongoing to study the causes of lung and other cancers, and to find new ways to prevent or even cure them.Unfortunately however, if you are diagnosed with lung cancer there is not a very good outlook attached to the outcome.
Both Juliet Cohen & Ben Orourke are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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