Understanding the Differences in Lung Cancer Symptoms and Signs

In today's society, we are ever more aware of the impact serious illnesses and diseases can have. This is never truer than in the case of cancers, which we are acutely made aware of on an almost daily basis. Whilst there is a wide variety of cancer types which can manifest in people, one of the most prominent is cancer of the Lung. Perhaps this is due to the mortality rate of sufferers or, more likely, it is down to the fact that this can be attributed in many cases to smoking, which even in today's societies it can be seen as a cultural or socially accepted behaviour. A key to managing and surviving cancers such as this is in understanding Lung cancer symptoms and signs. Often an early recognition and diagnosis will vastly increase the likelihood of a successful treatment program.

Whilst many different forms of this type of cancer exist, there are two types of primary lung affecting cancers which have their own unique behaviours and which are treated in different ways due to how they react to conventional medicines. The first and most common form is known as small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which is the case in approximately 20% of cases. The second common form is known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and this makes up the other 80% of diagnosed cases. The key differences here are that the symptoms and signs are different and that the small cell form is normally developed by people who have a history of smoking. It is very rare for non-smoking individuals to display lung cancer symptoms and signs associated with SCLC, which is an aggressive form which can spread rapidly and take hold quickly.

The second type of lung cancer mentioned above was Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (also known as NSCLC). While this type can be attributed to the vast majority of common cases, it can occur across a broad age group and is not limited to any one demographic. Within this type of cancer, there are many other sub-groups which can only be diagnosed scientifically within a laboratory. These types include sub-types such as large cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Of course there are further types which are less common, but no less publicised. One such example is Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane covering the lungs and chest. The reason we are so aware of this is due to the fact that Mesothelioma is normally caused by exposure to Asbestos.

So what are the lung cancer symptoms and signs associated with these types? While the symptoms can be numerous and often sufferers may experience a range of signs, the most common indicators include; a long lasting cough or chesty cough, a chest infection that remains for a substantial period, presence of blood in phlegm or spit, weight and appetite loss, an increase in breathlessness lethargy or difficulty swallowing. If you feel you or another may be displaying one or some of these symptoms, it is advisable to visit your doctor with these concerns without delay. By highlighting your concern about potential lung cancer symptoms and signs you could increase the chances of a speedy recovery should you be diagnosed with this disease.

Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about early lung cancer symptoms visit us today.

Really Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer... everyone has heard of it. Perhaps you even know someone who has it or has died from it. It is a common disease, but that makes it no less serious. Carcinoma of the lung, as it is also called, is one of the most frequently diagnosed and battled forms of cancer. It is also a common cause of death in the United States. There are two reasons that lung affecting cancers are common - the first is because the lung covers such a wide respiratory surface when compared to other organs, there is a greater potential for exposure to cancer cells. It is diagnosed when there is a growth of malignant or abnormal cancer cells detected in the lungs of an individual. The second reason is that smoking is prevalent in our society, and nicotine is a well-known cancer-causing agent.

Smoking can cause lung cancer directly, by smoking the cigarette, cigar, or chewing tobacco. It also has been proven to be caused indirectly, by inhaling the fumes exhaled by a nearby smoker, or inhaling the fumes that come directly from the cigarette, cigar, or pipe itself. The indirect way is commonly known as "second-hand smoke". Can non-smokers be diagnosed with this type of cancer? Yes, they can. A non-smoker can have lung cancer due to the exposure factors mentioned above, or they can be diagnosed with the disease due to an over exposure to radiation or air pollution. A family history of the disease can increase risk, as well as an overly processed diet and general lack of good health, as unhealthy cells in the body are less able to fight off diseases.

There are generally two types of lung related cancer in common existence today-small cell and non small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is actually the more aggressive of the two types of lung cancer, though it is seen in fewer patients. Small cell lung cancer affects the alveoli of the lung. Humans possess millions of these alveoli in the lungs, allowing the disease to grow quickly.

The symptoms can be vague, and are often associated with many lesser ailments, so it can be difficult to evaluate whether or not a person actually has lung cancer as compared to bronchitis, for instance. There may be a general cough and weakness felt in the body. If someone is experiencing shortness in breath that is not considered normal for them, then that can be a warning sign to seek out a proper diagnosis via radiologic examination. Any regular smoker should be aware of changes in any of their breathing functions, especially if one begins to spit or cough up blood and lose the normal appetite for food.

Most often, once a patient is diagnosed, a long and regular routine of chemotherapy, along with different radiologic exams and possibly surgery, will be the required methods of treatment. It is often a combination of all three methods that will achieve the best results for such a dangerous disease.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about early lung cancer symptoms visit us today.