Living with cancer presents many new challenges for people with cancer and for their family and friends.
People with cancer will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect them and their ability to live a normal life, that is, to care for their family and home, to hold a job, and to continue the friendships and activities they enjoy.
Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated.
For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps.
Friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how the person with cancer is coping. People with cancer should not wait for friends or family to bring it up; if they want to talk about their concerns, they should let friends and family know.
Some people do not want to burden their loved ones or just prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. Discussing feelings and concerns about having cancer with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful. A surgeon or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.
Showing posts with label lungs cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lungs cancer. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Lungs Cancer Prognosis
Overall (considering all types and stages of lung cancer), 16% of people with lung cancer survive for at least five years. Survival rates tend to be low when compared to the 65% five-year survival rate for colon cancer, 89% for breast cancer, and over 99% for prostate cancer.
People who have early stage (stage I) NSCLC and undergo lung surgery have a 60%-70% chance of surviving five years.
People with extensive nonoperable lung cancer have an average survival duration of nine months or less.
Those with limited SCLC who receive chemotherapy have a two-year survival rate of 20%-30% and a five-year survival rate of 10%-15%.
Less than 5% of people with extensive-stage SCLC (small cell cancers) are alive after two years, with a median survival range of eight to 13 months.
People who have early stage (stage I) NSCLC and undergo lung surgery have a 60%-70% chance of surviving five years.
People with extensive nonoperable lung cancer have an average survival duration of nine months or less.
Those with limited SCLC who receive chemotherapy have a two-year survival rate of 20%-30% and a five-year survival rate of 10%-15%.
Less than 5% of people with extensive-stage SCLC (small cell cancers) are alive after two years, with a median survival range of eight to 13 months.
Lungs Cancer Prevention
Lung cancer is a preventable disease because 90% of lung cancers occur in smokers or former smokers. The best way to prevent lung cancer is smoking.
The snuff is very addictive, and quitting is difficult. However, smoking rates have declined recently in North America and elsewhere.
Health professionals play an important role in determining smoking and help them to quit.
Many products, such as nicotine gum, nicotine sprays, nicotine inhalers, and some drugs have been used successfully to help people trying to quit smoking.
Eliminate or minimize exposure to smoke snuff is also an effective preventive measure.
Using a test kit home radon can identify and allow correction of radon in the home, which can also cause lung cancer.
Smokers who use nicotine as a combination of complementary, with medical therapy, group therapy and behavioral training to see a significant drop in rates.
Lung cancer screening consists of:
Currently, the American Cancer Society does not recommend routine radiographic screening for lung cancer. What this means is that health insurance does not cover many of screening chest X-ray or CT scan.
Periodic chest X-rays may also be suitable for current or former smokers. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach to health care provider.
Low-dose CT has shown potential in detecting early stage lung cancer and, consequently, more surgical care. This procedure requires a special type of CT scanner (spiral CT), which has proven to be an effective way to detect small lung cancers in smokers and former smokers. However, it was not yet definitively proven, if you are using this technology really save lives or reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer. Trials are underway to determine the usefulness of spiral CT screening for lung cancer
The snuff is very addictive, and quitting is difficult. However, smoking rates have declined recently in North America and elsewhere.
Health professionals play an important role in determining smoking and help them to quit.
Many products, such as nicotine gum, nicotine sprays, nicotine inhalers, and some drugs have been used successfully to help people trying to quit smoking.
Eliminate or minimize exposure to smoke snuff is also an effective preventive measure.
Using a test kit home radon can identify and allow correction of radon in the home, which can also cause lung cancer.
Smokers who use nicotine as a combination of complementary, with medical therapy, group therapy and behavioral training to see a significant drop in rates.
Lung cancer screening consists of:
Currently, the American Cancer Society does not recommend routine radiographic screening for lung cancer. What this means is that health insurance does not cover many of screening chest X-ray or CT scan.
Periodic chest X-rays may also be suitable for current or former smokers. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach to health care provider.
Low-dose CT has shown potential in detecting early stage lung cancer and, consequently, more surgical care. This procedure requires a special type of CT scanner (spiral CT), which has proven to be an effective way to detect small lung cancers in smokers and former smokers. However, it was not yet definitively proven, if you are using this technology really save lives or reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer. Trials are underway to determine the usefulness of spiral CT screening for lung cancer
Lungs Cancer Follow-Up
After surgery for operable lung cancer all, there is an increased risk of developing a second primary lung cancer and the risk of the tumor from returning home.
