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Our bodies are created with building blocks called cells. It's a well-known fact that cells grow, divide, and multiply to meet the needs of the body and keep it strong. Sometimes, these cells will divide when there is no need to multiply, and create a mass of extra cells known as a tumor or cancer. In the lungs, an unchecked, rapid growth of cells is known as lung cancer. This disease can be diagnosed in two forms: small cell lunch cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. The categories of lung cancer are based morphology of the cells as seen under a microscope. The two types of lung cancer have their treatment methods, as they spread in different ways. Non-small cell lung cancer, the more regularly occurring form of the disease, grows and spreads slowly. In this class there are three major kinds of cancer: large cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Less common are the forms of small cell lung cancer. This form of cancer can quickly spread and may even affect different organs within the body. Another term used for this type of lung cancer is oat cell cancer. Recently lung cancer has been recognized as the deadliest form of cancer in many developed nations, including the USA where 170,000 people die from the disease each year. Even though lung changes start almost immediately upon exposure to carcinogens, lung cancer takes years together to develop. The inhalation of the carcinogens through cigarette smoke is the main cause of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. The risk of contracting lung cancer increases when there is an environmental exposure to radon compounded with smoking. People working in places with exposure to asbestos face another form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma lung cancer. Lung cancer is most prevalent in people over fifty who have been smoking for many years. Lung cancer symptoms may vary based upon the location of the tumor in the lungs. Patients may suspect lung cancer when they suffer with chronic cough, wheezing, chest pain and recurring lung infections. The preliminary diagnosis of lung cancer can easily be done by an experienced health care professional. This is based on symptoms, smoking history, medical history, earlier family history of lung cancer and exposure to occupational and environmental risk factors. A second series of tests is performed to confirm the diagnosis. These can include a chest x-ray, which will diagnose small cell or non-small cell lung cancer and gauge the stage to which the cancer has developed. Medical professionals can also confirm whether or not the cancer is localized in the lung or has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment of lung cancer may be done by chemotherapy (cancer cells can be eliminated by medications), radiation therapy (eliminating the cancer cells by high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays), or surgery (cancer removal). Treatment of advanced stage lung cancer is considered difficult with moderate success rate in early stage treatment. As prevention is better than cure, it is highly prudent not to use any tobacco. The best way to reduce the occurrence of lung cancer is to quit smoking. If you quit smoking at the earliest opportunity, you may gradually decrease your risk of lung cancer over 10 to 15 years as your lungs recover.
Article Source: http://www.philvault.com
Contributor Ambrose Hutson is an author for a variety of Internet sites, on health and safety and health and wellness themes.
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