LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer refers to any type of malignant tumor that originates or spreads to the respiratory system.
TYPES OF LUNG CANCER:
PRIMARY:
-Non-Small Cell lung cancer-----most common type , can be treated surgically if diagnosed early.
-Small Cell lung cancer-----------mostly found in smokers , respond to radiotherapy & chemotherapy.
SECONDARY:
-Cancer which originates somewhere else in body & then spread to lungs.
RISK FACTORS:
-SMOKING------Tobacco contains over 60 toxins or carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer.
Even after decades of smoking a smoker who quits improves his chances of not being a victim of lung cancer.
-PASSIVE SMOKING--------Non smokers who live with a smoker are 30% more likely to contract lung cancer so just think about it ,how you are putting your own beloved ones at risk because of this habit.
-OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE-----------Those who are constantly exposed to chemicals & substances that are toxic. Eg. arsenic , asbestos , beryllium , cadmium , coal , silica etc . taxi & lorry driving also put you at risk because of constant exposure to fumes.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
COMMON:
-PERSISTENT COUGH
-BREATHLESSNESS
-UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS
-CHEST PAIN WHILE COUGHING
-COUGHING BLOOD STAINED PHLEGM.
OTHERS:
-HIGH TEMPERATURE & FATIGUE
-DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING
-HOARSE VOICE
-SWELLING OF FACE
DIAGNOSIS:
-BLOOD TEAT
-X RAY
-CT SCAN
-BRONCHOSCOPY
-BIOPSY
TREATMENT:
Depending on results of the tests your doctor will determine combination of chemotherapy , radiotherapy , surgery.
MIND YOU , PROGNOSIS IS BAD IN CASE OF SMOKING INDUCED LUNG CANCER SO STOP SMOKING.
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