Search Results for

How to Prevent Lung Cancer Properly

Quitting smoking is the most important measure that can prevent lung cancer. Many products, such as nicotine inhalers, nicotine gum or sprays nicotine, may be useful to people trying to quit smoking. Minimize exposure to snuff smoke is also an effective preventive measure. Using a test kit home radon can identify and help correct the levels of radon in the home, which can also cause lung cancer. Methods that allow early detection of cancer as helical CT scanning in low doses, may also be useful in identifying small cancers can be cured by surgical removal and prevention of widespread incurable metastatic cancer.

A glimpse of lung cancer

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States and worldwide include Canada, France, Spain, Japan, Australia, etc
• Smoking is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer.
• Exposure to passive smoke snuff can also cause lung cancer.
• The two types of lung cancer, which grow and spread differently, are the small-cell-lung-cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• The stage of lung cancer relates to the extent that the cancer has spread throughout the body.
• The treatment of lung cancer can cause a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and new methods of experimentation.
• The overall prognosis of lung cancer is poor, with survival rates around 16% in five years.
• Quitting smoking is the most important measure that can prevent the development of lung cancer

Incoming Search Terms :

Lung Cancer Diagnosis Guide

What is the diagnosis of lung cancer ? Lung cancer doctors use a variety of diagnostic procedures and lung cancer tests to diagnose lung cancer. Some of lung cancer diagnosis (diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón, La diagnosi di cancro al polmone, lungenkrebs diagnose, diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón) are :

Physical and history examination

The history and physical examination may reveal the presence of symptoms and signs that, with suspected lung cancer. In addition, to inquire into the causes and risk factors for cancer such as smoking, doctors can detect signs of respiratory distress, airway obstruction or lung infection. Cyanosis, a bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen in the blood, suggesting compromise of lung function. In addition, changes in the tissues of the nail, known as clubs, can also indicate lung disease.

Chest X-ray

Using Chest X-Ray is the most common first diagnostic step, when new lung cancer symptoms are present. Chest X-ray procedure often includes a view from the back of the front of the chest as well as the view from the outside. Like any X-ray procedure, chest X-rays expose patients below the minimum amount of radiation. In the chest X-rays can detect suspicious areas in the lungs, but can not determine if these areas are cancerous. In particular, calcified nodules in the lungs or benign tumors called hamartomas can be identified by chest radiography and simulate a lung cancer.

CT-Scan (computed tomography scan, or computed tomography)

Computed Tomography Scan, better know as CT-Scan can be performed in the chest, abdomen and / or to study the brains of primary and metastatic tumors. The CT scan may be ordered when a chest X-rays showed no abnormalities or does not provide sufficient information or the location of the tumor. CT X-ray procedures is to combine several images using a computer to produce cross-section view of the body. Photos taken large donut-shaped X-ray machine at various angles around the body. One advantage of CT is more sensitive than standard chest x-ray ray in detecting lung nodules. Sometimes intravenous contrast agent is given before the procedure helps to identify the bodies and their positions. CT exposes the patient to a minimal amount of radiation. The most common side effect is an adverse reaction to contrast material intravenously, which can be given before the procedure. There may be a result of itching, a rash, which usually disappear fairly quickly. Severe anaphylactic reactions (life-threatening allergic reactions with shortness of breath), in contrast to the material are rare. Abdominal CT scan can detect liver metastases or adrenal glands, and computed tomography of the head may be required to identify the presence and extent of metastatic brain cancer.

A technique called low-dose spiral CT (computed tomography or spiral)

