Overview of Lung Cancer
Posted on August 11, 2008
Brief introduction to Lung Cancer
The specific causes of cancers are still not fully understood. However there has been lots of developments and research being done all over the world. Basically, a cancer arises from the abnormal and uncontrolled division of cells which invade and destroy the surrounding tissues causing death. There are different types of cancers, among them the four most common cancers are breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. Out of them, lung cancer is very common and is associated with cigarette smoking. Around 5 million deaths occur each year around the world which is caused by tobacco and smoking cigarettes. The stats are increasing overwhelmingly as tobacco is set to kill more and more people in coming years.
Smoking can be very addictive without knowing about it. Many people starts smoking for various reasons for instance, they think that smoking can relieve them from depression or maybe they think it creates a cool self-expression. Some think smoking cigarettes gives pleasure, calms, and relaxes the user. However despite to all those reasons, Smoking is very hazardous to the health and will eventually lead to death. A Smoke from a cigarette contains nearly 4000 deadly chemical agents, carcinogens, carbon mono-oxide, tar, arsenic and are the primary causes of fatal Lung Cancer cases.
There are two major types of Lung Cancers:
Small Cell lung Cancers (SCLC)
Non-Small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)
Small Cell lung cancers:
Small Cell lung cancers, also known as oat cell carcinoma, are less common than non-small lung cancer. The cells grow more rapidly than NSLC through out the body and spreads to lymph nodes proceeding to other organs such as bones, brain, glands and liver. Studied shows that about 10 % to 15% of all lung cancers falls in this category. Usually, surgery is not a best option for this type of lung cancer.
Non-Small cell lung cancers:
Non-Small cell lung cells are known to be very common cancers. The cells grow and spread slower than SCLC. They all grow and spread in different ways. Smoking is primary reason for this type of lung cancer. NSCLC is known as one of the more lethal cancers and is even deadlier than colon, breast and prostate cancers.
There are three types of non-small cell lung cancers.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
All of these cancers can be treated if they are spotted in the initial stage. NSLC has four stages, where as SCLC has two stages namely limited stage and In extensive-stage. Generally, treatments of lung cancers involve surgical removal of tumors, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy. These treatments depend on the stage the cancers at and patients conditions.
The cause of both SCLC and NSCLC is from Smoking cigarettes. There are however several other reasons that many people might not be aware of. For example: second hand smoking, smoking cannabis, prolong contact with Asbestos, radon gas which is naturally occurring gas from the soil, radioactive elements such as uranium, chromium and elements like nickel can cause lung cancers. Living in polluted cities can also cause lung cancer which is rare but not unheard of.
Although there has been lots of research and development to cure cancers, many scientist from around the world are positive that there will be huge advancements in the near future. People who are regular smokers should never ignore some of the major symptoms like continuous coughing, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, streaks of blood seen in sputum, weight loss for no reason etc. These are the red flags indicating something is seriously wrong and should seek immediate medical tests such as clinical examination by Oncologist, X-Ray tests, complete blood count, sputum examination, CT/PET scan, bronchoscopy etc.
The chances of recovery are very high if you spot the disease in time. But for the most part, Staying away from cigarettes and quitting smoking is the ONLY WAY to help prevent you from being diagnosed with this fatal disease.
Facts About Lung Cancer, Learn More - http://www.NonSmallLungCancer.com
Article Author :Jon_Kwan
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