Lung Cancer and Smoking Information
Lung cancer is the most common cancer that occurs in the U.K., with the incidence being greater amongst males, although it is on the increase in females.The cancer itself may arise due to direct lung damage and the production of a cancerous growth, or to a secondary growth from a cancer that is present in another part of the body.
In the case of secondary growths, cancerous tissue travels from the main growth and infects another part of the body - particularly the lungs,as the blood vessels here are sufficiently small enough to be susceptible. Development of the cancer can take up to 20 years
before symptoms manifest, by which time the cancer may have reproduced and spread extensively.
Lung cancers can be divided up into two
types: small-cell and non small-cell lung cancers. Small-cell lung cancer is also known as oat cell cancer, and is the least common of the two forms.
Non small-cell lung cancer can be further divided
up into three other forms, known as adenocarcinoma, large-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma, with the most common tending to be adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinomas tend to arise in the
periphery of the lung, and consequently are difficult to pick up on x-ray. They are also the most likely to metastasise (travel) to other parts of the body, such as the bone and liver.
Squamous cell carcinomas are the next most common form of cancer, and usually occur in the more central area of the lungs, near the airways.
Causes of Lung Cancer
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, with up to 75-80% of all lung cancers being caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.
Tobacco smoke is thought to contain anywhere between 2000-4000 chemicals that
are able to cause lung cancer (carcinogens). These chemicals attack normal cells directly, eventually damaging the DNA, which leads to uncontrolled proliferation and eventually a tumour.
The more an individual smokes the greater their chance of contracting this condition. Apart from tobacco smoke, carcinogens such as radon gas,asbestos, petroleum products and therapeutic radiation can cause lung
cancer.
Some people will have a greater chance of developing
lung cancer, if they are exposed to these substances as part of their occupation.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The symptoms of lung cancer vary, and depend on a variety of factors such as their location, the type of cancer cell, and whether there has been any spread to the surrounding tissues.
In a vast majority of cases, the main symptom is
coughing, although this will be present in a large number of
individuals who smoke. Other symptoms include the production of excess phlegm and/or blood stained phlegm.There may also be problems with general health such as:
General malaise
Lack of energy
Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
Chest pain
Hoarseness
Sudden non-intentional weight loss and anaemia
Altered liver function tests
Increased calcium levels Treatment and Prevention of Lung Cancer
The choice of treatment depends on the individual case, and the stage of cancer reached. Chemotherapy may be used to treat small cell lung cancers, and can be most effective when a cocktail of drugs are used.Radiotherapy involves using gamma radiation to kill these cells, and is often used after surgery to ensure that any cancerous cells are destroyed. Surgery is another option, and may be
used in cases where the tumour is easily accessible, and where there is no metastasis.
This form of therapy is particularly good in treating small cell lung cancers, providing that there are no contra-indications. The choice of treatment will vary, and may involve a combination of the two therapies i.e. chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Stopping smoking (or not starting) is the best way to significantly reduce the chances of contracting lung cancer. Regular checkups by your doctor, and taking antioxidants may also help to diagnose and prevent the formation of cancers.
Dr. A. Bose © Allcures.com September 2011