Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma is a malignant lung tumor
characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. Cancer is a
disease where cancer cells grow out of control, taking over normal cells and
organs in the body.
There are two major types of lung cancer. The two main types are small-cell
lung
carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
Symptoms
Shortness of breath.
Feeling tired or weak.
Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep
coming back.
New onset of wheezing.
If lung cancer spreads to distant organs, it may cause: Bone pain (like
pain in the back or hips) Nervous system changes (such as headache, weakness or
numbness of an arm or leg, dizziness, balance problems, or seizures), from cancer spread to the brain or spinal cord. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), from cancer spread to the liver
Lumps near the surface of the body, due to cancer spreading to the skin or to
lymph nodes (collections of immune system cells), such as those in the neck or
above A cough that does not go away or gets worse Coughing up blood or
rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Hoarseness
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Causes
The vast majority (85%) of cases of lung cancer are due to long-term tobacco
smoking. About 10–15% of cases occur in people
who have never smoked. These cases are often caused by a combination of genetic
factors and exposure to radon gas, asbestos, second-hand smoke, or other forms
of air pollution.
Effects
Blood clots. People with cancer are at risk for developing blood clots for
various reasons, but steps can be taken to prevent and treat blood clots.
Bone issues. Cancer that starts in or spreads to the bones can lead to bone
pain and an increase in risk for complications, including weakening of the
bone, fractures, and high calcium levels in the blood. Cancer treatments may
also affect your bones.
Chemobrain. Problems with memory and concentration, along with a general
feeling of not functioning as well mentally as usual, are informally referred
to by patients as chemobrain.
Dental issues .Side effects from cancer treatment may include tooth decay
and other mouth issues, including dry mouth and mouth sores. It’s important to
address any dental concerns you have, especially before beginning treatment,
but also during and after with both your treating physician and dentist.
Diarrhea .Defined as two or more loose bowel movements per day, diarrhea
may be caused by some types of chemotherapy and radiation to certain areas of
the body. There are many things you can do to help control diarrhea.
Fatigue .Fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect of cancer and
its treatment. Make sure to report fatigue to your health care team so that
everything can be done to manage it
Hair loss. Hair loss from chemotherapy treatment occurs because hair
follicles are weakened by chemotherapy, which causes your hair to fall out much
more quickly than it would normally.
Lymphedema. People with cancer who have undergone lymph node removal and/or
radiation as part of their treatment are at risk for developing lymphedema, a
painful swelling that happens when your body’s lymphatic fluid is unable to
circulate properly and builds up in your soft tissues instead.
Mouth sores “Oral mucositis” refers to mouth sores caused by irritation of
the mucosa—the soft tissues that cover the tongue and inside of the mouth, and
can be a serious side effect of chemotherapy treatment.
Nausea and vomiting. While many people who are treated for cancer
experience nausea and vomiting, medicines exist that can help control these
side effects.
Neuropathy. Some people who receive chemotherapy experience tingling in
their hands and feet, what doctors call peripheral neuropathy.
Pain
Rash
Weight loss or gain. Cancer treatments can usually lead to weight loss, but
people with cancer can also experience weight gain from chemotherapy treatment.
Treatment
Surgery
Palliative care
Targeted drug therapy
Radiation therapy
Clinical trials
Chemotherapy
Prevention is by avoiding risk factors including smoking and air
pollution. Treatment and
long-term outcomes depend on the type of cancer, the stage (degree of
spread), and the person's overall health. Most cases are not curable.
Source wikipedia.org