Lung Cancer |
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DESCRIPTION
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The first warning of lung cancer is usually a spot on a chest x-ray, revealing a tumor (lump) in the lung and is found as a spot on a chest X-ray. Like all cancers, the disease is the result of unrestrained multiplication of cells. Normal cells divide in a planned way, creating more cells only when needed. Cancerous cells grow and divide without control or order, often making excess tissue that becomes a tumor. Cancer cells may grow into nearby healthy tissue, or they may break away from the tumor and travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bone, or brain.
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CAUSES
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Scientists don't know why one person develops cancer while another doesn't. However, the factors that increase the odds of lung cancer are very well known: Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. The longer you have smoked and the more cigarettes you smoke daily, the greater your risk. Constant exposure to second-hand smoke also increases the odds. Certain industrial chemicals, when present in the air of your workplace, are also known culprits. Among them are asbestos, arsenic, chromium, beryllium, and radioactive materials.
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SYMPTOMS
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During the early stages of lung cancer there are usually no symptoms. Later signs include: Constant coughing Trouble breathing Wheezing Frequent colds Coughing up a lot of sputum Bloody sputum Achy, non-localized chest pain Fatigue Weakness Weight loss If the cancer has spread, you may also have other problems.
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CARE
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To find out what stage the cancer is in, your doctor will measure the lump, check to see if the cancer has spread, and perform tests such as bone and lung scans, and tissue or bone biopsies. The results of the tests will help you and your doctor decide on a treatment plan. There are many different ways to treat cancer. Often doctors use two or more types of treatment together. For example, you may get medicine and radiation or medicine and surgery. The major options for lung cancer are: Biologic Therapy: (also called biotherapy or immunotherapy). This approach uses special IV medicine to boost the body's ability to fight growing cancer cells. The medication may also make cancer cells weaker and easier to kill. The treatments may give you flu-like symptoms. Chemotherapy: Often called "chemo," this type of therapy uses drugs to kill new tumor cells or shrink lymph nodes that contain cancer cells. Once the tumor is smaller, you may have surgery to remove the rest of the cancer. Some forms of cancer can be completely cured with drugs alone. Many different chemo medicines are available. They may be taken as a pill, as a shot, or in an IV. You will probably need frequent blood tests to determine how your body is doing and how much chemo you need. The drugs can produce many side effects, and may leave you susceptible to infection for a while. Radiation: X-rays or gamma rays can kill cancer and help prevent it from spreading. They can also be effective in reducing pain, controlling bleeding, and shrinking cancerous tumors. Doctors also use this type of therapy on cancerous lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used together. Radiation is also used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have been missed. Surgery: Depending on the stage of your lung cancer, you may need surgery to remove all or part of the lung. You may also need to have some lymph nodes taken out to help prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body. Thoracentesis (thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis): If air or fluid gets trapped between the chest wall and the outside of the lung, you may find it difficult to breath. To relieve the problem, the doctor can empty the area with a needle inserted between two ribs. You'll be given a numbing shot before the procedure.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Left untreated, cancer eventually will spread. Almost all forms of cancer therapy have unpleasant side effects, and may fail to halt the spread. However, treatment---especially when performed early enough---usually improves your chances.
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