According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer kills more people than any other type of cancer. Lung cancer includes all cancer that begins in the lungs, not cancer that spreads to the lungs after beginning in another organ. Preventing lung cancer can be possible, especially by avoiding cigarettes and other risk factors, but some people have personal traits such as a family history of lung cancer that may make them susceptible genetically. Lung cancer commonly spreads to the lymph nodes, bones, brain, liver and adrenal glands, so continuous screening and prevention are important.
Symptoms
In early stages of lung cancer, no symptoms may be present. According to the CDC, 22 percent of people do not have any signs or symptoms. If symptoms are present, they include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing and hoarseness. Other symptoms include losing weight unintentionally, bone pain or persistent headache. Chest, shoulder or back pain when coughing or when cough is not present also indicates possible lung cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, no clear cause of lung cancer has been found and genetics do play a part in some cases. However, smoking increases the risk for developing lung cancer due to the way the inhaled smoke changes and damages lung tissue. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos and other chemicals, radon gas, excessive alcohol use and certain lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Types
There are two types of lung cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer, the less common type, develops in heavy smokers. Non-small cell lung cancer includes a few different types of cancer that behave similarly, such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. In addition to type, different stages of lung cancer exist. Stage one through four indicate the progression of the cancer, stage one being the earliest stage and stage four being the most advanced stage, in which the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing lung cancer determines the type and stage of the cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, many tests can be done to determine if cancer is present. Tests include physical exams, chest X-rays and exams, computered tomography (CaT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, biopsy of lung tissue and positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, according to the CDC. It may be possible to remove the cancer through surgery. Chemotherapy, high dose medicines given orally and/or intravenously, aims to shrink tumors or kill the cancer. Radiation may also be used, which involves high-energy rays aimed at the lungs to try and kill the cancer cells. Research is being done to develop new lung cancer therapies, so discussing treatment options with a medical professional is important.
Prevention
Preventing lung cancer may be possible, but it is not guaranteed. Avoiding cigarettes, including secondhand smoke, is essential, and quitting smoking at any time has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer, according to the CDC. Checking homes and workplaces for radon levels and avoiding carcinogens in the form of chemicals can be helpful. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can provide antioxidants to fight cancer-causing cells. Also, drinking alcohol in moderation and getting enough exercise help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
