The lungs contain a series of airways, called bronchi and bronchioles, which carry air from the mouth down into the lungs. The bronchi and bronchioles contain a number of specialized cell types, including airway-lining cells called epithelial cells. The epithelial cells produce mucus that helps protect the cells of the bronchi and bronchioles, and also helps trap debris, such as dust particles, before it can enter the lungs. Bronchial carcinoma is a cancer of these epithelial cells, causing the formation of a lung tumor. A number of factors can cause this type of cancer.
Smoking Tobacco
A common cause of bronchial carcinoma is smoking cigarettes, with smoking responsible for around 90 percent of bronchial carcinoma cases, according to E-Radiolography.net. Tobacco smoke contains a number of chemicals considered mutagens that can induce genetic mutations when the chemical comes in contact with live cells. With each puff, smokers draw a number of mutagens through their bronchi and bronchioles, and the epithelial cells lining the airways make direct contact with these harmful chemicals. Over time, progressive exposure to mutagens leads to the development of harmful mutations in the airways, and can eventually lead to bronchial carcinoma.
Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke
Although smoking accounts for the majority of bronchial carcinoma cases, exposure to second-hand smoke can also lead to bronchial carcinoma in non-smokers. A study, published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2004, indicates that second-hand smoke exposure was sufficient to promote lung cancer develop both in humans and in laboratory animals. Exposure to second-hand smoke, also called passive smoking, also exposes the epithelial cells in the airways to a number of cancer-causing chemicals. Over time, passive smoking can lead to genetic mutations in the bronchial epithelial lining, causing abnormal cell proliferation and the formation of tumor. Patients can reduce their risks of developing bronchial carcinoma by limiting exposure to second-hand smoke.
Marijuana Smoke
Another potential cause of bronchial carcinoma is marijuana smoke. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that marijuana contains a higher level of tar than cigarettes. Additionally, marijuana smoke is typically inhaled deeply into the lungs, so cells in the airways deeper in the lungs also gain exposure to mutagenic chemicals. UMMC also points out that since marijuana is illegal and, therefore, not regulated by the government, some strains of marijuana may contain harmful microbes that can contribute to lung cancer development and lung disease. Patients looking to decrease their risk of developing bronchial carcinoma should avoid smoking marijuana, and current smokers should consider stopping.
