Lung Cancer: Causes and Treatments

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells within the tissue of the lungs. It can be identified by a chest x-ray or a ct-scan. The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. 

Causes:

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in America today. There are nearly 200,000 cases diagnosed annually. Many types of lung cancer exist each with its own characteristics and survivability. Lung cancer causes deaths in almost 33% of cancers in America. Male smokers can count on a 22 times increase in lung cancer over a non-smoker's chances. Under conditions such as environmental smoke, radon and the length of a smoker's habit determine the likelihood of developing a malignancy. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers today. This is a procedure in which the doctor views and biopsies the lung. A newer procedure involves pleural biopsies. Pleural biopsies are aspirations of lung tissue in a less invasive and painful procedure.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer present. Surgery, often combined with chemotherapy, comprise the most common used of medical techniques. For surgery, patients must undergo blood tests as well as a spirometry (lung heath test) to determine whether they are healthy enough to be operated on.

Find out more about Lung Cancer by visiting the National Cancer Institute's website for Lung Cancer information

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