CT Spiral, or computed tomography spiral is sometimes used for screening of lung cancer. This procedure requires a special type of scanner and shown to be an effective tool to identify lung cancer in smokers and former smokers. However, there has not been demonstrated that the use of this method actually saves lives and reduces the risk of death from lung cancer. Increased sensitivity of this method is actually one of the sources of its weaknesses, as it is easy nodules require further evaluation will be considered in approximately 20% of people with this technique. Nodules identified low-dose spiral transformer test, 90% not cancerous, but require up to two years of expensive and often difficult monitoring and verification. Trials conducted in order to determine more precisely the utility of spiral CT screening for lung cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Using MRI may be appropriate if the precise details on the whereabouts of the tumor is not necessary. Appliances Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetism, radio waves and a computer to produce images of body structures. Like CT, the patient is in bed furniture, which is inserted into the MRI. There are no known side effects of MRI, and no exposure. And the resolution of the image produced by MRI in detail and can detect small changes in the structure within the body. Persons with pacemakers, metal implants, artificial heart valves and other structures surgically implanted can not be scanned with MRI because of the risk that the magnet may move the metal parts of these structures.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET, or positron emission tomography is a specialized imaging technique that uses radioactive drugs short-term three-dimensional color images of these substances in the tissues in the body. Although CT and MRI to examine the anatomical structures and measure the metabolic activity of PET and functioning of tissues. PET can determine if the tumor tissue is actively growing and can help determine the type of tumor cells determined. In PET, the patient receives an average cut of radioactive drugs and about the amount of radiation in two chest X-ray. Drug discharges particles called positrons from wherever they are accepted and used in the body. As the positrons encounter electrons in the body, the reaction of gamma ray production occurs. The scanner records these gamma rays and map the area where radioactive drugs. For example, the combination of glucose (a common source of energy in the body) with radioactive materials will be displayed quickly when glucose is used, for example, the growing tumor.

Thoracentesis

Why thoracentesis can diagnose lung cancer? Sometimes lung cancer involving the lining of the lung tissue (pleura) and lead to accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and thorax (called pleural effusion). The desire of the fluid sample with a fine needle (thoracentesis) can detect cancer cells and to establish the diagnosis. As the needle biopsy, a small risk of pneumothorax associated with this procedure.

Bronchoscopy
Examination of bronchoscopy of the airways (Airways viewing through a thin fiber optic probe is inserted through the nose or mouth), can identify areas of tumor, which may be sampling ( biopsy) for diagnosis by the pathologist. A tumor in the central regions of mild or arising in connection with the large airways is available for sampling using this technique. Bronchoscopy can be performed with the fiber, rigid or flexible-optic bronchoscope and can be done in the office that day bronchoscopy suite, operating room or living room. The procedure can be uncomfortable and requires sedation or anesthesia. Although bronchoscopy is relatively secure, it must be done by lung specialists (pulmonologist or surgeon) with experience in this procedure. When the tumor is visualized and adequately sampled, accurate diagnosis of cancer, as a rule, is possible. Some patients may cough up blood, dark brown for a day or two after the procedure. The most serious complications, but rarely include more bleeding, reduced blood oxygen, and cardiac arrhythmia, and complications of sedation and anesthesia.

Sputum cytology

What is the sputum cytology? The lung-cancer diagnosis always requires confirmation of malignant cells pathologist, even when symptoms and X-ray studies with suspected lung cancer. The easiest way to establish the diagnosis of sputum examination under a microscope. If the tumor is located in the center and into the respiratory tract, this procedure is known as the examination of sputum cytology, may allow visualization of the tumor cells for diagnosis. This is the biggest risk diagnostic procedure for free and cheap material, but its value is limited because tumor cells can not always be present in sputum, even if cancer is present. Also, sometimes benign cells undergo changes in response to inflammation or trauma, which makes them look like cancer cells.

The Bone Scan

The bone scan is used to create images of bones on a film or computer screen. Doctors may order a bone scan to determine the lung cancer metastasis to bone. In the analysis of bones, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood and accumulates in bones, especially in abnormal areas, such as those involved in the metastatic tumors. Radioactive material detected by the scanner and the image of the bones is recorded on special film for permanent display.

The needle biopsies

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) through the skin, most commonly performed with X-ray images for guidance, can be useful in extracting the cells for diagnosis of tumors of the lymph in the lungs. Needle biopsy is particularly useful for peripheral lung tumor in the lungs and is not accessible for sampling by bronchoscopy. A small amount of local anesthetic for the installation of a thin needle through the chest wall in the anomalous region in the lungs. The cells were sucked into the syringe and examined under the microscope of the tumor cells. This procedure is usually necessary when the tissue in the affected area is an adequate sample, but in some cases, the district or outside the field can easily be confused with the sample. Small risk (3% -5%) of air leaks in the lungs (called pneumothorax, which can be easily treated) accompanies the procedure.

The major surgical procedures

If none of these methods provides methods of diagnosis, surgery should be used to obtain tumor tissue for diagnosis. These may include mediastinoscopy (examination of the chest cavity between the lungs through a tube inserted into a surgical biopsy of tumor masses or lymph nodes that may contain metastases) or thoracotomy (surgical opening of the chest wall to remove or biopsy). At thoracotomy, is a rare opportunity to completely remove the lung, and both mediastinoscopy and thoracotomy entails risks of major surgical procedures (for complications such as bleeding, infection, and risks associated with anesthesia and drugs). These procedures are performed in the operating room and the patient should be hospitalized.

Blood tests

Although regular blood tests alone can not diagnose lung cancer can be identified biochemical and metabolic disorders in the body that accompany cancer. For example, elevated levels of calcium or alkaline phosphatase enzyme may accompany cancer, which is a bone metastasis. In addition, elevated levels of certain enzymes normally present in liver cells, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT), signal liver damage, possibly due to the presence of metastases.

Incoming Search Terms :

Causes of Lung Cancer Information

Maybe some people ask, what causes of lung cancer?  There are many lung cancer causes, such as smoking or to be passive smokers, asbestos fibers, because radon, or the family predisposition, lung disease from family, air pollution or history of the lung cancer family can make lung cancer cause (lungenkrebs verursacht, provoque le cancer du poumon, provoca il cancro ai polmoni, causa cáncer de pulmón).

Smoking

The incidence of lung cancer is closely linked to smoking, with approximately 90% of lung cancers caused by snuff. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked over time, doctors refer to this risk in terms of pack-years history of smoking (number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years). For example, a person who has smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years has a pack of 20, smoking history year. Although the risk of lung cancer increases even with a 10 pack year history of smoking, those who have stories 30-lot-of one year or more are regarded as having the greatest risk of developing lung cancer. Among people who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes a day, seven people who die from lung cancer.

Pipe and cigar smoking can also cause lung cancer, but the risk is not as high as with cigarette smoking. As a person who smokes a pack of cigarettes per day had a risk of developing lung cancer is 25 times higher than a non-smoker, pipe smokers and cigar has a risk of lung cancer is about five times the non – smoking.

Snuff smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which have been shown to cause cancer, or cancer. The two major carcinogens in tobacco smoke are chemicals known as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The risk of developing lung cancer decreases each year after quitting, as normal growth of cells and replace damaged cells in the lungs. In former smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer begins to approach that of a non-smoker for 15 years after quitting.

Passive smoking

Passive smoking, or inhaling the smoke of smokers suck life and work of shared premises, is also a risk factor for developing lung cancer. Research has shown that non-smokers living with a smoker have a 24% increase in risk of developing lung cancer compared to other non-smokers. It is estimated that 3,000 deaths from lung cancer occur each year in the United States that are attributable to passive smoking.

Asbestos fibers

Asbestos fibers are silicate fibers that can persist throughout life in lung tissue after exposure to asbestos. The workplace is a common source of exposure to asbestos fibers, asbestos was widely used in the past that the thermal and acoustic insulation. Today, the use of asbestos is restricted or prohibited in many countries including the United States both lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura, the lung and the lining of the cavity abdominal peritoneum) are associated with exposure to asbestos. Smoking greatly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer linked to asbestos-exposed workers. Asbestos workers who smoke have a fivefold risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers and asbestos workers who smoke have a risk that is 50 to 90 times higher than non smoking.

Radon

Radon is a gas, chemically inert gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium. Uranium decays to form products, including radon, which emit a type of ionizing radiation. Radon is a known cause of lung cancer, and about 12% of deaths from lung cancer attributable to radon, or 15,000-22,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States, making that radon the second leading cause of lung cancers in the U.S. As with exposure to asbestos, smoking increases concomitantly the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon. Radon gas can travel through soil and enter homes through cracks in the foundations, drains, sewers or other openings. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in 15 homes in the U.S. contain dangerous levels of radon gas. Radon is invisible and odorless, but can be detected with simple test kits.

