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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include

There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Treatment also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

National Cancer Institute

Lung Cancer on Wikipedia

'''Lung cancer''' is a cancer of the lungs. Most commonly it is bronchogenic carcinoma (about 90%). Lung cancer is the most lethal malignant tumour worldwide, causing up to 3 million deaths annually. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking. Treatment and prognosis depend upon the histology type of cancer and the staging (pathology) (degree of spread). Possible treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy) and/or radiation therapy.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms that suggest lung cancer include: * dyspnea (shortness of breath) * hemoptysis (coughing up blood) * chronic cough * wheezing * chest pain * cachexia (weight loss), Fatigue (physical) and loss of appetite * dysphonia (hoarse voice) * clubbing of the fingernails If the cancer grows into the lumen it may obstruct the airway, causing dyspnea. This can lead to accumulation of secretions behind the blockage, predisposing the patient to pneumonia. Many lung cancers have a rich blood supply. The surface of the cancer may be fragile, leading to bleeding from the cancer into the airway. This blood may subsequently be coughed up. Depending on the type of tumor, so-called Paraneoplastic phenomenon may initially attract attention to the disease. In lung cancer, this may be Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (muscle weakness due to autoimmune disorder), hypercalcemia and SIADH. Tumors in the top (apex) of the lung, known as Pancoast tumors, may invade the local part of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to changed sweating patterns and eye muscle problems (a combination known as Horner's syndrome), ...   [ Read More ]


External Resources

"Ernest" Star, Jim Varney Dies From Lung Cancer - An obituary with filmography from The Holland Sentinel.

E! Online News: George Harrison's Cancer Relapse - Report of Harrison's latest surgery to remove a cancerous growth from one of his lungs. Related links.

Oxford University GeneMedicine Research Group - Focused on the development gene therapies for diseases of the airway, such as asthma, lung cancer and in particular, cystic fibrosis (CF). Work includes formulation development, reagent production, pre-clinical testing, and human clinical trials.

Residential Radon and Lung Cancer Study - The latest and most substantial study ever on the link between radon and lung cancer (May, 2000) proves that residential radon causes cancer even at the low levels in homes. At the EPA's 4 pCi/L action limit, the lung cancer risk to women increases by 50%.

Virtual Hospital: Radon Occurrence and Health Risk - Comprehensive article on radon. Radon progeny, the decay chain and radiation. Lung cancer risks. Occupational and residential limits. Geographic radon potential. Waterborne radon. (June 1999)

Lung Cancer : Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options - Readers will find medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be strong advocates for themselves or a family member with lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Susceptibility and Outcomes Study - Presents the work of Dr. David Christiani and his team at the Harvard School of Public Health on risk factors and treatment response.

Predictive Diagnostics - Developing diagnostics to identify biomarker fingerprints for ovarian, breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Includes overview of company in Vacaville, California.

Jewish Hospital: Lung Cancer Center - Louisville, Kentucky facility providing medical care for patients with tumors of the thoracic region.

Lung Cancer Online - Comprehensive directory of lung cancer information and resources for patients and their families.


Related Pages on HealthTales.com:

Lung Diseases
Lung Transplantation
Cancer--Living with Cancer
Cancer
Anal Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Bone Cancer
Brain Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cancer Chemotherapy

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