Lung Cancer
Lung cancer occurs when masses of cells in the lungs divide without
control or order and form malignant tumours. Lung cancers are divided
into two general types, within which there are many further sub-types:
- non-small cell lung cancer, which generally grows and spreads
more slowly (the more common type of lung cancer)
- small cell lung cancer – generally grows more quickly
and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body
Lung cancer can occur when the lungs are damaged by first- or second-hand
cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke, asbestos, or radon, an odorless
and tasteless radioactive gas found in soil and rocks.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of
getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for lung cancer include:
- cigarette smoking
- cigar and pipe smoking
- exposure to secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco
smoke (the smoke in the air when someone else smokes)
- exposure to radon
- exposure to asbestos
- other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB)
- personal history of lung cancer
- exposure to certain air pollutants, such as by-products of the
combustion of diesel and other fossil fuels are linked to lung
cancer, although the relationship is not yet clear
- coal dust
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time
- constant chest pain
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
- repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
- swelling of the neck and face
- loss of appetite or weight loss
- fatigue
Note: Even though these symptoms may also be caused by other, less
serious health conditions, anyone experiencing these symptoms should
see a doctor.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and
perform a physical exam. The doctor will also ask about the following:
- smoking history
- exposure to environmental and occupational substances
- family history of cancer
Tests may include:
- chest x-ray
- sputum cytology – examination of a sample of mucus from
the lungs
- biopsy – removal of a sample of lung tissue to be tested
for cancer cells. Methods of lung biopsy include:
bronchoscopy – a thin, lighted tube inserted
into the mouth or nose and through the windpipe to look into
the breathing passages; the doctor can collect cells or small
samples of tissue through the tube
needle aspiration – a needle inserted through
the chest into the tumour to remove a sample of tissue
thoracentesis – use of a needle to remove
a sample of the fluid around the lungs to check for cancer
cells
thoracotomy – surgery to open the chest and
examine lung tissue
Prevention
Much of lung cancer prevention involves controlling environmental
and behavioral risk factors. To reduce your risk of getting lung
cancer:
- if you don't smoke, don't start
- if you smoke, quit
- avoid places where people are smoking
- test your home for radon gases and asbestos and have these substances
removed if they are in the home.
- do not work or live in a place with asbestos
Treatment at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
There are numerous approaches to lung cancer treatment, including
surgery, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and radiotherapy.
The health care and oncology professionals practicing at the
UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre specialize in radiotherapy,
and will work with you, your doctor, and other specialists to
design the most effective radiation treatment and recovery plans
for your particular needs, including:
Lung Cancer In-Depth: Information from UPMC Cancer Centers
UPMC
Cancer Centers, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one
of the largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians
and health care specialists in the United States. Working with
the University
of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the academic and research
partner, UPMC Cancer Centers strives to offer patients the
latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis,
and innovative treatment. With the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre,
UPMC is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring world-class
cancer treatment to patients right in their own communities.
|
