Lung cancer is like any other type of cancer and occurs due to cell abnormality. Normally cells will divide to produce new cells and when this system does not progress as usual cancer occurs. You can develop benign tumors, which will not spread or malignant tumors that can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer can occur anywhere in the lung.
The main cause of lung cancer is from smoking and using tobacco products. Over 90% of all lung cancer cases are due to smoking cigarettes. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke the increased chance that you will develop lung cancer. Lung cancer can also be caused by inhaling second hand smoke otherwise known as passive smoking, breathing in asbestos fibers, radon gas, air pollution and it is also hereditary.
It is possible to develop lung cancer and not have any symptoms. In order to diagnose the lung cancer you will need to have a chest x-ray or CT scan. Very small tumors typically will not produce any symptoms. Larger tumors can cause problems with breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and chest pain. If the cancer has invaded the nerve cells in the lungs then it can cause pain down the shoulder or paralysis your vocal chords.
If you have a chronic or persistent cough, repeated respiratory infections, blood in the sputum, breathing difficulties, unexpected weight loss and or fatigue and chest pain then you should consult a doctor, particularly if you are a smoker.
Lung cancer is treated in several ways and will depend on the type of tumor and stage of cancer. Most times the tumor will be surgically removed if you are only in stage 1. However depending on the location of the tumor surgery may not be an option. Radiation therapy is used if surgery cannot be performed or if the patient refuses surgery. Many times radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy can increase the patient’s success rate dramatically.
Tags: Blood, Coughing Up Blood, Therapy, Weight, Weight Loss