Lung Cancer Research Paper

What are lung cancers? Lung cancers are the abnormal cells which grow in uncontrolled manner in one or both lungs. They do not function as normal lung cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. The abnormal cells can grow, form tumours and interfere with the normal functions of the lung (Lungcancer.org, 2015). Lung cancers can be divided into two major types, namely non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancers (SCLC). NSCLC can be further classified into three main subtypes, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma and large-cell carcinoma (Longo & Harrison, 2012). Lung cancers can be diagnosed by chest X-ray, computerised tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography-computerised tomography (PET-CT) scan, bronchoscopy and biopsy (Nhs.uk, 2015). Unfortunately, lung cancers are often diagnosed at the later stages. This is due to the unrecognisable symptoms and warning signs at the earlier stages. NSCLC are often diagnosed at stage IV which accounts for 30-40% of cases whereas 60% of SCLC is diagnosed at stage IV. Lung cancer usually originates from the cells lining the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. Carcinogens especially tobacco smoke will alter the gene expression of the normal human lung cells, resulting in cell mutation. The proto-oncogenes will be converted to mutated form, oncogenes. Mutation leads to the decreased expression of the tumour suppressor genes. This results in uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell

Lung Cancer, like any other type of cancer, is the uncontrollable growth of cells in the lung tissue. The main causes that contribute to lung cancer include inhaling carcinogens (basically, smoking), exposure to ionizing radiation, viral infections and even air pollution. These factors basically damage the tissues lining the bronchi in the lung, leading the cancer to develop further (Vaporciyan & Nesbitt JC, 2000). Primary lung cancers that develop in the epithelial tissues of the lung are known as carcinomas and claim the top spot in terms of leading cancer-related death causes. As of 2004, lung cancer

Causes: The foremost reason for lung cancer is cigarette smoking which causes around 90% of all deaths caused by lung cancer in the world. However, smoking is not the only way to get it. The second most frequent cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon gas, which

As generations of diseases and cures continue to be created, the increase of cancer multiply each day. Although there are many recurring cancers through genes and natural behavior, lung cancer is one of the recurrent cancers that continue to grow; either it has to do with natural behavior or genetics. Lung cancer begins to occur when cells in your lungs begin to grow uncontrollably. This disease is infectious and severe because not only will the cancer affect your lungs which affects your breathing, but also spread throughout your body and affect other organs as well

These changes are “invisible” on an x-ray, as the disease does not initially develop in the form of a tumor like mass. Through the process of metastasis, cancerous cells split, and easily spread through other parts of the body through the lymph system undetected. The lymph system is very similar to veins, however they carry lymph, a clear fluid made of bodily waste. When cancerous cells penetrate this network, the disease can be easily spread at a fast rate. The more the cancer has spread, the less the survival rate. If non-small cell lung cancer is detected in patients early, the survival rate is around 49%. However if the cancer has progressed to “Stage 4” and become spread and advanced before detection, the survival rate is only a mere 1%, which results in almost certain

It is wise, however, to have a doctor monitor the tumor over at least a two-years period in order to note any changes that might indicate the presence of cancer. Also, a biopsy or surgical removal of a tumor may be needed when the patient is a smoker, the patient has difficulty breathing, or other troubling symptoms, tests show that the cancer could be present, and the nodule continue to grow. The malignant lung cancer is divided into non- small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung carcinoid tumor. First, the non- small lung cancer is A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer. The first type of the non- small cell cancer is squamous cell carcinoma About 25% to 30% of all lung cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers start in early versions of squamous cells, which are flat cells that line the inside of the airways in the lungs. They are often linked to a history of smoking and tend to be found in the central part of the lungs, near a main airway (bronchus). The second type is larger cell carcinoma this type accounts for about 10% to 15% of lung cancers. It can appear in any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly, which can make it harder to treat. A subtype of large cell carcinoma, known as large cell, neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a fast-growing cancer that is very similar to small cell lung cancer. The third type of non- small cell lung cancer is adenocarcinoma about 40% of lung cancers are adenocarcinomas. that begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as

Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people, but may occur in younger people as well. Many people who are diagnosed with lung cancer do not live passed the 5 year survival rate. People with stage 4 who make it passed the one year mark with stage 4 lung cancer often lucky. There are several lung cancer risks. Many people may experience a cough that does not go away or gets worse. The person may have chest pain that is often worse when taking a deep breath. The cough and chest pain are often mistaken for pneumonia. The person may experience weight loss and loss of appetite. In the late stages the person may have shortness of breath and feel tired or weak. Lung cancer could be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Lung cancer is often found when the person is having signs or symptoms. X-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, or radioactive substances create pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests may be done for a number of reasons both before and after a diagnosis of lung cancer (cancer.org). X rays may not be able to pick up lung cancer sometimes so it is best to use another imaging test. A cat scan is more likely to show images of a tumor than a chest x

Among all types of cancer, lung cancer is a very common and highly lethal cancer. Lung cancer is an insidious disease not showing symptoms in its early stages, thus the diagnosis in most cases is done in cases of advanced disease. Shows an increase by 2% year on their worldwide incidence. Mortality from this tumor is very high and the prognosis of this disease is related to the phase where it is diagnosed.

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases in the medical field. Cancer is a group of cells in any part of the body that grows abnormally. Cancer in the lungs causes many vital functions to be extremely no help, or negligible altogether (Mayo Clinic Staff). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. The Mayo Clinic states, “Lung cancer claims more lives each year than do colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined” (Mayo Clinic Staff). People who smoke or have smoked for a long period of time have the greatest risk of developing cancer within the lungs. Lung cancer’s risk is directly proportional to time using cigarettes and number of cigarettes that have been smoked (Mayo Clinic Staff).

The respiratory system is made up of several important parts, including the trachea or “windpipe” where the cancer is most likely to originate (see fig.2 for location). Other parts include the pleura; the thin coating separated from the lungs by a small amount of liquid. This is in place to allow for easier breathing and to not corrode the chest walls when individual is inhaling. Lungs are heavily impacted by the formation of cancer because of the fact that they keep blood pumping to the heart and without that, the heart stops and breathing of the individual ceases resulting in

Stage 2 and Stage 3 cancer has invaded the chest (if large tumors are present its stage 3)

Lung cancer is a disease that effects the lungs. This type of cancer initiates in the lungs. The lungs are two spongy like organs in the chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk increases with the numbers if cigarettes you have smoked. If a person quit smoking, they can reduce the chances of developing lung, cancer. It is estimated that about 90% of male lung cancer deaths and 75–80% of lung cancer deaths in the US are caused by smoking each year. Lung cancer has the lead in the most cancer deaths in the United States, with over 158,900 deaths in 1999, and worldwide, lung cancer kills over 1 million people a year.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos or other chemicals, and family history of lung cancer.1 Above all others, cigarette smoking is the most strongly correlated and preventable risk factor in lung cancer development.1,2 Approximately 80-90% of the deaths from lung cancer are the result of smoking, accounting for 90% of the lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of the deaths in women.1,2 Cancer cells are formed by DNA-mutating

Aside from the obvious cause of lung cancer, which is smoking, there are several others. However, almost all of these can be avoided. Preventable risk factors include smoking marijuana, inhaling certain chemicals like gasoline fuel or diesel exhaust, undergoing radiation therapy, and having a poor diet. But, the American Cancer Society affirms that about 87% of lung cancer cases are a result of smoking tobacco, and that some of the other 13% are caused by secondhand smoke (11). Out of all the risk factors for lung cancer, smoking has the biggest impact. This is also ironic, as smoking is the easiest factor to avoid. Theoretically this should be the least prominent factor, as it is a voluntary decision to start smoking and is easier to avoid than any of the other factors. Yet, about 47.1 million people in the United States smoke (American Heart Association), and willingly put themselves at risk for lung cancer. At the same time though, people do not start smoking just because they want to develop lung cancer later in life; there are numerous factors that play into their decision. For example, people are influenced to smoke for reasons such as peer pressure, a way to deal with stress, and people they look up to that smoke (Bonas). They think it will help them relieve stress, or fit in, and they do not think about the consequences that come with their newfound hobby. Eventually smokers find that they cannot quit, for both physical and psychological

     Although smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, there are many other contributors to lung cancer such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, environmental tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos, pollution, lung diseases and medical history. Cigarettes cause lung cancer from the harmful substances that damage cell in the lungs. Whether the person will develop lung cancer is affected by the age at which they began smoking, how long they have been smoking, the number of cigarettes that are smoked per day, and how deeply the person inhales. Cigars and pipes give the person a higher risk of lung cancer than nonsmokers, the affects are the same as the ones for smoking cigarettes. There are people who smoke cigars and pipes and do not inhale and these people are at a risk for lung, mouth and other types of cancer. Environmental