Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2016
Cancer has become as common as the common cold. Just the mention of it sends chilly shivers down my spine. Thankfully, knowing about cancer has never proved any harm. In fact, I would strongly recommend that everyone be aware of the various cancer types and their symptoms on a mandatory basis. On account of Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2016, let us take a look at the various aspects of Lung Cancer.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, has over the years, proved to be more in number in 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 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 types:
1. Benign Tumors: The tumor that doesn’t spread and stays at one place; safer.
2. Malignant Tumors: The dangerous tumor which spreads throughout the body through blood stream or any other form, which makes it difficult for treatment.
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: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer. The NSCLC is the most common type of cancer that occurs. It is further divided into four types:
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Mostly common in men and is developed around the lining of the bronchial tubes
2. Adenocarcinoma:
This is common in women and nonsmokers and forms around the mucus producing glands of lungs
3. Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma:
This is a rare type that is originated from adenocarcinoma and forms near the lungs’ air sacs.
4. Large-cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma:
This is a rapidly growing cancer, formed near the outer edges or at the outer surface of the lungs.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Of all the reasons that could be possible for the occurrence of lung cancer, smoking tops the list. More than first hand smoking, second hand smoking has proven to 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.
Other causes include exposure to radiation, pollution, inflammation and also genetics.
Symptoms
It is always best to prevent than cure, so this lung cancer awareness month 2016, be aware of the symptoms. While there are quite many symptoms regarding Lung Cancer, these are the most common ones:
- Bloody cough: Regularly coughing out blood.
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Repetitive problems regarding bronchitis
- Fatigue
- Drastic weight loss
- Frequent pain in the chest
As the tumor spreads, various other symptoms such as fever, pneumonia and such are very likely to occur.
Stages of Lung Cancer
Stage 1:
This is the stage where the tumor has spread to only one lung
Stage 2:
In this stage, the tumor spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the infected lung
Stage 3A:
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:
The lymph nodes of the adjacent lung or the neck have now been affected by the tumor.
Stage 4:
The tumor spreads throughout the body and also to the other parts of the lungs
Diagnosis
When you consult your doctor regarding yourself being affect by Lung Cancer, it is very likely that he might suggest that the following tests be done:
- X-Rays of the chest
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
- CT scan or MRI scan of the chest
- Biopsy
Make it a point in this Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2016, to visit the doctor and get yourself checked.
Treatment
If you test positive to the results, then your doctor may resent to any of the following treatment options, depending on which stage your cancer has reached. If, however, you test negative, then go home and have a wonderful day of rest.
1. Surgery
This is resorted to only when the condition is severe or when the patient wishes so, since it involves in the removal of the cancerous tissue and varying sizes of the lung could be removed depending on the type of case.
2. Chemotherapy
This involves sending in beams through your body which would kill the cancer cells.
3. Radiation
This process involves sending in radiation through the body which reduces the impact of the cells as opposed to the case of chemotherapy.
Prevention Is Always Better
This Lung Cancer awareness month 2016, remember that 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 this Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2016, and help other by spreading awareness!