Lung Cancer Everything You Need to Know
This article aims to offer you information on the causes of lung cancer as well as the different types of lung cancer.
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, is one of the rare type of lung cancers, with around 2,000 new cases being registered in the United States annually. The majority of the people who are afflicted by this form are those who were employed at some time or the other in asbestos factories and who invariably inhaled the toxic asbestos fumes. More appropriately called asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma symptoms manifest themselves sometimes as much as 30 to 40 years after the asbestos inhalation.
Although smoking does not necessarily increase the risks of contracting Mesothelioma, it could aggravate the existing problem by causing other cancers in the air passages leading to the lungs. If you are a smoker and if you did work around asbestos at any time, it could possibly complicate your mesothelioma treatment.
Regular lung cancer, one of the most prevalent of all types of cancers all around the world is primarily caused by smoking. Secondary causes include inhalation of second-hand smoke as well as the gas radon.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers; so much so, a national health advisory concerning radon was issued by the US surgeon general in 2005. The carcinogenic effects of radon have been proven beyond a doubt.
Lung cancer is categorized into small cell and non-small cell depending on the size.
Small cell lung cancer
This form of lung cancer grows very fast and spreads rapidly. The only thing to be grateful for is that it is not as prevalent as the other form, which is the non-small type. There are different methods of treatment depending on the circumstances.
Small cell lung cancer is detected with the help of an X-ray machine in addition to physical examinations, sputum tests and laboratory tests. A medical professional will also use a bronchoscope to get a detailed look inside the lungs. Despite huge medical advances in the treatment of cancer, there is yet no cure found for this type of cancer.
Non-small lung cancer
The detection of non-small lung cancer employs much the same methods as those of small. In addition it also uses Positron Emission Topography (PET) and CAT scans to locate the exact positions of the tumors.
Some of the more common symptoms of non-small lung caner include breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, presence of blood in the sputum, chest pains, loss of appetite and an overall run-down feeling.
The risk factor for lung cancer increases with age; it is very rare to see a youth suffering from this disease.
As with most other types of cancer, early detection is the key to successful treatment. In view of this, it is imperative for anyone who suspects they experiencing some of the symptoms associated with the disease to get a check up as soon as possible.
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