Many lung cancer back in the first two years after treatment.
Regular testing is done so that recurrence can be identified as soon as possible.
A person who has undergone surgery should receive a follow-up treatment and investigations in accordance with the recommendations of the treatment team.
Palliative and terminal care
The hospice or palliative care refers to medical or nursing care to reduce symptoms and suffering without trying to cure the underlying disease. Because only a small number of people with lung cancer are cured, pain relief becomes a priority for many.
The patient, family and the doctor is likely to recognize when the patient has reached the point that palliative care is needed.
Whenever possible, the transition to palliative care should be planned in advance.
Planning should begin with a three-way conversation between the patient, a representative of the patient (if he or she is too ill to participate), and the provider of health care.
At these meetings, likely results, medical problems and fears or uncertainties can be discussed.
Palliative care can be administered at home based care, the hospital, if possible, or hospice facility. Palliative care consists mainly of treatments to relieve shortness of breath and pain.
Shortness of breath in oxygen and treated with drugs such as opioids, which are drugs such as opium, morphine, codeine, methadone and heroin.
Pain management includes anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. The patient is encouraged to participate in determining the dose of pain medication, how many are needed to block the pain varies from day to day.
Other symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness and depression are treated with appropriate drugs, and in some cases, complementary therapies.
Many lung cancer back in the first two years after treatment.
Regular testing is done so that recurrence can be identified as soon as possible.
A person who has undergone surgery should receive a follow-up treatment and investigations in accordance with the recommendations of the treatment team.
Palliative and terminal care
The hospice or palliative care refers to medical or nursing care to reduce symptoms and suffering without trying to cure the underlying disease. Because only a small number of people with lung cancer are cured, pain relief becomes a priority for many.
The patient, family and the doctor is likely to recognize when the patient has reached the point that palliative care is needed.
Whenever possible, the transition to palliative care should be planned in advance.
Planning should begin with a three-way conversation between the patient, a representative of the patient (if he or she is too ill to participate), and the provider of health care.
At these meetings, likely results, medical problems and fears or uncertainties can be discussed.
Palliative care can be administered at home based care, the hospital, if possible, or hospice facility. Palliative care consists mainly of treatments to relieve shortness of breath and pain.
Shortness of breath in oxygen and treated with drugs such as opioids, which are drugs such as opium, morphine, codeine, methadone and heroin.
Pain management includes anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. The patient is encouraged to participate in determining the dose of pain medication, how many are needed to block the pain varies from day to day.
Other symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness and depression are treated with appropriate drugs, and in some cases, complementary therapies.
Surgery Of Lungs Cancer
Surgery is the preferred treatment for patients with early stage NSCLC. Unfortunately, 60% -80% of patients with metastatic or advanced disease and are not surgical candidates.
People who are in NSCLC has not spread to tolerate the surgery if they have adequate lung function.
Part of a lobe, an entire lung lobe or all can be removed. The degree of removal depends on the size of the tumor, its location and how far it has spread.
A technique called cryotherapy, is sometimes used for NSCLC. In cryosurgery, freezing the tumor dies. This treatment is mainly for the relief of the symptoms, not cure.
Cure rate for small cancers in the edge of the lung is about 80%.
Although complete surgical removal, a large percentage of patients with early stage cancer is a recurrence of cancer and die.
Surgery is not widely used in the CEP. Because SCLC spreads widely and rapidly throughout the body, the elimination of all surgery is usually impossible.
An operation for lung cancer is a major surgery. Many people experience pain, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath after surgery. Most people find it difficult to move, cough and deep breathing. The recovery period can take several weeks or months.
People who are in NSCLC has not spread to tolerate the surgery if they have adequate lung function.
Part of a lobe, an entire lung lobe or all can be removed. The degree of removal depends on the size of the tumor, its location and how far it has spread.
A technique called cryotherapy, is sometimes used for NSCLC. In cryosurgery, freezing the tumor dies. This treatment is mainly for the relief of the symptoms, not cure.
