Caldwell 6
Lung Cancer
The National Cancer Institute guessed that 219,440 lung cancer cases and 159,390 casualties would be present in the year 2009 (Price par.3). Lung cancer is an illness where cancer cells develop in the lungs. Cancer happens when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term "cancer" refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body (Larusso par.1). Lung cancer, a potentially life threatening disease, had various symptoms and causes; however, screening processes, treatment options, and improved awareness can lead to prevention.
A large number of types of lung cancer fall into one of four categorizations: squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas (these are responsible for about thirty percent of all pulmonary cancers). Then there are small or oat cell carcinomas (being responsible for approximately twenty five percent of lung cancers), and large cell carcinomas (which account for approximately fifteen percent of lung cancers) (Irons-George 1644).
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the two main variations of lung cancer; the second being non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC begins in nerve cells or hormone- producing cells in or around the lungs, whereas NSCLC happens in epithelial cells that are present in the lining of the lungs (Price par. 1).
The symptoms of lung cancer are plentiful and can consist of an insistent cough, usually one that intensifies over a period of time and can involve coughing up vital fluids, a constant chest ache, improper inhalation, gasping or sore throat are all signs of cancer. There may also be complications with pneumonia or bronchitis, enlargement of the neck and face, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss, general sleepiness...