Pages

Popular Articles :

What is Lung cancer definition

Lung cancer

What you need to know on the lungs?

The lungs are the major part of the respiratory system. They are two in number and are constituted by a spongy-pink gray fabric (of the same consistency as a sponge). They occupy the chest and are separated from each other by a region called the mediastinum: this area contains the heart, large arteries and veins, trachea, esophagus, and lymph nodes.

Lung cancer in numbers
It is the leading cause of cancer mortality. In 2005, it is estimated that he was responsible for over 26,600 deaths. The same year, more than 30,600 new cases were diagnosed. 78% were in men but the incidence of lung cancer increases in women 35 to 45 years: it was multiplied by 4 to 10 years.

Causes and origins of lung cancer

Scientific work has shown that certain factors increase the risk of developing the disease. Tobacco is responsible for more than 90% of lung cancers and even death. The risk of lung cancer in non-smokers exposed continuously to smoke (passive smoking) is increased by 26%, such as at a couple where one spouse is a non-smoker.

Environmental factors such as air pollution, occupational risk factors may be involved.
Workers exposed to carcinogens such as asbestos have an increased risk of lung cancer.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

Some symptoms should lead to visit:
- Persistent cough
- Persistent chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Permanent swelling of the face and neck
- Repeated bronchial infections
- Coughing up blood even minimal

Lung cancer can also occur in more general symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Prolonged fever
- Weight loss
- Phlebitis
- Nervous with confusion ...

Detect lung cancer

In cases of suspected lung cancer, the doctor may perform an X-ray or CT scan. There is not, at present, a screening test for simple. When radiographic examination and sampling have established the existence of cancer, additional tests are designed to assess the stage of the disease.

Treatment of lung cancer

Today, there are three main treatments for lung cancer: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy. These can be prescribed alone or in combination, taking into account the wide variety of cases.

Surgery, when feasible, involves removing a lobe or lung or all of the affected lung with cancer, depending on the tumor size.

Radiation therapy, also called "rays", uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent their development.

Chemotherapy, consisting of a single drug or a combination of anticancer drugs, is a treatment whose interests the general circulation throughout the body (as opposed to surgery and radiotherapy are designed to control the tumor locally) . This treatment is called systemic.





Alerts: If you want to know more fresh update helpful articles enter your email address below and be notified by mail.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner