Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled rapid growth of cells in tissues. This type of cancer is most common and results in more than a million deaths every year. This form of cancer is indicated by weight loss or coughing up blood or regularly going out of breath. It can be noticed on chest radio graph also called CT Scan. The treatment that one gets depends on the stage that one is in. Treatment of cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
CLASSIFICATION
Lung cancers are classified after studying under them microscope. Classification is necessary as different type of cancer is treated differently. Large portion of lung cancer are carcinomas - malignancies that grow from epithelial cells. Lung-carcinomas are categorized into two types: non -small and small-cell lung carcinoma. Non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma account for 80. 4% and 16. 8% frequency of lung cancer, respectively.
1. NON -SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA
The non -small cell lung carcinomas are grouped together as their prognosis and management are same up to some extent. They are further classified into three types: squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma. Squamous cell lung cancer originates near a central bronchus. They account for 25% of lung cancers. Adenocarcinoma starts in peripheral lung tissue. The cases of adenocarcinoma are a result of smoking. They accounts to 40% of non -small cell lung cancers.
2. SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA
This type of lung cancer is rare. It is sometimes referred to as "oat cell" carcinoma. Most of the times they originate from larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi ) and from there they grow at a rapid pace. This type of lung cancer if mostly associated with smoking.
SECONDARY CANCERS
These cancers are classified on the basis of site of origin like breast cancer but has spread to the lung. Majority of the lung cancers in children are secondary.
STAGING OF LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer staging is used to asses the degree of spread of the cancer from its place of origin. It is an important factor that determines the potential treatment of lung cancer. The degree starts from 1A to 4, 1A being best prognosis and 4 being worst.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Following are the symptoms of lung cancer: 1. Voice becoming hoarse. 2. Sudden loss of weight. 3. Feeling pain in chest region or abdomen. 4. Difficulty in swallowing. 5. Loss of appetite. 6. Running out of breath. Many of the symptoms mentioned above are non -specific. By the time they notice symptoms or signs, cancer has already spread from place of origin. Very few people with this cancer have signs at time of diagnosis, these cancers are noticed on routine chest radio graph.
CAUSES
The three main causes of cancer are: carcinogens (which is found in tobacco ), viral infection and ionizing radiation. If exposed, it causes changes to DNA in tissue lining the bronchi of the lungs. With more and more tissues getting damaged, cancer develops.
1. SMOKING
Smoking is the main cause of cancer. In one cigarette, there are 60 different known types of carcinogens like radioisotopes and nitrosamine. Smoking is believed to cause 80% of these type of cases. The risk is generally less in non -smokers. The time that a person smokes proportionately increases the chances of this cancer. There has been cases that if a person stops smoking, the damaged cells gradually gets repaired. In non-smokers, passive smoking is the main causes of lung-cancer. Passive smoking is one inhaled from another person smoking.
2. RADON GAS
The gas produced from breakdown of radium. This gas is colourless and odorless. Exposure to radiation ionize the genetic material, causing mutations that sometimes turn cancerous. Exposure to radon gas is the second major cause of lung-cancer after smoking.
3. ASBESTOS
Asbestos is responsible for causing a number of cancer, one among them is lung cancer. In UK, asbestos accounts for 2 to 3% of the total cases of this cancer.
4. VIRUS
Viruses are responsible for causing lung-cancer in animals. And research has shown of similar potential in humans.
5. PARTICULATE MATTER
Particulate matter has a direct link to lung cancer cases. The size and quantity of particles in air determines the risk of getting lung-cancer. If concentration of particles increases beyond 1%, then the chances of getting this increases by 14%.
PATHOGENESIS
Just like may other cancer forms, lung cancer is started by activation of ocnogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressing genes. Ocnogenes are those genes that make people more vulnerable to cancer. Ocnogenes are produced from proto-ocnogenes, when the latter is exposed to particular carcinogens. In k-ras proto-oncogene, mutations takes place which are responsible for 10 to 30% of lung adenocarcinomas. Tumor invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell profileration are regulated by the Epidermal growth factor receptor. Mutations and amplification of EGFR are common in non -small cell lung cancer. The basis for treatment with EGFR-inhibitors are also provided by Mutation and amplification of EGFR. Chromosomal damage can lead to loss of heterozygosity which can result in inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Damage to four of these chromosomes:3p, 5q, 13 q and 17 p are common in small cell lung-carcinoma. The p53, which is a tumor suppressor gene, located on chromosome 17p is affected in most of the cases. c-MET, NKX2-1, LKB1, PIK3A and BRAF are also mutated or amplified. Various genetic polymorphisms are supplementary to this cancer. Some of them include polymorphisms in genes coding for interleukin-1, cytochrome p450, apoptosis promoters such as caspase-8, and XRCC1, which is DNA repair molecule. People having these polymorphisms are more likely to develop lung cancer on being exposed to carcinogens. The research has revealed that MDM2 309G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for developing this in Asians.