Cure rate for small cancers in the edge of the lung is about 80%.
Although complete surgical removal, a large percentage of patients with early stage cancer is a recurrence of cancer and die.
Surgery is not widely used in the CEP. Because SCLC spreads widely and rapidly throughout the body, the elimination of all surgery is usually impossible.
An operation for lung cancer is a major surgery. Many people experience pain, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath after surgery. Most people find it difficult to move, cough and deep breathing. The recovery period can take several weeks or months.
Medical Treatment OF Lungs Cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy and radiation may lead to a cure in a small number of patients. These therapies result in shrinking of the tumor and are known to prolong life for extended periods in most patients.
Chemotherapy and radiation are very effective at relieving symptoms.
Inoperable NSCLCs are treated with chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
If SCLC is in an early stage (confined to the thorax), the standard of care is chemotherapy and radiation therapy given at the same time.
In later stages (spread outside of the thorax), SCLC is treated with chemotherapy and palliative radiation therapy to areas where metastases may be present.
The brain is sometimes treated with radiation even if no tumor is present there. Called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), this therapy may prevent a tumor from forming. PCI is not suitable for all patients, however, and side effects may occur.
Limited SCLC (has not spread outside the chest cavity) has an 80%-90% rate of response to combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Remission (no cancer detected by physical examination or X-ray studies) occurs in 50%-60% of cases.
All cases of advanced-stage lung cancer (spread outside the chest cavity), approximately 50%-60% of SCLC and 15%-40% of NSCLC will go in to remission with chemotherapy.
If relapse occurs, a different type of chemotherapy regimen may offer symptom relief and modest survival benefit.
Even with an initially favorable response to treatment, SCLC tends to relapse within one to two years in most patients, particularly in those with extensive disease.
Recent research has shown benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage NSCLC in preventing or delaying recurrence of the tumor, even after surgery that is felt to be successful at removing all of the cancer.
Chemotherapy uses toxic chemicals that travel through the bloodstream. It affects healthy cells as well as cancerous cells, and this accounts for the many well-known side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting, hair loss, skin problems, mouth sores, and fatigue.
Radiation therapy does not affect cells throughout the body the way chemotherapy does. However, it does affect healthy tissues overlying or directly adjacent to the tumor. To a large extent, the side effects of radiation depend on which part of the body is targeted with radiation.
Based on clinical trial data, chemotherapy has been found to be beneficial for all stages of non-small cell lung cancer, including the earlier stages, stage I or II. People with lung cancer should be referred to an oncologist for discussion of options.
Chemotherapy and radiation may lead to a cure in a small number of patients. These therapies result in shrinking of the tumor and are known to prolong life for extended periods in most patients.
Chemotherapy and radiation are very effective at relieving symptoms.
Inoperable NSCLCs are treated with chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
If SCLC is in an early stage (confined to the thorax), the standard of care is chemotherapy and radiation therapy given at the same time.
In later stages (spread outside of the thorax), SCLC is treated with chemotherapy and palliative radiation therapy to areas where metastases may be present.
The brain is sometimes treated with radiation even if no tumor is present there. Called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), this therapy may prevent a tumor from forming. PCI is not suitable for all patients, however, and side effects may occur.
Limited SCLC (has not spread outside the chest cavity) has an 80%-90% rate of response to combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Remission (no cancer detected by physical examination or X-ray studies) occurs in 50%-60% of cases.
All cases of advanced-stage lung cancer (spread outside the chest cavity), approximately 50%-60% of SCLC and 15%-40% of NSCLC will go in to remission with chemotherapy.
If relapse occurs, a different type of chemotherapy regimen may offer symptom relief and modest survival benefit.
Even with an initially favorable response to treatment, SCLC tends to relapse within one to two years in most patients, particularly in those with extensive disease.
Recent research has shown benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage NSCLC in preventing or delaying recurrence of the tumor, even after surgery that is felt to be successful at removing all of the cancer.
Chemotherapy uses toxic chemicals that travel through the bloodstream. It affects healthy cells as well as cancerous cells, and this accounts for the many well-known side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting, hair loss, skin problems, mouth sores, and fatigue.
Radiation therapy does not affect cells throughout the body the way chemotherapy does. However, it does affect healthy tissues overlying or directly adjacent to the tumor. To a large extent, the side effects of radiation depend on which part of the body is targeted with radiation.
