Lung cancer is a disease beginning in the lungs resulting in the uncontrollable growth of cells. This type of cancer can spread to other organs including the brain. This is called metastases. The two main lung cancers are non-small cell and small cell. Both grow differently and require different treatments. Small cell cancer is the least common of the two.
The number one cause of death across the globe is cancer. The highest risk factor is smoking but lung cancer can develop in nonsmokers as well. The longer an individual smokes and the greater the number of cigarettes smoked increases the risk. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer.
Approximately 90 percent of all people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers. The moment smoke is inhaled into the lungs, damage occurs to the lung tissue. Although this damage can be repaired by the lungs, consistent exposure makes it difficult for repairs to be maintained. Abnormal behavior is common among damaged cells and increases the risk of lung cancer.
The majority of people diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer are heavy smokers. The more time that passes once a person has quit smoking significantly decreases the risks. The number two cause of lung cancer is radon exposure. Radon is a natural radioactive gas entering buildings using small cracks located in the foundation. The combination of radon exposure and smoking presents a significant risk for lung cancer.
Lung cancer can also be caused when hazardous substances are inhaled for a long period of time. Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure. Some of the other substances capable of causing lung cancer include:
• Chromium
• Cadmium
• Specific petroleum products
• Arsenic
• Nickel
• Uranium
The risk of lung cancer increase when genetic mutations are inherited or an individual is exposed to carcinogens. In some cases, the cause of lung cancer is not determined.
The symptoms of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer and essentially the same. The most common early symptoms include:
• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain becoming worse when coughing, laughing, or taking deep breaths
• Weight loss resulting from poor appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Worsening or lingering cough
• Recurrent respiratory infections including bronchitis and pneumonia
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
Once lung cancer spreads, new tumors will form. At this point, the symptoms depend on the location of these tumors including:
Lymph Nodes:
Lumps generally form in the collarbone or neck.
Spine or Brain:
These tumors cause numbness in the legs or arms, headaches, balance issues, and dizziness.
Lung Tumors:
When located at or near the top of the lungs, facial nerves can be impacted resulting in one eyelid drooping, shoulder pain, a small pupil, or no perspiration on one side of the individual's face. These symptoms are referred to as Horner syndrome.
Liver:
Tumors of the liver result in jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Bones:
Cancer of the bones causes pain generally located in the hips, ribs, or back.
Large Vein Tumors:
When a tumor places pressure on the large veins sending blood to the heart, arms, and head, swelling of the neck, face, arms, and upper chest are common.
A substance can be created by lung cancer much like hormones resulting in a wide range of symptoms referred to as a paraneoplastic syndrome. This includes:
• Vomiting
• High blood sugar
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Coma
• Fluid retention
Lung cancer risk factors include:
Smoking:
The longer an individual smokes and the larger the number of cigarettes consumed significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Even if an individual does not smoke, secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk.
Carcinogen and Asbestos Exposure:
Exposure to specific substances usually at the workplace has been proven to cause cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases when exposed to nickel, chromium, and arsenic.
Radiation Therapy:
Any individual receiving radiation therapy for any type of cancer to the chest has a greater risk of a lung cancer diagnosis.
Family History:
The risk of lung cancer increases if the person has a child, sibling or parent diagnosed with the disease.
Radon Gas Exposure:
When uranium breaks down in water, rocks or soil, the result is the production of radon gas. This gas eventually works its way into the air. When the levels are unsafe, radon gas accumulates in both homes and commercial buildings increasing the risk of lung cancer.
The most common complications of lung cancer include:
Coughing Up Blood:
Lung cancer can trigger bleeding within the airway resulting in hemoptysis or coughing up blood. In some instances, the bleeding is so severe treatment is necessary for control.
Pleural Effusion:
Pleural Effusion is fluid in the chest. Lung cancer can result in an accumulation of fluid in the area surrounding the lung or the pleural space leading to shortness of breath. These fluids can be drained with treatment to decrease the risk of another pleural effusion.
Shortness of Breath:
If the growth of cancer starts to block major airways, it can be difficult to breathe. An accumulation of fluids around the lungs makes it more difficult for the lung to fully expand when the person is inhaling.
Pain:
Once lung cancer reaches the advanced stages, it can spread to a different part of the body such as the bones or the lung lining resulting in pain. Physicians offer a wide range of pain treatments for individuals suffering from advanced lung cancer.
Spreading Lung Cancer:
If lung cancer spreads, it can result in headaches, nausea and pain depending on the affected organs. Unfortunately, if cancer spreads past the lungs there is usually no chance for a cure. Treatments can help with symptoms and pain and extend the life of the individual.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.