Lung Cancer

Overview

Lung cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung, which leads to the blockage of adjacent tissue and air infiltration beyond the lungs.

Types

There are two types of primary lung cancers:

• Small Cell Lung Cancer - About one in five lung cancer cases are small cell cancers.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Is the other form, which accounts for the other four cases.

There are three main types of non-small cell cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, which is the common variation mostly suffered by smokers, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. The less common version of lung cancer is called mesothelioma, which covers the outside of the lungs and lines the chest. This version can be contracted through sustained exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer that grows right on the top of the lung is called a pancoast tumour. This type of cancer has very specific symptoms associated with it, such as severe shoulder pain, drooping of an eyelid, smaller pupil of the effected eye and severe sweating on the particular side of the face.

Symptoms

Men and women of all ages can contract lung cancer, but it is mainly smokers and people over 50's that are considered most at risk from this disease. The symptoms of lung cancer can vary widely among patients. Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer are as follows:

• Constant Coughing
• Shortness of Breath (thought to be caused by a blockage of part of the lung or fluid on the lungs)
• Phlegm Production Containing Blood
• Pain While Breathing or Coughing (the pain is dull, aching and persistent)
• Lack of Appetite
• Tiredness and Nausea
• Weight Loss
• Repeated Respiratory Infections (chest infections are common)
• Wheezing or Hoarseness Due to Inflammation of the Lungs
• Unexplained Fatigue and Anemia
• Muscle Weakness and Skin Rashes
• White Residue Build Up Under the Nails

There are some less common symptoms of lung cancer, which are usually experienced in the later stages of the illness. Patients experience a hoarse voice, swelling of the face and neck, pain in the ribs caused by the liver, shortness of breath and pain while swallowing.

Causes/Risk Factors

The major cause of lung cancer includes carcinogens found in smoked tobacco, ionizing radiation and viral infection. This exposure results in the changes in the DNA of the bronchial epithelium of the lungs causing damage. Growing damage eventually develops a cancer.

Tests/Diagnosis

Lung cancer can be diagnosed by various test methods such as the history and physical examination, a chest X-ray, CAT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, bronchoscopy, a biopsy and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatments for lung cancer may include surgical removal of the cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A combined treatment of these therapies is usually followed depending on the cancer stage, patient's heath and age and the localization of the tumor.