LUNG CANCER BASICS

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and women. It is the abnormal growth of cells in one or both lungs. This abnormal growth leads to the formation of tumors which disrupt the normal function of the lungs. Not all tumors are cancerous. Only a doctor can determine if your tumor is cancerous through a biopsy. There are two types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer which less common but more aggressive and non-small cell cancer.

There is no way to determine who will get lung cancer; however there are known risk factors. A person with one or more of the risk factors has a greater chance of developing lung cancer. These risk factors include; use of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars or pipes), exposure to second hand smoke, exposure to radon (radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless; It can only be detected through testing), exposure to asbestos, soot or tar, exposure to air pollution, a family history of lung cancer, a personal history of lung cancer, and age (most people diagnosed with lung cancer are over age 65).

Symptoms of lung cancer do not appear early in the disease and often mimic other diseases. For this reason it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to determine their cause and begin proper treatment. Symptoms of lung cancer include; a cough that doesn't go away and gets worse, shortness of breath, constant chest pain, a hoarse voice, feeling tired all the time, repeated lung infections, weight loss without dieting, and coughing up blood.

Treatment of lung cancer will depend on the type and stage of the lung cancer. Treatment may include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.