Lung Cancer
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung caner happens when cells in the lung begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. Any of the tissues in the lung can become cancer; but most commonly, lung cancers comes from the lining of the bronchi.
Image by: MicroPath Laboratories
Lung cancer is not really thought of as a single disease, but rather a collection of several diseases that are characterized by the cell type that makes them up, how they behave, and how they treated. Lung cancer is divided into two main categories:
- Small Cell Lung Cancer(SCLC): More agressive than non-small cell lung cancer because it grows quicker and is more likely to spread to other organs.
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC): Generally slower growing than small cell lung cancer and is divided into three different tpes based on how the cells look that make up: adenoncarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Tobacco Smoking: The Deadliest Habit: Smoking tobacco is responsible for about 80% of lung cancer cases. It is by far the most dangerous risk factor. Smoking cigarettes aren't the only culprit; cigars, pipes, and hookah (a middle eastern type of smoking) all are known causes of lung cancer.
Marijuana: Marijuana contains far more tar than normal cigarettes and because it is inhaled so deeply in the lungs, it is a risk factor for lung cancer. Statistics are hard to come by because of its illegal status.
Radon Exposure: Radon is the result of broken down uranium. It is a gas that cannot be seen, felt or smelled. When radon is indoors, there is a risk for lung cancer. There is a great concern over house built on uranium deposits found in the soil.
Family History: Studies have found a chromosome that may be resposible for lung cancer. The chromosome can be inherited. If you have had lung cancer before, there is a chance you may develop another type of lung cancer.
Radiation Therapy: If you have had radiation therapy to the chest, and are a smoker, you have an increased risk for developing lung cancer.
Pollution: In some cities, air pollution increases the risk for lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, this risk is far less than smoking.
Treatment
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking, or to never have started in the first place. You should try and avoid being around people who are smoking; and also avoid pipes, cigars, and marijuana. If you live in an area with radon, you should make sure there is adequate ventilation in your basement to get rid of it. Use a detector to make sure the radon levels are low. If you work in an industry where you are exposed to substances known to cause lung cancer, make sure and use all the proper protective equipment and attire made available by your employer .
There has been some suggestion that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease your risk of lung cancer. This has yet to be definitively proven. Many substances, including antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, have been suggested to decrease your risk of getting lung cancer. None of these has been shown to be beneficial in randomized controlled trials and cannot be recommended for this purpose. In fact, large clinical trials have shown and increased risk of lung cancer in patients that take increased quantities of vitamin E, vitamin A, and beta-carotene.
Resource Links
http://www.oncolink.com -- OncoLink
http://www.cancer.about.com -- About.com