Gross Description of Lung Cancer

Every year, lung cancer claims more than prostate, colon, breast and lymph cancers combined, according to the Mayo Clinic. Smoking causes 90 percent of all lung cancer cases, which makes it a highly preventable cancer.

Smoking greatly increases your chance of developing lung cancer.

Symptoms

The first symptoms usually occur in the advanced stages of lung cancer. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, chest pain and hoarseness.

Causes

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. There are certain risk factors that cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers, such as exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos, family history of lung cancer and excessive alcohol use. Females are more prone to lung cancer than males.

Diagnosis

Certain tests can check for lung cancer, such as X-rays, CT scans and biopsies. Sputum cytology can be performed if you are coughing up mucus. In this procedure, your sputum is checked for cancer cells by using a microscope.

Treatment

The method of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug therapy, clinical trials and supportive care.

Prevention

It may not be possible to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk by exercising, not smoking, quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, avoiding carcinogens, testing your home for radon, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and limiting alcohol intake.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Lung Cancer
• National Lung Cancer Partnership