lung cancer symptoms

What are lung cancer symptoms? When should you see a doctor? What are the best treatments for lung cancer? Lung cancer is the number, one cancer killer, striking 1.7 million people worldwide each year. If caught early, 90 percent of all people with lung cancer can be treated successfully. But the disease remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 164,000 new cases of non-small cell lung cancer in the United States in 2011 and that about 107,000 Americans will die from the disease this year. So it's important to learn everything you can about the disease and its symptoms because early detection gives you your best chance to survive.

When should you see a doctor? What are the best treatments for lung cancer? Lung cancer is the number, one cancer killer, striking 1.7 million people worldwide each year. If caught early, 90 percent of all people with lung cancer can be treated successfully. But the disease remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 164,000 new cases of non-small cell lung cancer in the United States in 2011 and that about 107,000 Americans will die from the disease this year. So it's important to learn everything you can about the disease and its symptoms because early detection gives you your best chance to survive.

Then, if you get lung cancer, your doctor can determine if you have stage I, II, or III disease. Stage I and II disease can be treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Stage III disease requires treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Lung cancer symptoms vary according to the stage of the disease. People with stage I or II disease may not have any symptoms at all. But those with stage III disease may notice A persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, a change in how their voice sounds, trouble breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Symptoms of lung cancer may be similar to other conditions. So if you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.

Nor do you want to ignore any of the warning signs that might be a sign of lung cancer. So here is a quick list of some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. Some of the symptoms may be vague, but they could be early signs of lung cancer. It's important to see your doctor if you're having any of these symptoms. Lung cancer can't be cured, but it can be treated. Many patients with lung cancer survive more than five years after their diagnosis. But some people who get lung cancer don't live as long as they should. The key to living longer with lung cancer is early detection.

What are lung cancer symptoms?

Lung cancer is diagnosed when someone has a cough or difficulty breathing along with persistent wheezing or chest pain. While those symptoms are the most common early warning signs of lung cancer, there is a range of other symptoms that might signal the presence of lung cancer:

Frequent coughing and clearing of your throat (sometimes mistaken for a chronic cough)

A dry, hacking cough that lasts more than three weeks; coughing up blood; or coughing up mucus that is streaked with blood

Pain or pressure in your chest (or pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back)

Coughing up phlegm (sputum) that looks unusual, such as pink or red sputum; sputum streaked with blood; or loose, watery sputum.

A cough that doesn't go away with cold or common allergy medicine.

Coughing up blood, even though you have no signs of infection

Lung cancer symptoms include:

Nasal congestion, as well as a frequent need to clear the nose by sneezing or blowing the nose

Frequent headaches, especially one that is pounding or that feels like a tight band around your head

Weight loss and fatigue without an obvious reason

Unexplained weight gain accompanied by a change in your breathing rate (more rapid breathing at rest, with strenuous activity). Weight gain may indicate lung cancer is affecting bone health. Your height and weight also could be affected by lung cancer. Many cancer treatments affect both your appetite and bone density.

Early signs of lung cancer include:

The National Cancer Institute reports that the following lung cancer symptoms require immediate medical attention.

A persistent cough that lasts three weeks or longer, especially if you're coughing up blood or mucus.

Sudden shortness of breath for no apparent reason, accompanied by a rapid heart rate or feeling anxious or panicked. This could signal a large blood clot in the lung (a condition called pulmonary embolism).

Coughing up blood from the lungs, especially if you have a history of lung disease or tobacco use. 

Chest pain or shortness of breath with wheezing, especially if you've been a smoker.

Pressure in your chest that feels worse when you're lying down and better when you're sitting up or leaning forward. This could indicate a pneumothorax, a collapsed lung.

Sudden pain in your stomach that spreads to your back is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This could signal a ruptured esophagus from acid reflux disease caused by smoking. Smoking also causes inflammation of the esophagus, which can lead to cancer.

Lung cancer symptoms include:

Coughing up blood, or coughing fits that produce no phlegm (sputum).

A hacking cough.

Shortness of breath. Some patients will describe this as a feeling of suffocation, especially when lying down at night. Or they may say they feel like someone is sitting on their chest. The sensation will come and go in severe cases, but it can be almost continuous in others. They may report weakness or fatigue that doesn't seem to be relieved by rest.

A change in your normal breathing pattern when you're active, such as shortness of breath with exercise, which gets worse over time.

While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, the disease is more common in women. In 2010, lung cancer was diagnosed in 1.7 million women worldwide, while it was diagnosed in 1.5 million men worldwide. The reason for the difference is unknown, but there are some theories. For one, lung cancer tends to develop more rapidly in nonsmoking males than nonsmokers of other races or ethnicities. Second, smoking damages the tissue that lines the lungs, making it less likely that these tissues will regenerate into malignant tumors.

