Do you know that lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally?

When abnormal cells begin to grow and multiply in an uncontrollable manner that is when lung cancer begins. Cancer that begins in the lungs is called primary lung cancer and if the cancer starts in some other part spreading to the lungs, then it is known as secondary or metastatic cancer. 

People who smoke have a higher risk of being affected by lung cancer and the risk increases with the period of time and the number of cigarettes they have smoked. Quitting smoking can decrease the chances of you developing lung cancer. People who have not smoked also have the chances of being affected by lung cancer in some cases.

Learn About The Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is majorly divided into two types and they are categorized based on the appearance of the cells under a microscope. Your treatment decisions will depend on what type of lung cancer you have.

Let us learn about the types of lung cancer:

• Small cell lung cancer : Small cell lung cancer usually develops in those people who have smoked heavily for many years together. Small cell lung cancer is usually less common when compared to non-small cell lung cancer.

• Non-small cell lung cancer : This non-small cell lung cancer is a separate category that includes various types of lung cancers. They are:
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoma

If you are suffering from these symptoms and require medical assistance then you can visit Thangam Cancer Center as they are one of the best lung cancer treatment centers who offer high quality cutting-edge cancer treatment at affordable cost. With 30+ years of combined expertise in treating lung cancer they offer a range of healthcare services such as : 

• • Bronchoscopy
  • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Medical Thoracoscopy
  • VATS Surgery for Lung Cancer
  • Mediastinoscopy
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
  • Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
  • Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

Symptoms That You Should Monitor

Usually the symptoms do not show up early on but they show up when the disease has actually advanced. Keep an eye out on these signs and symptoms. 

Signs and symptoms that you should look out for in and around the lungs

• Chest pain
• Cough that usually doesn’t go away
• Coughing / Expectorating small amounts of blood
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness

Signs and symptoms that may occur when lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body:

• Bone Pain
• Headache
• Losing weight without any effort
• Loss of appetite
• Facial or neck swelling

What causes Lung Cancer ?

When the DNA in the cells of the lungs develops changes, then lung cancer occurs. A cell’s DNA stores instructions that direct a cell in doing its regular activities and the DNA also directs cells to undergo programmed death after a specific lifespan. In contrast to normal cells, the DNA in cancer cells deliver a different type instruction that makes them produce more cells rapidly. 

Due to this reason the cancer cells keep living on when healthy cells should die. These cancer cells might then form into a mass which is referred to as a tumor. These tumors grow, invade and destroy tissues that are healthy and meanwhile they may also break spreading to other parts of the body. When lung cancer spreads, it becomes metastatic cancer.

Smoking is the main reason for most lung cancers and researchers believe that smoking causes cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. Cigarette smoke consists of carcinogens and when you inhale the smoke, these carcinogens cause changes in the lung tissues immediately. 

Risk Factors of Lung Cancer

You can control some risk factors such as smoking but you cannot control other factors such as your family history. There are many risk factors associated with lung cancer and let us look at each of these:

• Smoking

Smoking more cigarettes each day and smoking over many years both increase your chances of developing lung cancer. If you quit smoking at any age your risk gets lowered.

• Exposure to Carcinogens

If you have been exposed to cancer-causing agents called carcinogens at your workplace, then you may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Asbestos, chromium, arsenic and nickel are some of the carcinogens that are linked to causing cancer. 

• Heredity and Lung Cancer

You have an increased risk of developing lung cancer if your parent, sibling or child already have lung cancer.

Beating lung cancer is essential if you want to live a healthy life in the long run. To reduce the effect you can opt for radiation treatment for lung cancer at Thangam Cancer Center as the medical professionals there are experts in treating lung cancers and other types of cancers as well. Choose your life, quit smoking and give your cells a new chance to breathe.