Lung cancer is one type of cancers that begin in the lungs. Other kinds of cancers may spread to the lungs from other organs. However, these are not lung cancers as they did not start in the lungs. When cancer cells spread from one organ to another, they are called metastases. If you can detect the early symptoms of lung cancer, remedy is possible. Lung cancer stages are also important: the earlier the detection, the better the cure.
The causes of lung cancer comprise: • things around us at home or work (such as radon gas)
• smoking and being around others' smoke
• personal characteristics (such as having a family history of lung cancer)
Symptoms of lung cancer Different people have different symptoms for lung cancer. Many people don't have any symptoms at all. The active symptoms of lung cancer are:
• coughing that doesn't go away
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• fever
• wheezing
• coughing up blood
• weight loss
Treatments of lung cancer There are different ways to treat lung cancer. The treatment depends on the category of lung cancer and how far it has extended. Treatments of lung cancer to a large extent depend on the early symptoms. Treatments comprise chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the application of drugs to minimize or kill the cancer. The drugs may be pills or medicines applied through an IV (intravenous) tube. Sometimes chemotherapy comprises both IV drugs and pills.
Surgery Doctors cut out and eliminate cancer tissue through an operation.
Radiation Radiation employs high-energy rays (similar to x-rays) to try to exterminate the cancer cells. The rays are aimed at the part of the body where the cancer exists.
These treatments can be provided by different doctors. Paleontologists are efficient in diseases of the lungs. Medical oncologists are experts in cancer and treat cancers with medicines. Radiation oncologists treat cancers with radiation.