Lung cancer also develops more slowly in females. NASH, for example, does not cause symptoms in the early stages. For this reason, it's important to be aware of your risk factors, especially if you are middle-aged or older. The National Cancer Institute recommends that everyone receive regular medical checkups, including an annual physical exam and chest X-ray.

The lung cancer symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other lung diseases. Because it is hard to detect lung cancer early in the disease's progression, many people present with advanced-stage lung cancer—it has spread beyond the lungs and can be found in bones or lymph nodes by the time they are diagnosed.

In conclusion, we must all take responsibility for our health. If you have a family history of lung cancer or have been exposed to secondhand smoke, talk to your doctor about getting a test for early detection. There is no surefire way to detect lung cancer early, but there are some ways to reduce your risk. If you're a smoker, stop smoking as soon as possible. If you have smoked for a long time, try to quit completely. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer. Avoid secondhand smoke at work. Never use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Do not smoke near children. If you have questions or concerns about your health, make an appointment to see your primary care physician. If you think you might have a medical problem, please call your doctor's office. You may be referred to a specialist. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, do not wait to seek medical attention. In most cases, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Lung cancer

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. The good news is that it can be cured if it is caught early. Meanwhile, the bad news is that the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage. This means that cancer has spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult and less effective. Always check your health by visiting a doctor for regular check-ups. Always keep an eye out for any changes in your health. If you notice any new symptoms, or if they get worse, contact your doctor. The purpose of this brief is to give you information about lung cancer.

To help you better understand lung cancer, here is a brief explanation of what to expect. Moreover, the following sections contain more information about the disease, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. That is, it is meant to serve as a resource for your research. With that being said, you may want to refer back to the sections that are relevant to you. Furthermore, this brief will provide you with some tips on how to detect lung cancer early.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor arising on the pulmonary epithelium of the lung. The most common types of lung tumors, adeno-carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma account for approximately 85% of cases. Lung cancer develops when cells in either type change to a malignant state and grow uncontrollably, leading to a fatal disease unless it is treated promptly. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Lung cancer occurs most commonly in the smokers between ages of 50 years and 70 years. Although it is uncommon, very rare lung cancers are also seen in children, teenagers, young adults, and elderly persons.

On average there are 1 million new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year. If left untreated, dying from this disease occurs within 15 to 18 months after diagnosis with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Approximately 75% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive for five years after their diagnosis. However, statistics also show that early detection can increase survival rates by 5 to 40%. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases in the United States.

Incidence in the US in 2010 was about 222,200, with 160,950 deaths. Males are 40% more likely to develop this disease than females. Lung cancer is the most common cancer in both men and women. Approximately 16% of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer. For more information, see below Lung Cancer Facts & Figures 2010 from the American Cancer Society.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor, which is a solid growth or mass of abnormal cells. A tumor can grow anywhere in the body and can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby normal tissue. They also have the ability to travel from their original site to other body areas through blood or lymph vessels or by direct extension into adjacent structures. Although rare, cancer may spread from the lungs to other organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys, bones, and adrenal gland. This process is called metastasis.

Lung cancer starts when cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably. The abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and can find ways to spread (metastasize) throughout the body. A tumor is composed of all types of cells in an abnormal mass with one or more abnormal cell characteristics. These may include changes in the way they grow, divide, or act in response to chemical or physical factors. Some tumors contain areas where different types of cells are mixed together.

All cancers start with a single abnormal cell that undergoes changes resulting in rapid multiplication and growth into a mass containing multiple abnormal cells. The abnormal growth is called malignant (cancerous). The most common types of lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adeno-carcinoma. What distinguishes them is their appearance under the microscope. (See "Types of Lung Cancer" below.)

The term carcinoma means tumor and refers to a type of cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. The most common types of lung cancers are adeno-carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Lung cancer is classified as (1) primary, where cancer originates in the lungs; (2) secondary, where it originates elsewhere and spreads to the lungs; or (3) metastatic, where it spreads elsewhere after it first arises elsewhere in the body.

A person develops lung cancer when abnormal cells within the lining of the air sacs called bronchi spread from one region to another. The abnormal cells (or tumors) continue to grow and can infiltrate surrounding tissue. As the tumor grows, it becomes an invasive mass that may invade nearby blood vessels or lymphatic channels. Tumor cells may metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, to other organs (for example, the brain, bones, or liver).

Tumor cells do not invade every cell in the lung; if they did, this would be fatal within days. Instead, they form microscopic tumors locally within areas of air sacs called bronchioles. These tumors then invade nearby tissue and spread into nearby blood vessels and lymphatics. As the tumor grows, it may penetrate and destroy adjacent lung tissue and may eventually invade nearby tissues such as the brain or bones, body cavities (for example, the liver), and skin.