Based on clinical trial data, chemotherapy has been found to be beneficial for all stages of non-small cell lung cancer, including the earlier stages, stage I or II. People with lung cancer should be referred to an oncologist for discussion of options.
Treatment Of Lungs Cancer
Treatment decisions in lung cancer depends on whether SCLC and NSCLC are present. Treatment also depends on the tumor stage, especially in NSCLC.
A person's general physical condition (ability to withstand processing procedures) are also considered.
The most widely used therapies for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
A person's general physical condition (ability to withstand processing procedures) are also considered.
The most widely used therapies for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
lungs cancer diagnosis
After hearing the symptoms, health care formulates a list of possible diagnoses. This raises questions about symptoms, medical and surgical history, smoking and work history, and other aspects of life, general health, and drugs.
Unless severe hemoptysis is ongoing, a chest radiograph is likely to be first made to find the cause of respiratory symptoms.
X-rays may show an abnormality or not.
Types of anomalies observed with lung cancer have a small lump or nodule or mass large.
Not all abnormalities on chest x-ray is cancer. For example, some people develop scarring and calcium deposits in their lungs, which can resemble tumors on an X-ray of the chest.
In most cases, CT or MRI scan of the chest to define the problem.
If symptoms are severe, X-ray can be skipped, and CT or MRI can be done immediately.
The advantages of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are showing much more detail than X-rays, and is able to demonstrate to the lungs in three dimensions.
These tests help determine the stage of the tumor that shows the size of the tumor or tumors.
They can also help identify the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes or in some other organs.
If a person's chest X-ray or CT scan suggests a tumor is present, he or she undergoes a diagnostic procedure.
This procedure includes a collection of sputum, removing a small piece of tumor tissue (biopsy) or a small amount of fluid around the breathing bag.
The extracted cells are examined microscopically by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by looking at cells and tissue types (a pathologist).
There are several ways to obtain these cells.
Sputum test: This is a simple test that is sometimes performed to detect lung cancer.
Sputum is a thick mucus, which can be produced by coughing.
The cells in sputum can be examined to see if they are cancerous. This is known as cytology.
This is not a completely reliable test. If the result is negative, the results usually need to strengthen further testing.
Bronchoscopy: Endoscopic This is a test, which means a slim, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to view internal organs of the body.
Bronchoscopy and endoscopy in the lungs. Bronchoscope is pushed into the mouth or nose and down the trachea. From there, the pipe can be added to the airways (bronchi) and lungs.
A tiny camera transmits images to a video monitor.
The doctors who work bronchoscope can find tumors and to collect samples of suspected tumors.
Bronchoscopy is generally used to determine the extent of the tumor.
The procedure is uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is given to the mouth and throat, and sedation to bronchoscopy bearable.
Bronchoscopy is a risk and requires a qualified expert in performing the procedure.
Biopsy: If the tumor is isolated and the lungs, usually can not be seen with bronchoscopy. In contrast, a biopsy is taken through a needle inserted into the chest wall and into the tumor.
Typically, a chest radiograph or CT scan is used to guide the needle.
This procedure is safe and effective to get enough tissue for diagnosis. After the surface of the breast is cleaned and prepared, the wall of the skin and chest numb.
The most serious risk of this procedure is that the puncture needle can cause leakage of the lung (pneumothorax). This air leakage occurs in as many as 3% -5% of cases. Although this condition can be dangerous, it is almost always recognized early and treated without serious consequences.
Thoracentesis: This procedure removes a sample of fluid from the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. Lung cancer, both primary and metastatic, can cause the collection in the sac surrounding the lungs. This liquid is called pleural effusion.
The liquid usually contains cancer cells.
The sample of this fluid can confirm the presence of lung cancer.
The fluid is removed with a needle in a procedure similar to needle biopsy.
Thoracentesis can be important both for staging and diagnosis of the condition.
Thoracotomy: Sometimes a lung cancer tumor can not be achieved by bronchoscopy or needle procedures.
In these cases, the only way to get a biopsy by performing an operation.
The chest is open (thoracotomy), and tumor as possible is removed surgically. The tumor removed is then examined under a microscope.