DIAGNOSIS
If a person has reported symptoms that might suggest cancer related to lungs, then chest radio graph is performed in the first step. The test reveals the widening of mediastinium, atelectasis and pleural effusion. Even if there are no radio graphic findings but the hint of this is high because of things like the person being heavy smoker with blood-stained sputum then CT-Scan may provide the necessary data. If findings are unnatural in cells in sputum, then they multiplies the risk of this type of cancer. Early detection can be done by Sputum cytologic examination together with other screening examinations. The differential diagnosis for those patients who show irregularities on chest cardiograph consider cancer related to lungs along with non malignant diseases. These consider infectious reasons like tuberculosis or pneumonia. The above mentioned diseases can lead to lung nodules.
PREVENTION
Prevention, just like always, is better than cure. Steps in this direction have been taken by may countries by identifying carcinogens and banning them but tobacco, which is the major cause of lung cancer, is still common. Eliminating cigarette smoking is first hand target in the prevention of lung cancer. Steps to lessen Passive smoking have also being taken by banning smoking in public places and workplaces. New Zealand has restricted smoking in open places. A similar step is also taken by Chandigarh, India. Bhutan has criminalized smoking since 2005.
SCREENING
Screening is used to detect disease by doing medical tests when the patient is not showing any symptoms. Chest radio graph or computed tomography are the tests used for screening of lung cancer. But, results have shown, that screening tests for lung cancer rarely has shown any benefit.
TREATMENT
The treatment of lung cancer can be done in following ways, depending on the stage or degree of cancer:
1. SURGERY
If doctors have detected lung cancer, then CT scan and positron emission tomography are usually applied to check if the disease is placed and surgery can be done or it has moved to the point where performing surgery is not possible. Surgery can only be performed if spirometry reveals good respiratory reserve, but if it is poor, then surgery is not possible. Even surgery has a death operative rate of 4. 4% but that is because of patient's lung function and other factors.
2. CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy, along with radiation, is used to treat small cell lung carcinoma. Primary chemotherapy is also used in metastatic non -small cell lung carcinoma.
3. RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy, with chemotherapy, is given when patient is not fit to under go surgery. This type of high intensity radiotherapy is called radical radiotherapy. CHART (continuos hyperfractioned accelerated radiotherapy ) is refined version of this technique in which a high dose of radiotherapy is given for a short period of time. When cancer affects a short section of bronchus, then brachytherapy is given.
EPIDEMOLOGY
Lung cancer is the most widely reported cancer. There are 1. 35 million cases every year and 1. 18 million deaths. Lung cancer develop among those who have a history of smoking over a long period of years i. e 50 years and above. In addition to smoking, passive smoking is also a factor that causes lung cancer. Even the emissions from factories, automobiles, power plants pose a threat to human health. Lung cancer is found to have a reciprocal effect with sunlight and UVB exposure. This is due to effect of Vitamin D, produced in skin during exposure to sunlight.
We, whealthfitness means world fitness health provide important and valuable health and fitness like Lung Cancer Information on our latest Disease Information Blog. For more information visit our website whealthfitness.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4575819
Showing posts with label Health Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Tips. Show all posts
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Lung Cancer Symptoms - Major Signs Of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms wouldn't show until advanced stages of the illness. One fourth of patients discover the malignant tumor, as a solitary small mass called coin lesion, by accident while x-raying the chest for other reasons. The major lung cancer symptoms are coughing up blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Lung cancer is the most deadly of all kinds. Specialists state that one out of every fourteen Americans, women and men, would diagnose the disease in a lifetime and more than 150000 victims are killed by this terrifying illness every year. This cancer was not common before the thirties of the last century but increased proportionally with the growth of the number of cigarettes smokers and the carelessness of companies that exposed their workers to asbestos.
The major causes of this cancer are tobacco, active and passive smoking, exposure to asbestos, Radon gas and familial genetic predisposition.
Patients develop lung cancer symptoms as the illness advances, due to physiological disruptions caused by the initial tumor and the metastatic tumors in other parts of the body: a malignant tumor would grow in the lung and spread to the surrounding structure using the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to expand. Inversely, metastatic cancers from other primary tumors of the body are often found scattered throughout the lung, most often in the peripheral rather than the center.
