Lung Cancer Symptoms Including Information About The Disease And Treatment
by: Lucas Martin on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 at: 2:51 PM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
There are two specific types known to spread and grow within the lung. These types will spread and grow in different ways and it is important for treatment to know the type or types present. All over the world and including the US, cancer of the lungs is the leading form of cancer related death in both women and men. Some individuals do experience lung cancer symptoms during the earlier stages, but others will not be aware of the disease until it has spread to other vital areas.
There are two different types of these cells that may be present in the lungs and they are classified by their appearance under the microscope; they include small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC). There is the possibility that other forms of cancer can appear like bronchial carcinoids, but the percent of this type is low and they usually present in individuals under the age of forty. Metastastatic cancers; that have come from other areas can also be found here.
Small cell lung carcinoma grows rapidly and is the more aggressive of the two types. These are usually discovered after they have spread through the body. They are often referred to as oat cell carcinomas and directly related to cigarette smoking as less than one percent of individuals that do not smoke are affected.
Non-small cell is found in three different types and makes up approximately eighty percent of cancers that are found in the lungs. Located in the outer areas of the lungs are adenocarcinomas and these are found in smokers and non-smokers alike. Located in the chest area more often than the bronchi are squamous cell carcinomas which are far less common. The most uncommon type are large cell carcinomas. A mixture of all three types can be possible.
Symptoms are most likely related to either the original tumor, to malignant issues with hormones and blood or other systems that have been affected by metastastatic tumors. A new cough or a persistent one that will not clear up may be initial indicators that there is a problem. If there is blood associated with the cough it is certainly a serious issue.
Being short of breath, wheezing and chest pain may be important indicators that a problem exists. Pain can be associated with areas other than the lung. Wheezing and being short of breath may be related to fluid collecting around lungs; called pleural effusion. All of these may also indicate that there is some sort of blockage. Repeated respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis can also be indications.
It is rare, but possible that fluid may accumulate between the heart and sac that surrounds it; called a pericardial effusion. A pneumothorax may also occur and this is the term referring to a collapsed lung. Other symptoms may present depending on which area in the body the cancer has spread to.
Treatment will be chosen after a series of test which will usually include X-rays, PET scans, CT scans and bone scans. The physician will need to assess the existent stage of the cancer. Unfortunately the prognosis for this particular kind of cancer is not good due to lung cancer symptoms not being present until the disease has spread. If one can detect the lung cancer early, then the prognosis is better and life expectancy longer.
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Get the low down on lung cancer symptoms signs including disease and treatment option details now in our complete symptoms of lung cancer overview.
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