Unfortunately, this may not be able to eliminate all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to lymph nodes outside of the lungs.
Thoracotomy is major surgery that is performed in a hospital.
Mediastinoscopy: This is another endoscopic procedure. It is performed to determine the extent the cancer has spread in the area of the chest between the lungs (mediastinum).
A small incision is made in the lower neck above the sternum (breastbone). An alternative is to make incisions in the chest.
Mediastinoscopy that resembles the bronchoscope is inserted behind the sternum.
Samples of lymph nodes are taken to assess the cancer cells.
Mediastinoscopy is a very important step to determine if the tumor can be surgically removed or not.
Other tests: More tests are performed in the stage of the tumor and to assess a person's ability to withstand surgery and other treatments.
Pulmonary function tests to assess respiratory capacity.
Blood tests are performed to identify the chemical imbalances, blood disorders or other problems that could complicate treatment.
CT or MRI can be performed to check the most common areas of metastatic spread. These tests are usually only if symptoms are present, indicating metastasis. Some treatment methods require that these tests are performed.
A bone scan can determine if the cancer has spread to the bones.
Staging: Staging is a way to classify the tumor for treatment planning.
Set according to tumor size, tumor location, and degree of metastasis of the tumor (if available).
The treatment will be individualized to the stage of the tumor.
Status of the tumor is related to the prospects for recovery and survival (prognosis). The higher stage tumor, the less likely that the disease can be cured.
Unlike staging, the "classification" of lung cancer is the classification of tumor cells under a microscope. The degree of cancer is a measure of how abnormal the cancer cells compared with normal cells. High grade tumors have a very abnormal and tend to grow rapidl
Unless severe hemoptysis is ongoing, a chest radiograph is likely to be first made to find the cause of respiratory symptoms.
X-rays may show an abnormality or not.
Types of anomalies observed with lung cancer have a small lump or nodule or mass large.
Not all abnormalities on chest x-ray is cancer. For example, some people develop scarring and calcium deposits in their lungs, which can resemble tumors on an X-ray of the chest.
In most cases, CT or MRI scan of the chest to define the problem.
If symptoms are severe, X-ray can be skipped, and CT or MRI can be done immediately.
The advantages of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are showing much more detail than X-rays, and is able to demonstrate to the lungs in three dimensions.
These tests help determine the stage of the tumor that shows the size of the tumor or tumors.
They can also help identify the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes or in some other organs.
If a person's chest X-ray or CT scan suggests a tumor is present, he or she undergoes a diagnostic procedure.
This procedure includes a collection of sputum, removing a small piece of tumor tissue (biopsy) or a small amount of fluid around the breathing bag.
The extracted cells are examined microscopically by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by looking at cells and tissue types (a pathologist).
There are several ways to obtain these cells.
Sputum test: This is a simple test that is sometimes performed to detect lung cancer.
Sputum is a thick mucus, which can be produced by coughing.
The cells in sputum can be examined to see if they are cancerous. This is known as cytology.
This is not a completely reliable test. If the result is negative, the results usually need to strengthen further testing.
Bronchoscopy: Endoscopic This is a test, which means a slim, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to view internal organs of the body.
Bronchoscopy and endoscopy in the lungs. Bronchoscope is pushed into the mouth or nose and down the trachea. From there, the pipe can be added to the airways (bronchi) and lungs.
A tiny camera transmits images to a video monitor.
The doctors who work bronchoscope can find tumors and to collect samples of suspected tumors.
Bronchoscopy is generally used to determine the extent of the tumor.
The procedure is uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is given to the mouth and throat, and sedation to bronchoscopy bearable.
Bronchoscopy is a risk and requires a qualified expert in performing the procedure.
Biopsy: If the tumor is isolated and the lungs, usually can not be seen with bronchoscopy. In contrast, a biopsy is taken through a needle inserted into the chest wall and into the tumor.
Typically, a chest radiograph or CT scan is used to guide the needle.
This procedure is safe and effective to get enough tissue for diagnosis. After the surface of the breast is cleaned and prepared, the wall of the skin and chest numb.
The most serious risk of this procedure is that the puncture needle can cause leakage of the lung (pneumothorax). This air leakage occurs in as many as 3% -5% of cases. Although this condition can be dangerous, it is almost always recognized early and treated without serious consequences.
