It is known to most of us that those who smoke have the risk of developing lung cancer. In recent studies, it has also been found that there is an increase in the number of lung cancer patients among those who never smoke in their life. There are again two types among these people. One type neither smoke nor they are addicted to any other smokeless tobacco and the other type never smoke but are addicted to smokeless tobacco including chewing tobacco and snuff.
Some Facts
- The addiction to smokeless tobacco and cigarette smoking is the same.
- The amount of nicotine in 4 packs of cigarettes is the same as that in one can of snuff.
- After using smokeless tobacco, the amount of nicotine in the bloodstream may be higher than that of a cigarette smoker as through the lining of the mouth, nicotine is easily and quickly absorbed.
- In comparison to cigarettes, nicotine stays in the bloodstream longer with smokeless tobacco.
According to a cancer specialist, there are at least 28 chemicals in oral tobacco, which can cause cancer. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines are the most harmful of these and they can cause lung cancer.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
One of the commonest cancers and cause of cancer-related deaths all over the world is lung cancer. There are different signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Some of them are:
- A continuous cough
- Blood coming out while coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest
- Hoarseness
- Losing weight without trying
- Pain in the bone
- Headache
If you feel any symptom, consult a cancer doctor for proper treatment.
Types of Lung Cancer
On the basis of the appearance of lung cancer cells under the microscope, doctors divide lung cancer into two major types. Considering which major type of lung cancer you have, your doctor decides which treatment mode to be taken. The two types are:
- Small cell lung cancer: In comparison to non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer is less common.
- Non-small cell lung cancer: Several types of lung cancer that behave in a similar way fall under non-small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma are some non-small cell lung cancers.
Diagnosis
The following tests are normally used for the diagnosis of lung cancer:
- Imaging tests
- Sputum cytology
- A tissue sample (biopsy)
Treatment
A number of factors such as your overall health, the type and stage of your cancer are considered when you and your oncologist choose a cancer treatment plan. Different surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, radiosurgery, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy are the different treatment options available.