Definition of lung cancer, its classification
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor, developed from the glands of the bronchioles, alveoli and bronchial epithelium. Its occurrence is due to the influence of the environment, Smoking, frequent diseases of broncho-pulmonary system and heredity.
Smoking – the main enemy of the lungs. Smoke and the number of cigarettes they smoked per day, increases the risk of tumor development.
Cancer classification is represented by several forms, each of which has its own characteristics:
Central, well-developed of the major bronchi;
- periphery, developed from the bronchial tubes or the lung parenchyma affected;
- atypical forms presented mediastinal, brain, bone, liver varieties, miliary carcinosis, etc.
What changes in health indicate lung cancer?
Prolonged debilitating cough, unresponsive to treatment, the first alarming symptom. Initially dry, over time it is accompanied by expectoration of mucous or Muco-purulent character.
Second place after coughing is coughing up blood, in which the sputum of the patient are streaks of blood. This striking symptom allows to identify disease at any stage.
Chest pain in lung cancer is characteristic signs of involvement in the malignant process of nerves and pleura. Complement clinical picture of wheezing and shortness of breath.
In addition, the patient complains of fatigue, caused by the General weakness of the body, sudden unexplained weight loss, hoarseness of the voice. Common disease pneumonia due to the large overlap of the airway swelling and infection of the lung area.
Drug treatment of lung cancer in the form of anti-inflammatory and expectorants prescribed for relieving symptoms. To relieve severe pain in the last stages help special drugs.
Signs of lung cancer on x-ray
The Central form of cancer in the picture is detected to increase the root of the lung. Thanks to the x-rays oncologist is able to see blurring in the region of the root, which diverge from the undulating shadows.
If the root of the lung decreased in size, but the transparency of the lung pattern is increased, the doctor can conclude peribronchial tumor development. Blockage of the bronchus is determined by swelling.
For lung cancer occurring in the peripheral form, the picture shows heterogeneous shading with a ragged and uneven contours of the specific rays. With the root of the lung they connect distinct shadow.
The risk of lung cancer
Cancerous lymphangitis causes a disturbance of the pulmonary circulation. In turn it becomes the cause of respiratory failure, the appearance of recurrent thrombosis and thrombophlebitis.
The appearance of the patient pathology is initially not affected, and only the last stage is exhaustion. After diagnosis the patient lives from 1 year to 3 years, and he's dying from metastasis of cancer cells, various complications and an intoxication.