The Familial predisposition

Although most lung cancers are associated with the consumption of tobacco and snuff, the fact that not all smokers eventually develop lung cancer suggests that other factors such as individual genetic predisposition may play a role in the the etiology of lung cancer. Many studies have shown that lung cancer is more likely to occur in smokers and nonsmokers of the family of those who have lung cancer than the general population. Recent research has identified a region on the long (q) arm of chromosome 6, which may contain a gene that confers a greater susceptibility to develop lung cancer in smokers.

Lung diseases

The presence of certain lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased risk (four to six times the risk of a non-smoker) to develop lung cancer, even after the concomitant effects tobacco are excluded.

History of lung cancer

Survivors of lung cancer are more at risk than the general population to develop lung cancer second. Survivors of cancers of small cell lung (NSCLC see below) have an additional risk of 1% -2% per year to develop lung cancer second. Among survivors of non-lung cancer, small cell (CPM, see below), the risk of developing certain cancers secondary approaches 6% annually.

Air pollution

Air pollution from power plants, vehicles and industry can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer among exposed individuals. Up to 1% of deaths from lung cancer are due to inhalation of contaminated air, and experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air may pose a risk of developing lung cancer similar to that of passive smoking.

Incoming Search Terms :

Lung Cancer is Most Cancer Deaths In Worldwide

Lung cancer is responsible for most cancer deaths among men and women worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates 215,020 new cases of lung cancer in the United States will be diagnosed and 161,840 deaths from lung cancer will be held in 2008. According to the United States National Cancer Institute, about one in 14 men and women in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer or respiratory tract at some point in their lives.

Lung cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly, almost 70% of people diagnosed with the disease are over 65 years, while less than 3% of cases occur in children under 45 years.

Lung cancer was not common until the 1930s but increased dramatically in the decades following the consumption of tobacco growing. In many developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer begins to decline after educating the public about the dangers of smoking and effective programs for smoking cessation. However, lung cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer among men and women around the world.

Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer in the cause of most cancer-related deaths of women in the United States. Lung cancer also as deadly disease in other country such as Japan, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, France, Japan, Poland, Hong Kong and other state region in United States, Asia and Europe.

Incoming Search Terms :

Lung Cancer Frequently Asked Questions Part 1

These are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lung Cancer, you can read it step by step and it will expain more details at next articles.

What is lung cancer?

In its simplest form, lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and cancer in one or other of the lungs. Groups of these cells form tumors, which make it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Who gets lung cancer?

It is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in United States. More people die from lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 215,020 new cases of lung cancer in 2008, including 114,690 males and 100,330 females. Lung cancer is rare in people under 45 years of age. The possibility of life that the average man has a lung cancer is about 1 in 13. For women is 1 in 16. These figures include both smokers and nonsmokers, the risk is higher for smokers, the lowest for non-smokers. Lung cancer is one of the most deadly disease in United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, China, France, Italy, Spain, etc.

What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

In summary, the risk factors for lung cancer are smokers, snuff and smoking. The CDC reports that smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, approximately 90% of lung cancer deaths among men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking. Smokers are 10 to 20 times more likely to have lung cancer or death from lung cancer than nonsmokers. Snuff smoke is also linked with lung cancer. Other risk factors for this cancer are exposure to asbestos and radon, and family history of lung cancer.

What are the most common symptoms of lung cancer?

This is difficult because sometimes there are no symptoms of lung cancer. A quarter of people do not even have symptoms when their cancer is advanced lung cancer, the CDC reports. In other cases, symptoms that suggest lung cancer may include:

• Shortness of breath
• A cough that does not disappear
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Spitting blood
• Chest pain

Can lung cancer gets to non-smokers  ?

March 2006 of lung cancer not smoking for the death of Dana Reeve, widow of Superman actor Christopher Reeve, shed light on this issue. It turns out that over 60% of patients with new lung cancer have never smoked or have quit, says the Alliance of lung cancer. In some of these people, exposure to secondhand smoke May in fact be a culprit. Reeve, for example, a cabaret singer, performed in clubs with a lot of smoke. So, in summary, if non-smokers can get lung cancer. Some cases of lung cancer develop after long-time smoker has left, although the risk decreases with time.

Incoming Search Terms :