Thoracentesis: This procedure removes a sample of fluid from the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. Lung cancer, both primary and metastatic, can cause the collection in the sac surrounding the lungs. This liquid is called pleural effusion.
The liquid usually contains cancer cells.
The sample of this fluid can confirm the presence of lung cancer.
The fluid is removed with a needle in a procedure similar to needle biopsy.
Thoracentesis can be important both for staging and diagnosis of the condition.
Thoracotomy: Sometimes a lung cancer tumor can not be achieved by bronchoscopy or needle procedures.
In these cases, the only way to get a biopsy by performing an operation.
The chest is open (thoracotomy), and tumor as possible is removed surgically. The tumor removed is then examined under a microscope.
Unfortunately, this may not be able to eliminate all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to lymph nodes outside of the lungs.
Thoracotomy is major surgery that is performed in a hospital.
Mediastinoscopy: This is another endoscopic procedure. It is performed to determine the extent the cancer has spread in the area of the chest between the lungs (mediastinum).
A small incision is made in the lower neck above the sternum (breastbone). An alternative is to make incisions in the chest.
Mediastinoscopy that resembles the bronchoscope is inserted behind the sternum.
Samples of lymph nodes are taken to assess the cancer cells.
Mediastinoscopy is a very important step to determine if the tumor can be surgically removed or not.
Other tests: More tests are performed in the stage of the tumor and to assess a person's ability to withstand surgery and other treatments.
Pulmonary function tests to assess respiratory capacity.
Blood tests are performed to identify the chemical imbalances, blood disorders or other problems that could complicate treatment.
CT or MRI can be performed to check the most common areas of metastatic spread. These tests are usually only if symptoms are present, indicating metastasis. Some treatment methods require that these tests are performed.
A bone scan can determine if the cancer has spread to the bones.
Staging: Staging is a way to classify the tumor for treatment planning.
Set according to tumor size, tumor location, and degree of metastasis of the tumor (if available).
The treatment will be individualized to the stage of the tumor.
Status of the tumor is related to the prospects for recovery and survival (prognosis). The higher stage tumor, the less likely that the disease can be cured.
Unlike staging, the "classification" of lung cancer is the classification of tumor cells under a microscope. The degree of cancer is a measure of how abnormal the cancer cells compared with normal cells. High grade tumors have a very abnormal and tend to grow rapidl
lungs cancer seek
Consult a health professional as soon as possible if any of the following development:
Any symptoms of lung cancer
New cough or change in existing cough
Hemoptysis (blood stains in sputum when coughing)
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained persistent fatigue
Unexplained aches or pains deep
Go to the nearest hospital immediately if any of the following cases:
Coughing up large amounts of blood
Sudden shortness of breath
Sudden weakness
Sudden vision problems
Persistent chest pain
Any symptoms of lung cancer
New cough or change in existing cough
Hemoptysis (blood stains in sputum when coughing)
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained persistent fatigue
Unexplained aches or pains deep
Go to the nearest hospital immediately if any of the following cases:
Coughing up large amounts of blood
Sudden shortness of breath
Sudden weakness
Sudden vision problems
Persistent chest pain
symptoms and sign of lungs cancer
Up to one quarter of people with lung cancer may have no symptoms when the cancer is diagnosed. These cancers are usually identified, however, when a chest radiograph performed for another reason. Most people, but develop symptoms. The symptoms caused by the direct effects of the primary tumor, the effects of metastatic tumors in other parts of the body, or to disturbances of hormones, blood or other systems caused by cancer.
The main symptoms of lung cancer are cough, coughing up blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.
A new cough in a smoker or former smoker, should raise concern for lung cancer
A cough that does not subside or worsens over time should be evaluated by a health professional.
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) occurs in a significant number of people who have lung cancer. Any amount of coughing up blood is cause for concern.
Chest pain is a symptom of about a quarter of people with lung cancer. The pain is dull, throbbing, and persistent.
Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage of airflow in a portion of the lung, accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), or the spread of the tumor in the lungs.
Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage or bronchitis, which can move forward with cancer.
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia may be a sign of lung cancer.
Symptoms of metastatic lung tumors depend on the location and size. About 30% -40% of people with lung cancer have symptoms or signs of metastatic disease.
