Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer is a potentially deadly but all too common disease that affects millions of people. This type of cancer can be caused in a variety of ways, from smoking to exposure to toxic substances. The two main types of lung cancer are known as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, and depending on the variation of lung cancer you have the treatment and development of the cancer will vary. Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that develops in the cells of the airways, and this is the most common variation of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is a condition that develops from mucous producing cells in the airways. Large cell carcinoma is characterized by the large round cells, which can be seen when examined under laboratory conditions.

Another variation of lung cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos and this is a cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer can affect the lungs, the heart, or the abdominal organs. The most common variation is that which affects the lungs, and this is known as pleural mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer affects the membrane cells and can affect those that have experienced long term or high level exposure to asbestos.

Causes of lung cancer

There are a number of possible causes of lung cancer, and these can vary depending on your lifestyle and other factors. Some of the known causes of various types of lung cancer include:

Cigarette smoking: those that smoke cigarettes have a far higher risk of developing lung cancer than those that do not smoke. The age at which you start smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked can also affect the risk factor when it comes to developing lung cancer.

• Second-hand smoke is another factor that can affect your chances of getting lung cancer. However, the risk is nowhere near as high as it is for a primary smoker.
• Cannabis smoking may increase the chances of developing lung cancer.
• Pipe and cigar smoking can also result in lung cancer, although the risk is not as high as it is for cigarette smokers.
• Unprotected exposure to asbestos dust and fibers can result in a type of lung cancer known as mesothelioma, which can take several decades to manifest from the exposure time but once it does manifest can reduce the person’s life span to a matter of months.
• Research indicates that a type of gas known as Radon gas can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Rarer causes of lung cancer include exposure to certain chemicals, including chromium and nickel.

The symptoms of lung cancer

There are a number of symptoms associated with lung cancer. Some of these can be non-specific in nature, and therefore the thought that it may be lung cancer may not immediately spring to mind. Some of the symptoms that could indicate the presence of lung cancer include:

• Persistent or long-term cough
• A persistent chest infection
• Breathlessness that seems to get worse over time
• Coughing up sputum that has blood in it
• Aches and pains caused be taking deep breaths or coughing
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss

Seeking advice

If you are a smoker or an ex-smoker, and even if you passively smoke, you should look out for these symptoms. Likewise if you have been exposed to a dangerous substance or chemical such as asbestos, you should remain vigilant for any signs of lung cancer. Seeking advice early on could make a big difference with some types of lung cancer, and the earlier you get diagnosed and treated the higher your chances of some degree of recovery or remission.