What is lung cancer?
When a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, it means that it has a type of cancer that began in his lungs. Lung cancer is a leading murderer of people in many countries. In some cases, this can be successfully treated and does not lead to death. In fact, lung cancer is most likely to respond well to treatment when diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, some forms of lung cancer are more aggressive or difficult to treat than other and timely diagnosis does not guarantee recovery.
The lungs are organs used in breathing. When one breathes, his lungs take oxygen; When they exhale, they release carbon dioxide. These organs are pink and have a rubber appearance on the outside, but are spongy inside. There are many things that can contribute to the development of lung cancer, but cigarette smoke is one of the most likely culprits.
Unfortunately, this type of cancer sometimes develops in people who have never smoked, as well as those who have a second -hand smoke exposed. Among other possibleThe causes of this type of cancer include carcinogen exposure, especially if the cancer -causing agent is inhaled. Repeated exposure and exposure of radon gas may also contribute to the development of this cancer.
Often a person who has lung cancer will not soon have symptoms during the illness. Usually one notices symptoms only after the development of cancer for a period of time. An individual with this disease can develop such symptoms such as persistent cough, bloody cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and hoarseness. Sometimes a person who already has a chronic cough will notice changes in his symptoms, which can be a sign of this type of cancer. An individual with this disease can also experience chest pain, inexplicable headaches or back pain.
Treatment used when a person has lung cancer, usually depends on a number of factors, including the stage of cancer at the time of treatment, his overall health except for cancer and typelung cancer it has. The patient's preferences are also usually considered. Treatment options usually include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, drugs and clinical studies that include experimental treatment methods.
Sometimes the patient decides not to want treatment. For example, it may decide that side effects are too difficult to bear and decide to avoid treatment that could cure it. In other cases, the doctor may inform the patient that there is no hope in treatment. In this case, the patient may opt for supporting care, which is used to maintain it more comfortable than cure cancer.