| If you're looking for facts about lung cancer, keep | | | | When a doctor performs a biopsy, he or she |
| reading for the answers to some frequently | | | | removes a small amount of tissue from the lung |
| asked questions. | | | | to test it for cancerous cells. |
| Is there more than one type of of this disease? | | | | Does it have any symptoms? |
| Lung cancer is divided into two different types. | | | | Most cancerous lung symptoms don't appear until |
| These are non-small and small cell forms. They | | | | after the disease has reached the later stages. |
| are classified differently because the cells grow | | | | That said, the symptoms include constant |
| and spread differently with each type. | | | | coughing or wheezing, loss of appetite, chest |
| Non-small cancer of the lungs is the most | | | | pains, upper abdomen pains, bronchitis or |
| common and covers three different types - | | | | pneumonia, blood being coughed up, general |
| squamus cell carcinoma cancer, large cell | | | | fatigue, a persistent hoarse voice and a dry, sore |
| carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Small lung cancer | | | | throat. |
| happens in about 25% of all reported cases and | | | | Can the disease be treated, and how? |
| generally grows and spreads to other organs | | | | Lung cancer can be treated, but the treatments |
| very quickly. | | | | will depend on how far advanced the disease has |
| Is cancer of the lungs preventable? | | | | progressed, the patient's strength and the type of |
| There are three ways to prevent this killer - quit | | | | cancer. Once identified, is typically treated with |
| smoking, avoid second-hand smoke and stay | | | | one of - or a combination of - chemotherapy, |
| away from air-borne carcinogens at work. If | | | | radiation therapy and surgery. |
| you're concerned about your risk of developing | | | | What is mesothelioma? |
| this illness, avoiding tobacco smoke is typically | | | | Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer, but it's |
| your best defense. | | | | very rare. The disease is caused by exposure to |
| What are the major causes? | | | | asbestos. Essentially, the asbestos fibers attack |
| The primary cause of lung cancer in most cases | | | | the lung lining, causing the formation of tumors. |
| is smoking tobacco products. Of all the facts | | | | Whose more at risk - men or women? |
| about the disease, this is the most critical and | | | | Women who smoke are twice as likely to be |
| apparent. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke will | | | | diagnosed with this cancer than men who are |
| damage cells. Other causes include exposure to | | | | smokers. |
| carcinogens like asbestos or radon. Genetics may | | | | I'm older and a smoker, will quitting really help |
| also play a role in the prevalence of the disease. | | | | me? |
| How do doctors detect it initially? | | | | Yes, it can! Every year a person goes without |
| Most cases of lung cancer caught during the early | | | | smoking, their chances of contracting the disease |
| stages of the disease are found accidentally in | | | | are significantly reduced. Out of all the facts about |
| chest X-rays. Unfortunately, symptoms typically | | | | it, this is the most critical. Remember, whether |
| aren't exhibited until the later stages. | | | | you're 18 or 80, quitting can help you prevent lung |
| For a confident diagnosis, a biopsy is required. | | | | cancer. |