LUNG CANCER
Cancer which begins in the cells of the lung. It causes difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, headache and weight loss.
It is mainly of two types:
- Non-small cell lung cancer- is the most common type
- Small cell lung cancer- is the aggressive form and is observed in smokers
COMMON CAUSES
The causes include:
The primary reason for lung cancer is cigarette smoking. There are chances that nonsmokers also get lung cancer. Smoke that enters the lungs causes damage to the lung tissue. The body will try to repair the damage, but due to the continuous exposure, it will fail.
Another causative agent is a radioactive gas called radon. Radioactive gas can enter through small holes in the buildings. Genetic mutation can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
The risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Radiation therapy
- Asbestos and other heavy metals like cadmium, selenium, etc., can also increase the risk.
- Family history of lung cancer
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms include:
- Chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, laugh, or a cough.
- Hoarseness
- A lingering or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight Loss
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- Muscle Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis includes physical examination and medical history.
X-ray – X-ray of chest is taken to identify the presence of tumor.
CT scan – CT scan of the lungs is performed to identify the location and size of the tumor mass.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRI of the lungs can detect the severity and spread of cancer cells.
Positron emission tomography (PET) – To observe the function of lungs and its tissues.
Sputum cytology – Sputum tests may be performed in certain cases to look for cancerous cells.
Biopsy – A small sample of the lung tumor cells is obtained to determine if they are cancerous.
TREATMENTS
Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
COMPLICATIONS
If untreated it may lead to
- Shortness of breath: it is common as the cancer cells grow and block the airways
- Inhaling air becomes as the lungs cannot expand fully due to fluid accumulation
- Bleeding in the airways causes coughing up blood
- In certain cases severe bleeding may occur
- Lung cancer metastasis to other parts can cause pain
PREVENTION
- Quit smoking: Smoking is the common cause
- Avoid passive smoking
- Avoid carcinogens at work: stay away from harmful chemicals
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