In addition, to the liquid volume that the pleura produces to cushion the lung, a malignant tumor would squeeze the lung in the rib cage, therefore breathing becomes difficult, wheezing and painful.
Coughing up blood is one of the spectacular and alarming lung cancer symptoms, is caused by tumor dying cells. Blood spitting is not specific to lung cancer symptoms only, but can also be attributed to other lung problems such as pneumonia.
The illness might invade the nerves and cause a shoulder pain that travels to the arm. Hoarseness is one of the lung cancer symptoms that indicate that the disease invaded the vocal cords. The infection triggers fever accompanied with strong sweating and general fatigue. In most cases, patients would swell of their faces and arms. Besides, victims would excessively lose weight in no time.
A physical examination would denote, in the case of lung mesothelioma, unusual masses of tissue under the skin in the chest and abdomen.
One shouldn't wait until spitting blood but should consult a doctor as soon as he or she develops signs indicated as lung cancer symptoms.
A persistent new cough or the worsening of an old one, pain in the chest, breathing difficulties and wheezing should be considered as serious signs and encourage to seeing an oncologist.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5721410
Lung cancer is the most deadly of all kinds. Specialists state that one out of every fourteen Americans, women and men, would diagnose the disease in a lifetime and more than 150000 victims are killed by this terrifying illness every year. This cancer was not common before the thirties of the last century but increased proportionally with the growth of the number of cigarettes smokers and the carelessness of companies that exposed their workers to asbestos.
The major causes of this cancer are tobacco, active and passive smoking, exposure to asbestos, Radon gas and familial genetic predisposition.
Patients develop lung cancer symptoms as the illness advances, due to physiological disruptions caused by the initial tumor and the metastatic tumors in other parts of the body: a malignant tumor would grow in the lung and spread to the surrounding structure using the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to expand. Inversely, metastatic cancers from other primary tumors of the body are often found scattered throughout the lung, most often in the peripheral rather than the center.
In addition, to the liquid volume that the pleura produces to cushion the lung, a malignant tumor would squeeze the lung in the rib cage, therefore breathing becomes difficult, wheezing and painful.
Coughing up blood is one of the spectacular and alarming lung cancer symptoms, is caused by tumor dying cells. Blood spitting is not specific to lung cancer symptoms only, but can also be attributed to other lung problems such as pneumonia.
The illness might invade the nerves and cause a shoulder pain that travels to the arm. Hoarseness is one of the lung cancer symptoms that indicate that the disease invaded the vocal cords. The infection triggers fever accompanied with strong sweating and general fatigue. In most cases, patients would swell of their faces and arms. Besides, victims would excessively lose weight in no time.
A physical examination would denote, in the case of lung mesothelioma, unusual masses of tissue under the skin in the chest and abdomen.
One shouldn't wait until spitting blood but should consult a doctor as soon as he or she develops signs indicated as lung cancer symptoms.
A persistent new cough or the worsening of an old one, pain in the chest, breathing difficulties and wheezing should be considered as serious signs and encourage to seeing an oncologist.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5721410
What is Insurance and Why Do We Need It?
1. Intro
Before I introduce this month's insurance topic, I need to point out a bit of irony that took place at the end of last month. After writing an article about what to do in the event of a winter auto accident, I found myself slipping on ice, heading slow-motion toward another car at an intersection. I was driving at the right speed for the conditions. Sometimes however, events are just out of your control. As I slid slowly toward the other car that day, I was glad of two things, I was sliding SLOWLY and that both I and the other driver were protected against the financial loss that was quite literally coming our way. We've all been there; writing the monthly check for the auto or home insurance, thinking to yourself, why do I have to pay money to a company for the promise that they'll pay out when I need it. That day, I was glad I had it, but rest assured there are many days I don't feel those same emotions. My goal in this month's article is to provide you with basic differences between the main varieties of insurance and some reasons for its existence.
2. What is Insurance
Put simply, "Insurance" is the payment of a small predictable amount of money ("premium") to protect against a larger unpredictable expense ("loss/claim").This transfers the risk from you to the insurance company for a fee. This protection comes in several ways.
Liability Insurance:
Everyone talks about our "litigious society". We all know people who are sue-happy. You could say that liability protection is for other people. Liability insurance is the protection afforded to you by the insurance company, telling you that they'll pay the amount you become legally obligated to pay. Sometimes this could mean a court case but more often the issue is "settled" for you by the insurance company. Imagine that your houseguest trips and falls on the ice on your walkway, and blames you for not putting out sand or salt. Your insurance company responds by paying for her medical bills, lost wages and maybe pain and suffering because of the accident.
