Lung cancer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What is | ==What is lung cancer?== | ||
==What are the symptoms of Lung cancer?== | ==What are the symptoms of Lung cancer?== | ||
Early lung cancer often does not cause symptoms. But as the cancer grows, common symptoms may include: | Early lung cancer often does not cause symptoms. But as the cancer grows, common symptoms may include: | ||
* a cough that gets worse or does not go away | * a [[cough]] that gets worse or does not go away | ||
* breathing trouble, such as shortness of breath | * breathing trouble, such as [[shortness of breath]] | ||
* constant chest pain | * constant [[chest pain]] | ||
* coughing up blood | * coughing up blood | ||
* a hoarse voice | * a hoarse voice | ||
* frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia | * frequent lung infections, such as [[pneumonia]] | ||
* feeling very tired all the time | * feeling very tired all the time | ||
* weight loss with no known cause | * [[weight loss]] with no known cause | ||
Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause some of these symptoms. Anyone with such symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. | Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause some of these symptoms. Anyone with such symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. | ||
Revision as of 20:35, 18 September 2009
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What is lung cancer?
What are the symptoms of Lung cancer?
Early lung cancer often does not cause symptoms. But as the cancer grows, common symptoms may include:
- a cough that gets worse or does not go away
- breathing trouble, such as shortness of breath
- constant chest pain
- coughing up blood
- a hoarse voice
- frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia
- feeling very tired all the time
- weight loss with no known cause
Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause some of these symptoms. Anyone with such symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for Lung cancer?
Studies have found the following risk factors for lung cancer:
- Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer. It's by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Harmful substances in smoke damage lung cells. That's why smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can cause lung cancer and why secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. The more a person is exposed to smoke, the greater the risk of lung cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheets Quitting Smoking and Secondhand Smoke.
- Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses. Radon damages lung cells, and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer from radon is even higher for smokers. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet Radon and Cancer.
- Asbestos and other substances: People who have certain jobs (such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries) have an increased risk of lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, soot, tar, and other substances can cause lung cancer. The risk is highest for those with years of exposure. The risk of lung cancer from these substances is even higher for smokers.
- Air pollution: Air pollution may slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk from air pollution is higher for smokers.
- Family history of lung cancer: People with a father, mother, brother, or sister who had lung cancer may be at slightly increased risk of the disease, even if they don't smoke.
- Personal history of lung cancer: People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor.
- Age over 65: Most people are older than 65 years when diagnosed with lung cancer.
How to know you have Lung cancer?
If you have a symptom that suggests lung cancer, your doctor must find out whether it's from cancer or something else. Your doctor may ask about your personal and family medical history. Your doctor may order blood tests, and you may have one or more of the following tests:
- Physical exam: Your doctor checks for general signs of health, listens to your breathing, and checks for fluid in the lungs. Your doctor may feel for swollen lymph nodes and a swollen liver.
- Chest x-ray: X-ray pictures of your chest may show tumors or abnormal fluid.
- CT scan: Doctors often use CT scans to take pictures of tissue inside the chest. An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes several pictures. For a spiral CT scan, the CT scanner rotates around you as you lie on a table. The table passes through the center of the scanner. The pictures may show a tumor, abnormal fluid, or swollen lymph nodes.
Finding Lung Cancer Cells
The only sure way to know if lung cancer is present is for a pathologist to check samples of cells or tissue. The pathologist studies the sample under a microscope and performs other tests. There are many ways to collect samples.
Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to collect samples:
- Sputum cytology: Thick fluid (sputum) is coughed up from the lungs. The lab checks samples of sputum for cancer cells.
- Thoracentesis: The doctor uses a long needle to remove fluid (pleural fluid) from the chest. The lab checks the fluid for cancer cells.
- Bronchoscopy: The doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube (a bronchoscope) through the nose or mouth into the lung. This allows an exam of the lungs and the air passages that lead to them. The doctor may take a sample of cells with a needle, brush, or other tool. The doctor also may wash the area with water to collect cells in the water.
- Fine-needle aspiration: The doctor uses a thin needle to remove tissue or fluid from the lung or lymph node. Sometimes the doctor uses a CT scan or other imaging method to guide the needle to a lung tumor or lymph node.
- Thoracoscopy: The surgeon makes several small incisions in your chest and back. The surgeon looks at the lungs and nearby tissues with a thin, lighted tube. If an abnormal area is seen, a biopsy to check for cancer cells may be needed.
- Thoracotomy: The surgeon opens the chest with a long incision. Lymph nodes and other tissue may be removed.
- Mediastinoscopy: The surgeon makes an incision at the top of the breastbone. A thin, lighted tube is used to see inside the chest. The surgeon may take tissue and lymph node samples.
When to seek urgent medical care
Anyone with symptoms similar to those listed above should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for yourdisease
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lung cancer