Lung cancer
- Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs
- Two main types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer.
- Small cell lung cancer makes up about 20% of all lung cancer cases.
- If the cancer started somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs, it is called metastatic cancer to the lung.
Causes
- Cigarette smoking
- The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer.
- Secondhand smoke (breathing the smoke of others) increases your risk of lung cancer.
- High levels of air pollution
- High levels of arsenic in drinking water
- Radon gas
- Asbestos
- Family history of lung cancer
- Radiation therapy to the lungs
- Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust
Symptoms
- Cough that doesnt go away
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Losing weight without trying
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Swallowing difficulty
- Nail problems
- Joint pain
- Hoarseness or changing voice
- Swelling of the face
- Facial paralysis
- Eyelid drooping
- Bone pain or tenderness
Types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones
- Pigment stones
- Mixed stones - the most common type. They are comprised of cholesterol and salts.
Exams and Tests
- Tests that may be performed include:
- Chest x-ray
- Sputum cytology test
- Blood work
- CT scan of the chest
- MRI of the chest
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Bronchoscopy combined with biopsy
- Pleural biopsy
- CT scan directed needle biopsy
- Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
- Open lung biopsy
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.
Prevention
- If you smoke, quit.
- Avoid second hand smoke.
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent some cases of lung cancer.