A tumor is formed when abnormal cells spread from their original site to other areas of the body through blood or lymph channels. A primary tumor appears in one area of the body (for example, in one part of the chest) and spreads to surrounding tissues. A secondary tumor appears elsewhere in the body (for example, another part of the chest, abdomen, or another part of the body).

A tumor is the abnormal multiplication of cells that grows into a mass. The term primary lung cancer refers to tumors that start in the lungs, and secondary lung cancer refers to tumors that spread to the lungs from another part of the body. Malignant cells can invade surrounding tissues and create tumors in other locations, such as the rib cage and lymph nodes. Lung cancer may begin either in or outside of a lung and spread to the other lung by metastasis. This is called bilateral metastasis.

What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer? The symptoms of lung cancer depend on where cancer has spread.

And then there are some symptoms that may not be caused by cancer at all. For example, when someone develops a cough, especially one that does not go away, he or she should see a doctor. A cough may be a symptom of many different problems, including pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, heart problems, or other diseases. A cough may also be a symptom of cancer, but it can also be a symptom of something else. It is important to know whether the cough is caused by cancer or not. Symptoms of Lung Cancer What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer? Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.

And then, there is the risk that it will spread to other parts of the body. If you have symptoms, you should see your doctor right away. Symptoms include A cough that doesn't go away; A persistent cough; A hoarse voice; Coughing up blood; Chest pain; Difficulty breathing; Fatigue; Fever; Hoarseness; Loss of appetite; Weight loss; Wheezing.

What are the Causes of Lung Cancer? The causes of lung cancer are not known. There are some factors that may increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Cancers rarely start without some environmental "insult" or triggering factors, such as radiation, viruses, chemicals, or other substances. The lung may also be at risk for developing cancer with certain genetic factors or if a tumor begins in the chest wall. These include: Being a smoker or a former smoker. Having a family history of lung cancer. A history of other cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. Having chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or some other chronic lung disease. Having occupational exposure to asbestos or radon. Living within 2 miles of a power plant that burns coal, oil, or gas. These factors are not the only ones that can raise your risk of developing lung cancer.

Risk Factors: Radiation is the most common cause of lung cancer. Genetic factors may increase your risk. Environmental factors such as smoking, asbestos, and radon gas also increase the risk of lung cancer. Also, occupational factors, namely exposure to silica dust, are linked to lung cancer.

As I have said, there are many risk factors for lung cancer. This does not mean that you will definitely develop lung cancer. It just means that you have a higher risk of getting it than someone else who does not have these risk factors. If you have a combination of risk factors, your chance of getting lung cancer will be even higher. 

Treatments: Lung cancer is a disease that is often treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or both. However, there are other treatments that can be used to treat the disease. These include surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and even alternative treatments. The primary treatment for lung cancer is surgery. Surgeons can remove a tumor through surgery, but it may return. Radiation therapy is another treatment option for lung cancers. This form of therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. A doctor will direct the rays from a machine to the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is another common treatment for lung cancers. In this case, chemotherapy drugs are injected into a patient's bloodstream where they travel throughout the body and fight against cancer cells wherever they find them.

Targeted therapy works in two ways: it can work to stop or slow down cell growth in a specific manner, or it can work by targeting specific molecules that are very unique to lung cancer tumors. Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment that works by training the patients' immune system to fight against cancer cells. Finally, alternative treatments include herbal remedies as well as diet and exercise changes that can help patients suffering from lung cancer.

Epidemiology: The majority of all lung cancers (more than 85%) are carcinomas, roughly evenly split between small-cell carcinoma (40%) and non-small cell carcinoma (45%). The remaining 15% are large cell carcinomas. There is an association between smoking and lung cancer, with about 90% of cases occurring in smokers (current or past) or ex-smokers.

In conclusion, there are many risk factors for developing lung cancer. However, not all people who have these risk factors will develop lung cancer. That said, there are effective treatments for the disease. Cancer is a general term that refers to any uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. In the United States alone, there are over one million new cases of cancer each year. More than half a million people die of the disease every year. Cancer is not a single disease, but rather a group of diseases with similar characteristics. Different types of cancer can affect any part of the body. Many different types of cancer can affect the same organ or part of the body. For instance, both breast cancer and prostate cancer can occur in men. There are different ways of classifying cancer. There are many different types of tumors, and cancer is classified by the tissue in which it starts. Some common types of cancer include: Leukemia: The most common type of leukemia. It begins in the bone marrow and affects blood cells. It often causes fever and fatigue. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia in children. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia in adults. Breast cancer: This cancer begins in breast tissue.