Lung cancer often spreads to the liver, adrenal glands, bones and brain.
Metastatic lung cancer in the liver usually has no symptoms, at least until the time of diagnosis.
Metastatic lung cancer in the adrenal glands also usually causes no symptoms.
Bone metastases is more common than small cell lung cancer, but also occurs in other types of lung cancer. Lung cancer has metastasized to bone causes bone pain, usually the spine (vertebrae), hip and ribs.
Lung cancer that spreads to the brain can cause vision problems, weakness on one side of the body, and / or convulsions.
Paraneoplastic syndromes are remote, indirect effects of cancer, which is not directly related to the invasion of the organs of tumor cells. Often, they are due to chemicals released by tumors. The symptoms are as follows:
Finger Clubbing - depositing excess tissue under the nails
New bone formation - along the legs or arms
Anemia - low red blood cell count and high levels of calcium or sodium in the blood
Other effects - muscle weakness, skin rashes, and brain atrophy
Weight Loss
Fatigue
Low sodium
The main symptoms of lung cancer are cough, coughing up blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.
A new cough in a smoker or former smoker, should raise concern for lung cancer
A cough that does not subside or worsens over time should be evaluated by a health professional.
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) occurs in a significant number of people who have lung cancer. Any amount of coughing up blood is cause for concern.
Chest pain is a symptom of about a quarter of people with lung cancer. The pain is dull, throbbing, and persistent.
Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage of airflow in a portion of the lung, accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), or the spread of the tumor in the lungs.
Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage or bronchitis, which can move forward with cancer.
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia may be a sign of lung cancer.
Symptoms of metastatic lung tumors depend on the location and size. About 30% -40% of people with lung cancer have symptoms or signs of metastatic disease.
Lung cancer often spreads to the liver, adrenal glands, bones and brain.
Metastatic lung cancer in the liver usually has no symptoms, at least until the time of diagnosis.
Metastatic lung cancer in the adrenal glands also usually causes no symptoms.
Bone metastases is more common than small cell lung cancer, but also occurs in other types of lung cancer. Lung cancer has metastasized to bone causes bone pain, usually the spine (vertebrae), hip and ribs.
Lung cancer that spreads to the brain can cause vision problems, weakness on one side of the body, and / or convulsions.
Paraneoplastic syndromes are remote, indirect effects of cancer, which is not directly related to the invasion of the organs of tumor cells. Often, they are due to chemicals released by tumors. The symptoms are as follows:
Finger Clubbing - depositing excess tissue under the nails
New bone formation - along the legs or arms
Anemia - low red blood cell count and high levels of calcium or sodium in the blood
Other effects - muscle weakness, skin rashes, and brain atrophy
Weight Loss
Fatigue
Low sodium
causes of lungs cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Research so far as the 1950s clearly established this relationship.
Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which have been identified as causing cancer.
A person who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes a day have a higher risk of 20-25 times the lung cancer development than someone who never smoked.
When a person quits smoking, the risk of his lung cancer gradually decreases. Some 15 years after quitting, reduce the risk of lung cancer in a person who never smoked.
Smoking cigars and pipes increases the risk of lung cancer, but not as much as cigarettes.
About 90% of lung cancers occur because of snuff. The risk of developing lung cancer is related to the following factors:
The number of cigarettes smoked
The age a person started smoking
How long a person has smoked (or smoked before stopping)
Other causes of lung cancer, including causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers, are:
Secondhand smoke or passive smoking is another risk for lung cancer. Some 3,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States that are attributable to passive smoking.
Air pollution from vehicles, factories and other sources, probably increases the risk of lung cancer, and many experts believe that prolonged exposure to polluted air is similar to prolonged exposure to passive smoking in terms of risk of developing cancer lung.
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer nine times. A combination of exposure to asbestos and smoking increases the risk of up to 50 times. Another type of cancer called mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest cavity, pleura, or lining of the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum) is also strongly associated with exposure to asbestos.
Lung diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also create a risk of lung cancer. A person with COPD may have a four to six times more than lung cancer, although the effect of smoking are excluded.
Radon exposure is another risk.
Radon is a byproduct of naturally occurring radium, which is a product of uranium.
Radon is present in indoor and outdoor environments.
