Lung Cancer Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Lung Cancer Information

Lung cancer pain in back can be one of the worst feelings in the world but what are the signs you have lung cancer? On account of Lung Cancer Awareness, let us take a look at the various aspects of Lung Cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer has over the years, proved to be more in number in the majority of the world’s countries and is only increasing as the days are passing by.

Cancer is generally a condition that arises due to the growth of unwanted, toxic cells in our body. Similarly, lung cancer staging is caused by the development of such toxic cells in our lungs, which blocks our lungs from performing their daily routines. These cells are often referred to as tumors which are further divided into two lung tumor types:

Benign Tumors: The lung tumour that doesn’t spread and stays at one place; safer.

Malignant Tumor in Lung: The dangerous tumor which spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream or any other form, which makes it difficult for treatment.

Different Types of Lung Cancer

Also, there are two types of lung cancers: Primary and Secondary Lung Cancers. Primary lung cancer originates in the lungs while the secondary lung cancer originates elsewhere in the body and slowly gets into the lungs and although both of them are lung cancers, they have different procedures of treatment.

Lung cancer is further classified into two types based on its appearance through a microscope:

1. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Most prominent in smokers, however, only 10% of people with lung cancer have small cell cancer. Small cell lung cancer life expectancy rate is very slim as cancer spreads exceedingly fast.

2. Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Non small lung cancer is the most common type of cancer that occurs. It is further divided into four types of lung cancer tumors:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer: Squamous cell lung cancer is most common in men and is developed around the lining of the bronchial tubes.

Adenocarcinoma Cancer: This is common in women and nonsmokers and forms around the mucus-producing glands of lungs.

Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma Cancer: This is a rare type that is originated from adenocarcinoma of the lung and forms near the lungs’ air sacs.

Large-cell Undifferentiated Lung Carcinoma: Large cell lung cancer is a rapidly growing cancer, formed near the outer edges or at the outer surface of the lungs.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer signs and symptoms might differ from person to person based on their biometric data, however, most people with lung cancer will show some signs symptoms of lung cancer.

It is always best to prevent lung cancer than cure, be aware of lung cancer symptoms. While there are many early signs of lung cancer, these are the most common symptoms of lung cancer and beginning signs of lung cancer:

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Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer 

  • Lung pain
  • Persistent cough lung cancer
  • A bloody cough: Lung cancer coughing up blood.
  • Unexplained loss of appetite
  • Repetitive problems regarding bronchitis
  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing
  • Drastic lung cancer weight loss
  • Frequent chest pain associated with lung cancer

Some other first signs of lung cancer are hoarseness and shortness of breath.

As the tumour on lung spreads, the symptoms of lung cancer may also progress to fever, pneumonia and such are very likely to occur.

How to Know if the Pain in the Lungs is Pain from Lung Cancer?

Pain associated with lung cancer is generally felt as a constant pain, regardless of whether you are coughing or not. Chest pain from lung cancer might occur, though rarely, as an on-again, off-again feeling.

Lung Cancer Stages

There are four different stages of lung cancer:

Stage 1 Lung Cancer Symptoms

This is the beginning stages of lung cancer where the tumor has spread to only one lung.

Lung Cancer Survival Rate

The lung cancer prognosis at this stage is extremely hopeful as it still in the early stages of lung cancer. The general survival rate of lung cancer in the first stage of lung cancer is considered to be around 45%.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Symptoms

In this stage, the tumor spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the infected lung.

Stage 2 Prognosis of Lung Cancer

There are many factors that influence the prognosis for lung cancer  at this stage:

Lung Cancer Types: How far the growth has spread and what type of lung cancer it is.

Age: The younger you are, the better the chances.

Lung Cancer in Women: Women stand a better chance when compared to men.

Health: Your general health at this stage plays an important role.

Response To Treatment: There are chances of a person’s body rejecting the treatment of lung cancer.

History: Any medical history can result in an adverse effect and slow down the treatment. Having a history of lung cancer can be worse than any other medical history.

Stage 3 Lung Cancer

There are two types of lung cancer stage 3:

Stage 3A Lung Cancer

The tumor in this stage spreads not only to the lymph nodes but also around the trachea, chest wall and, diaphragm on the side of the affected lung.

Stage 3B Lung Cancer

The lymph nodes of the adjacent lung or the neck have now been affected by the tumor.

Stage 3 Lung Cancer Survival Rate

Stage 3 lung cancer prognosis is approximately 14% for 3a and 5% for 3b, although it differs from case to case. A few factors that play a role are:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Lung cancer tumor size and location
  • General medical health
  • Response to treatment
  • Stage 4 Lung Cancer Symptoms

In lung cancer stage 4, the tumor spreads throughout the body and also to the other parts of the lungs.

Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survival Rate

Stage IV lung cancer prognosis is said to be very slim at 4% as it is considered to be end stage lung cancer. However, these statistics have been taken from a few years ago, and with the improvement in treatment, there might be higher chances of survival.

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What are the Causes of Lung Cancer?

1. Smoking causes Lung Cancer

More than first-hand smoking, second-hand smoking has proven to develop lung cancer from smoking. In fact, it may even be a greater contributor in the cancer department and no matter which form it is, smoking IS the biggest reason for most of the lung cancers in the world.

2. Asbestos and Lung Cancer

It has been found that asbestos plays a major role in causing lung cancer. Asbestos cancer is slowly reducing due to the use of asbestos being banned in many areas.

Other causes for lung cancer include:

  • Exposure to radiation
  • Pollution
  • Inflammation
  • Genetics

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

When you consult your doctor regarding your being affected by ca lung cancer, it is very likely that he might suggest that the following tests be done to prove lung cancer detection:

  • X-Rays of the chest
  • Positron Emission Tomography (Pet Scan Lung Cancer)
  • CT scan or MRI scan of the chest
  • Biopsy
  • Make it a point to visit the doctor and get yourself checked.
  • Lung Cancer Treatment

If you test positive to the results, then your doctor will insist on you getting the proper treatment for lung cancer. They may reform to any of the following lung cancer treatment options, depending on which stage your cancer has reached. Keep in mind that you can choose from the various cancer treatment centers in your area.

1. Lung Cancer Surgery

This is resorted to only when the condition is severe or when the patient wishes to, since it involves the removal of the cancerous tissue and varying sizes of the lung could be removed depending on the type of case.

2. Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

This alternative treatment for lung cancer involves sending in beams through your body which would kill the cancer cells.

3. Radiation Treatment for Lung Cancer

This process involves sending in lung cancer radiation through the body which reduces the impact of the cells as opposed to the case of chemotherapy.

Lung Cancer Cure

The lung cancer research institute is yet to find the cure for lung cancer. So, prevention is highly important.

Prevention Is Always Better

Early lung cancer can be prevented if its reason is externally induced. In the case of genetics, there is not much that we could do. But, there is a lot that is in our hands if it is we who are the reason behind putting ourselves through it – like smoking.

So take the necessary precaution and help others by spreading awareness!