Lung cancer occurs when tumor grows in one or both lungs.

It usually develops from cells in the airways. The reason most likely is that these cells come in contact with the air we breathe which may contain cancer agents. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. About 1.3 million people are diagnosed with the disease each year worldwide. It is often diagnosed to patients ages 55 to 65.

Types of Lung cancer

There are two types of lung carcinoma or Cancer.

Non-small lung carcinoma. This type is more common, grows more quickly and spread to other organs in the body. It is commonly is in three forms:

• Squamous cell carcinoma – is usually found in the center of the lung by an air tube.
• Adenocarcinoma – is often found in the outer area of the lung and make substances like the mucus.
• Large cell carcinoma – can occur in any part of the lung and tends to grow faster compared to other two types.

Small cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is mostly caused by smoking. This is the most aggressive type of Lung Cancer. Cancer cells grow quickly, create large lung tumors which can then spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Common symptoms but are not limited to are, cough that does not go away, shortness of breath which may be caused by collection of fluid around the lung or the spread of tumor throughout the lungs, wheezing or hoarseness which may caused by blockage or inflammation in the lungs, hemoptysis or coughing up of blood or bloody mucus, recurring pneumonia or lung inflammation, chest, shoulder or back pain that do not go away and often gets worse with deep breathing, neck and face swelling, and weight and appetite loss. Other symptoms associated with lung cancer but are not limited to are, clubbing of fingers or the extra tissue depositing under the nails, new bone formation along lower legs or arms, anemia, muscle weakness, joint pain or swelling, chills, bone pain and tenderness, breast development in men, skin rashes, fatigue, skin paleness or discoloration, and drooping eyelids.

Causes of Lung Carcinoma

Them main accepted cause is the inhalation of toxic or fine alien particles.  That explains why this disease is commonly found with smokers, miners, or people who have worked in industiries using asbestos. A less known risc group are professions like  bakers who work all day in a fine dust environment.

Prevention of Lung cancer

Prevention is easier than dealing with Lung Cancer cure. Prevention means avoiding risk factors. Most common risks are tobacco, exposure to chemicals like asbestos and other occupational chemicals, second hand smoke, and heredity. Aside from quitting smoking and exposure, healthy diet of food with carotenoids, vitamin C and E, and selenium reduces cancer risk.

Lung Cancer Treatment is based on the type and stage of the disease. This includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy which are also combined.