Health Tips

Lung Cancers:-
What is Lung Cancer?.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women. An estimated 173,700 new cases of lung cancer, and an estimated 160,440 deaths from lung cancer will occur in the United States during 2004.

Rate of lung cancer cases appears to fall between whites and blacks, American men in the United States, while they are on the rise among both whites and African-American women.

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common. And is usually spread in different parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas, Adenokarsinoma, cancer of the large cells are three types of non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer also called oat cell cancer, accounts for about 20% of all lung cancer.

What causes lung cancer?.

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer may also be the most tragic cancer because in most cases, it would have been prevented - 87% of cases of lung cancer caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are proven carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances. Smoking cigars or pipes also increases the risk of lung cancer.

More time and the amount you smoke, the greater the risk of lung cancer. But if you stop smoking, and risk of lung cancer each year and fall to normal cells replace abnormal cells. After ten years, the risk drops to a level that is one-third to half of the risk for people who continue to smoke. In addition, quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of other smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke also affect the chimney smoke inhalation, making it "passive smoking" another important cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Radon gas can come through the soil under the house or building and enter through gaps and cracks in the foundation or insulation, as well as through pipes, banks, walls or other openings. Radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States - 12 percent of deaths from lung cancer associated with radon.

Radon problems have been found in every state. Estimates and the Environmental Protection Agency that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States in the levels of radon in indoor or in the top level in the homes that should take action - 4 picocuries per liter of air (Project / l) in average per annum. Radon can be a problem in schools and workplaces, too.

Because you can not see or smell radon, and the only way to know if you are exposed to this gas by measuring levels of radon gas. Exposure to radon in combination with cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. This means that for smokers, and exposure to radon gas is one of the biggest health risks.

Another main cause of lung cancer is on-the-job exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing substances. Asbestos is a known, and to relevant articles that can cause lung cancer, but there are many others, including uranium, arsenic, and certain petroleum products.

There are many different functions that may involve exposure. Some examples of this is to work with certain types of insulation materials, and working in coke ovens, and brake repair. When exposure to carcinogens on the job is the combination of smoking and the risk of lung cancer is increased sharply.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that particulate matter pollution can cause lung cancer.

Lung cancer takes several years to develop. But changes in the lung can begin as soon as a person vulnerable to cancer-causing substances. Shortly after exposure begins, perhaps a few abnormal cells appear in the lining of the bronchi (the main breathing tubes). If the person is still exposed to cancer-causing substance, and will show more abnormal cells. These cells may be on its way to become cancerous and form a tumor.

How do you detect lung cancer?.

In its early stages, lung cancer and usually do not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, and often have advanced cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer include:

* Chronic cough
* Hoarseness
* Coughing up blood
* Weight loss, loss of appetite
* Shortness of breath
* Fever without a known cause
* Breathing
* Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia
* Chest pain

These conditions are also symptoms of many other lung problems, so the person who has any of these symptoms should consult a doctor to find out why. When a person goes for an exam, the doctor asks many questions about the person's medical history, including questions about the patient's exposure to hazardous substances. Doctor will also give the patient a physical exam. If the patient is suffering from a cough that produces sputum (mucus), it may be to examine the cancer cells. The doctor will order chest X-ray or specialized X-rays such as CT scan, which helps to find any abnormal spots in the lungs. The doctor may insert a small tube called a bronchoscope through the mouth or nose and down the throat, to search within the airways and lungs, and taking a sample or biopsy of the tumor. This is just one of many ways in which a doctor may take a sample biopsy.

A growing number of doctors are using some form of CT scan in smokers with lung cancer in a small spot, which is more vulnerable than large tumors to address them. This technique, called helical low-dose CT scan is more sensitive than regular X-rays, and can detect tumors when they were young.

For more studies on this type of examination will show whether the routine screening of smokers and others exposed to the risk of lung cancer will save lives.

If you are infected with cancer and the doctor will do a test to see if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. This information will help the doctor plan treatment more effective. Tests to see if the cancer has spread and may include a CT scan, MRI or bone scan.

How to treat lung cancer?.

The doctor will decide who will receive treatment based on such factors as the type of lung cancer, the size and location and size of tumor (whether or not it has spread), and your overall health. There are many treatments, which can be used individually or collectively. These include:
Surgery:
Surgery may cure lung cancer. It is used in limited stages of the disease. Type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor is located in the lung. The classification of some tumors can not be removed because of their size or location.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy is a form of high-energy X-ray that kills cancer cells. It is used:

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In conjunction with chemotherapy, sometimes with surgery.
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To alleviate the pain or blockage of the airways.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that are effective against cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be injected directly into a vein or given through the catheter, a thin tube that is placed in a large vein and remained there until it is no longer needed. Some chemotherapy drugs taken by the pill.
Chemotherapy may be used:

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In conjunction with surgery.
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In more advanced stages of the disease to alleviate symptoms.
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At all stages of cancer, small cell.

Some patients may be eligible to participate in clinical trials or studies and research to look at new ways to treat lung cancer

How can you prevent lung cancer?.

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If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Your local American Lung Association has books, videos, and group to help you quit for good.
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Lung Association also provides a new way to stop smoking through Freedom from Smoking ® online smoking cessation clinic.
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If you smoked, you know your rights to smoke-free environment in and twork in public places. Make your home smoke-free.
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Test your home for radon.
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If you are prone to dust and fumes at work, and ask questions about how they are protected. Do not smoke - smoking increases the risk of many cases of occupational exposure.