Property Insurance:
This kind of insurance protection is more tangible than liability. Property insurance protects physical stuff against damage or loss of use. Most policies will include and exclude certain kinds of events, called "perils". For example War is excluded on almost every policy; which is why on 9/11, when President Bush declared war, he simultaneously voided coverage for all of lower Manhattan. Fire on the other hand is included on almost every insurance policy because fire insurance is historically where property insurance has its roots.
Professional Insurance:
You can think of this kind of insurance as liability insurance for specific professions. Doctors, Lawyers and Engineers have to have this kind of insurance in case they make a bad decision or give poor advice. This kind of insurance is expensive, especially in areas like the medical field where professionals are making judgment calls many times a day.
3. Why Do We Need Insurance?
Many of us have never had to make a claim on our insurance. Therefore when we continue to write the check month after month, we feel as if we are pouring money right down the drain. Even though you've never had to make a claim on your insurance, there is a good reason that its there. Naturally insurance is there to protect yourself and your investment, but let's face it; many of us wouldn't bother with insurance if it wasn't required by law or the bank.
Not only does insurance protect you and those around you, it is an unsung hero of America's economic success. Think about it for a second, who else has a stake in protecting your property; if you lease your car or mortgage your house, then the bank does. They want to make sure that their investment is protected. Banks wouldn't want to lend out money unless they knew that there was a really good chance that they'll get their money back. Consequently, insurance provides protection for the consumer lending process which is the backbone of the American economy. You might say that insurance greases the wheels enterprise.
Before I introduce this month's insurance topic, I need to point out a bit of irony that took place at the end of last month. After writing an article about what to do in the event of a winter auto accident, I found myself slipping on ice, heading slow-motion toward another car at an intersection. I was driving at the right speed for the conditions. Sometimes however, events are just out of your control. As I slid slowly toward the other car that day, I was glad of two things, I was sliding SLOWLY and that both I and the other driver were protected against the financial loss that was quite literally coming our way. We've all been there; writing the monthly check for the auto or home insurance, thinking to yourself, why do I have to pay money to a company for the promise that they'll pay out when I need it. That day, I was glad I had it, but rest assured there are many days I don't feel those same emotions. My goal in this month's article is to provide you with basic differences between the main varieties of insurance and some reasons for its existence.
2. What is Insurance
Put simply, "Insurance" is the payment of a small predictable amount of money ("premium") to protect against a larger unpredictable expense ("loss/claim").This transfers the risk from you to the insurance company for a fee. This protection comes in several ways.
Liability Insurance:
Everyone talks about our "litigious society". We all know people who are sue-happy. You could say that liability protection is for other people. Liability insurance is the protection afforded to you by the insurance company, telling you that they'll pay the amount you become legally obligated to pay. Sometimes this could mean a court case but more often the issue is "settled" for you by the insurance company. Imagine that your houseguest trips and falls on the ice on your walkway, and blames you for not putting out sand or salt. Your insurance company responds by paying for her medical bills, lost wages and maybe pain and suffering because of the accident.
Property Insurance:
This kind of insurance protection is more tangible than liability. Property insurance protects physical stuff against damage or loss of use. Most policies will include and exclude certain kinds of events, called "perils". For example War is excluded on almost every policy; which is why on 9/11, when President Bush declared war, he simultaneously voided coverage for all of lower Manhattan. Fire on the other hand is included on almost every insurance policy because fire insurance is historically where property insurance has its roots.
Professional Insurance:
You can think of this kind of insurance as liability insurance for specific professions. Doctors, Lawyers and Engineers have to have this kind of insurance in case they make a bad decision or give poor advice. This kind of insurance is expensive, especially in areas like the medical field where professionals are making judgment calls many times a day.
3. Why Do We Need Insurance?
Many of us have never had to make a claim on our insurance. Therefore when we continue to write the check month after month, we feel as if we are pouring money right down the drain. Even though you've never had to make a claim on your insurance, there is a good reason that its there. Naturally insurance is there to protect yourself and your investment, but let's face it; many of us wouldn't bother with insurance if it wasn't required by law or the bank.
Not only does insurance protect you and those around you, it is an unsung hero of America's economic success. Think about it for a second, who else has a stake in protecting your property; if you lease your car or mortgage your house, then the bank does. They want to make sure that their investment is protected. Banks wouldn't want to lend out money unless they knew that there was a really good chance that they'll get their money back. Consequently, insurance provides protection for the consumer lending process which is the backbone of the American economy. You might say that insurance greases the wheels enterprise.
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