In many countries, like the United States of America, Lung Cancer is a medical condition that is one of the major reasons for death. This cancerous disorder initially attacks the lungs and slowly spreads into other body regions. The early signs and symptoms of Lung Cancer are usually very subtle. Therefore, to survive potential death due to this condition, you must diagnose it sooner rather than when it becomes too late. This disease is generally treated using radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Thus, here is this article to help you know everything about Lung Cancer.
The Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
The signs and symptoms of Lung Cancer can be divided into two categories: early and late. They are as follows:
Early symptoms of Lung Cancer: At the initial stage, there are no obvious Lung Cancer symptoms that you can observe. However, there are a few indications that you can get, such as unexpected back pain and even shortness of breath. Pain in your back may occur when tumors in the lung cause pressure to help it spread within the ribs and spinal cords.
Besides, there are also other early symptoms of Lung Cancer. They are as follows:
- Wheezing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Increasing chest pain worsening breathing
- Phlegm or blood in cough
- Frequent occurrence of respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Late symptoms of Lung Cancer: Also, the appearance of Lung Cancer symptoms may depend on which location the formation of tumors occurs. These late signs of the Cancer of Lung are as follows:
- Numbness in the legs and arms
- Pain in shoulder
- Issues of balance
- Jaundice (Yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Face and upper body swelling
- Shrinking pupils and drooping of one eyelid
In addition, Lung Cancer can also produce a few other symptoms known as ‘Paraneoplastic Syndrome’ because it releases substances similar to hormones. These include t following:
- Seizures
- Increase in blood sugar levels
- The rise in blood pressure
- Weakness of muscle
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Confusion
What are the factors that trigger Lung Cancer?
Statistics show that about 90% of Lung Cancer cases are due to smoking. You must know that anyone can get this serious medical condition. When you smoke a cigarette, the moment you inhale it, lung tissue will get damaged. Furthermore, small-cell Lung Cancer is directly associated with heavy smoking. If you stop smoking, your lungs may be able to heal gradually. More importantly, you can risk increasing the chance of getting Lung Cancer by inhaling the following hazardous substances:
- Cardium
- Chromium
- Nickel
- Asbestos
- Arsenic
- Uranium
- Products of petroleum
- Radon
In fact, as per the American Lung Association, it is exposure to Radon that is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer. Research studies show a link between inherited genetic mutations and it is directly related to the rise in the possibility of acquiring Lung Cancer.
The Types of Lung Cancer:
There is a wide range of Lung Cancer types. Also, you must own that they are divided into two groups: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer/NSCLC or Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). These are further categorized as the following:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or NSCLC:
This Lung Cancer type makes up about 80 to 85% of the cases. In addition, NSC C possesses further subdivisions. They are:
- Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma:
Comprising about 30% of NSCLC cases, this Lung Cancer type occurs because the cells that line the respiratory tract get cancerous.
- Adenosquamous carcinoma:
It is a type of Lung Cancer that usually develops in the squamous and mucous-producing cells.
- Large cell carcinoma:
It is a large-cell carcinoma that belongs to the fastest-growing NSCLC group.
- Adenocarcinomas:
It is a type of cancer that forms on the outer part of the lungs.
- Adenocarcinoma in situ:
A rare subdivision of the Adenocarcinoma group, this Lung Cancer type develops first within tiny air sacs in the lungs.
- Small-Cell Lung Cancer or SCLC:
Small-Cell Lung Cancer, or SCLC, comprises about 15 to 20% of Lung Cancer types. They are more ag receive than NSCLC. More importantly, SCLC is less likely to be treated than NSCLC.
Finally, there is also a type of Lung Cancer called Mesothelioma, mainly due to asbestos exposure. Furthermore, it triggers when carcinoid tumors start developing in neuroendocrine or hormone-producing cells. This type is -growing and is very aggressive. Therefore, it usually does not respond well to treatment.
What is the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer?
Firstly, the diagnosis of Lung Cancer begins with you having a conversation with your doctor. Secondly, your physician will then study your health history and check for symptoms of this medical condition. Thirdly, and more important of all, you will be asked to confirm the diagnosis by performing a few tests. They are:
- Cytology of sputum:
On coughing, sputum is what you produce, which is taken for a microscopic examination that helps determine whether or not cancerous cells are present in the lungs.
- Lung needle biopsy:
The doctor will insert a needle through your chest wall into the vast lung tissue during this process. Generally, this procedure is done in a hospital wherein you will be given a sedative to relax.
- Mediastinoscopy:
In this process, your doctor will make an incision at the base of your neck. Furthermore, you can use a device with light along with surgical tools that you can use to take samples from lymph nodes to detect whether you have cancer or you do not.
- Bronchoscopy:
A tube possessing light in this process you insert down your throat right into the lungs to determine whether you have cancer. More importantly, this test allows for a closer examination of the lung tissue.
- Image Testing:
Examinations such as X-Ray, PET, CT scans, and MRIs help produce more details on whether or not you have Lung Cancer.
Takeaway:
It is a fact that Lung Cancer that when you detect it in the early stages this medical condition is treatable. Unfortunately, you do not see symptoms often in the early stages. Therefore, the treatment of this medical condition completely depends on the type of cancer and the stage. Furthermore, the diagnosis of Lung Cancer will also usually include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. More importantly, you must remember that even though preventing this type of cancer is not possible; you can change your lifestyle by quitting smoking and avoiding inhalation of harmful substances to eliminate the risk of developing Lung Cancer.
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