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brbrWhen you think of certain cancers, which ones come to mind? Breast? Prostate? Colon? Pancreatic? Truth be told, lung cancer kills more Americans than any other type of cancer.
brbrLung cancer is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths in the United States annually. There are two major types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, so named because of how the cells look under a microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common, and it generally grows and spreads more slowly. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, named for the type of cells in which the cancer develops: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.
The Facts About Lung Cancer was provided by University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
brbrLung cancer is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths in the United States annually. There are two major types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, so named because of how the cells look under a microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common, and it generally grows and spreads more slowly. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, named for the type of cells in which the cancer develops: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
- brA persistent cough that gets worse over time
- brConstant chest pain
- brCoughing up blood
- brShortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
- brRepeated pneumonia or bronchitis
- brSwelling of the neck and face
- brLoss of appetite or weight loss
- brFatigue
What Causes It?
brExposure to carcinogens (cancer causing agents) damages DNA in the cells of the body. The major cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking. Other contributing factors include environmental tobacco smoke, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and diet.Who’s Most At Risk?
brTobacco smoke is the biggest carcinogen, responsible for 85 percent of all lung cancers in the United States. Risk increases with the amount of tobacco used and the amount of time it has been used. Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke are also at risk of developing lung cancer. Other forms of tobacco use, such as cigar smoking and pipe smoking, are also associated with lung cancer. Other risk factors include:- brbrFamily history
- brEnvironmental and occupational exposure to certain substances, including arsenic, asbestos, ether, chromium, silica, cadmium, nickel, and radon
- brExposure to excessive radiation (wartime or industrial exposure, or radiotherapy to the chest)
- brLung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- brPoor diet (however, diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce risk)
Treatment Options
Prevention
brThe best means of prevention is to never start smoking or chewing tobacco or to stop using tobacco products. A healthy diet is also an important part of prevention.Treatment Plan
brA treatment plan depends on the cell type, stage of disease, possibility for removing the tumor and the patient’s ability to survive surgery.Drug Therapies
brVarious therapies can treat lung cancer.- brChemotherapy can control cancer growth and relieve symptoms.
- brPhotodynamic therapy involves injecting a chemical into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by cells all over the body, including cancer cells. A laser light activates the chemical, which then kills the cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy may be used to control bleeding, relieve breathing problems, or to treat very small tumors.
