Lung cancer, like all other types of cancers, results from abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth of the lung tissues. Usually starting in the bronchi tissues, lung cancer can spread to the other parts of the body, such as the other lung, the heart, the diaphragm, the spine, etc. Ultimately, lung cancer leads to suffering primarily due to respiratory complications, and death.
History
Lung cancer was unknown or rare in the past, until commercial smoking emerged in the early 20th century. Doctors knew that working in mines, asbestos plants, or living in impoverished areas can cause lung illnesses, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties, tuberculosis, emphysema, etc. Lung cancer became known when these lung illnesses increased tenfold with the emergence of commercial smoking.
Causes
Lung cancer begins when the DNA of the cell tissues of the bronchi lining mutate. The mutation can be caused by two factors: carcinogens and inherited tendencies, with the former as the most common. People with relatives who had or have the disease have a higher risk of getting sick. There are three types of carcinogens that can cause lung disease: chemicals, radiation, and viruses. Scientists have identified tobacco, tar, soot, and asbestos as the leading chemicals that can trigger the disease.
Stages
According to the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors, lung cancer has six stages: Tx, T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Tx is the start of Bronchi lining cell mutation (not felt by the person). T0 is when the accumulating cells becomes malignant, causing certain lung illnesses. T1 is the development of a tumor. T2 is when the tumor causes more severe respiratory illnesses. T3 is when the lung cancer spreads to the chest area, which includes the other lung, heart, diaphragm, spinal cord, etc. T4 is when the cancer cells have readched the circulatory system and has spread all over the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lung cancer can be weight loss, loss of appetite, chest and abdominal pain, chronic coughing, difficulty swallowing, voice difficulties, breathing difficulties, fatigue, coughing out blood, pneumonia, wheezing, etc. Usually, symptoms appear only after the disease has grown. In worse cases, like cancer, symptoms appear when the cancer has reached its final, fatal stages.
Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer include surgery (Thoracotomy, Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy), Radiotherapy, and Chemotherapy.
Smoking and Lung Cancer
Several studies prove that smoking is strongly linked with lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains several carcinogens, such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, etc., which can cause bronchi cells to mutate. Smokers are much more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. However, non-smokers can still acquire the disease because of second-hand smoke. Lung cancer caused by smoking is the single-greatest cause of death in most industrialized nations.
Statistics
According to the Center for Disease Control, a total 190,300 Americans were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003. 157,980 of them died – an 83 percent fatality rate.
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