The risk of lung cancer increases with significant long-term exposure to radon, but do not know the exact risk. It is estimated that 12% of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon, about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in terms of radon in the United States is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking . As with asbestos exposure, smoking increases the risk of lung cancer with radon exposure.
Certain occupations, where exposure to arsenic, chromium, nickel, aromatic hydrocarbons, and ethers occurs may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
A person who has had lung cancer are more likely to develop a second lung cancer than the average person is to develop an initial lung cancer.
Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which have been identified as causing cancer.
A person who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes a day have a higher risk of 20-25 times the lung cancer development than someone who never smoked.
When a person quits smoking, the risk of his lung cancer gradually decreases. Some 15 years after quitting, reduce the risk of lung cancer in a person who never smoked.
Smoking cigars and pipes increases the risk of lung cancer, but not as much as cigarettes.
About 90% of lung cancers occur because of snuff. The risk of developing lung cancer is related to the following factors:
The number of cigarettes smoked
The age a person started smoking
How long a person has smoked (or smoked before stopping)
Other causes of lung cancer, including causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers, are:
Secondhand smoke or passive smoking is another risk for lung cancer. Some 3,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States that are attributable to passive smoking.
Air pollution from vehicles, factories and other sources, probably increases the risk of lung cancer, and many experts believe that prolonged exposure to polluted air is similar to prolonged exposure to passive smoking in terms of risk of developing cancer lung.
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer nine times. A combination of exposure to asbestos and smoking increases the risk of up to 50 times. Another type of cancer called mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest cavity, pleura, or lining of the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum) is also strongly associated with exposure to asbestos.
Lung diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also create a risk of lung cancer. A person with COPD may have a four to six times more than lung cancer, although the effect of smoking are excluded.
Radon exposure is another risk.
Radon is a byproduct of naturally occurring radium, which is a product of uranium.
Radon is present in indoor and outdoor environments.
The risk of lung cancer increases with significant long-term exposure to radon, but do not know the exact risk. It is estimated that 12% of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon, about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in terms of radon in the United States is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking . As with asbestos exposure, smoking increases the risk of lung cancer with radon exposure.
Certain occupations, where exposure to arsenic, chromium, nickel, aromatic hydrocarbons, and ethers occurs may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
A person who has had lung cancer are more likely to develop a second lung cancer than the average person is to develop an initial lung cancer.
lungs cancer overview
Cancer occurs when normal cells change is made, which causes them to grow and multiply without control. The cells form a mass or tumor that differs from the surrounding tissue, from which it springs. Tumors are dangerous because they take oxygen, nutrients and space for healthy cells and because they attack and destroy or impair the normal function of tissues.
Most lung tumors are malignant. This means that they invade and destroy healthy tissue around them, and can spread throughout the body.
The tumors can spread to nearby lymph nodes or through the bloodstream to other organs. This process is called metastasis.
When cancer of the lung metastases, lung cancer is called primary tumor, and tumors in other parts of the body are called secondary cancers or metastases.
Some tumors of the lung metastatic tumors in other parts of the body. The lungs are a common place for metastatic disease. If so, cancer is considered cancer to the lungs. For example, if prostate cancer spreads into the bloodstream to the lungs is metastatic prostate cancer (secondary tumor) in the lungs and it is not lung cancer.
Lung cancer is a group of different tumors. Lung cancer is usually divided into two broad categories that about 95% of cases.
The division into groups is based on the type of cells that make up the cancer.
The two main types of lung cancer is characterized by the size of the tumor cells when viewed under a microscope. They are called small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC includes several subtypes of tumors.
SCLC is less common, but grow faster and are more likely to metastasis in NSCLC. SCLC often already spread to other parts of the body when cancer is diagnosed.
About 5% of lung cancers are rare cell types, including carcinoid tumors, lymphomas, among others.
Specific types of primary lung cancer are:
Adenocarcinoma (an NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, which represents 30% -40% of cases. A subtype of adenocarcinoma is bronchoalveolar carcinoma, which creates an appearance similar to pneumonia on chest radiograph.
Squamous cell carcinoma (NSCLC) lung cancer is the second most common, representing about 30% of cases.
Large cell cancer (another NSCLC) accounts for 10% of cases.
SCLC accounts for 20% of cases.
Carcinoid tumors represent 1% of cases
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