Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. It begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain or vice – versa as cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. It is kind of a disease in which cells in the body, starts growing out of control.
Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India. According to reports, this cancer claims more lives each year than do prostate, ovarian and breast cancers does.
Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
According to experts, people who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you have smoked.
Types of lung cancer -
Lung cancer is divided into two major types based on the appearance of lung cancer cells under the microscope.
The two general types of lung cancer are:
Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
Small cell lung cancer. : Small cell lung cancer generally occurs in heavy smokers . This kind of type is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. About 10% to 15% cancers are small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer : Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers that behave in a similar way. People who smoke or who breathe a lot of smoke are most likely to get this type of cancer . It include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are basically the same
Understanding Lung Cancer – Types and Symptoms
- Appetite and Weight loss
- Changes to a person's voice, such as hoarseness
- Chest infections; bronchitis or pneumonia
- Cough that may start to get worse
- Lingering or worsening cough
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness and fatigue