Lung cancer: who is at risk?
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of oncological pathologies in the world. It is based on the malignant degeneration of the epithelial cells of the lung into a malignant tumor. This kind of cancer has a very high mortality rate, so it should be paid special attention. Who is more likely to suffer from lung cancer, but can one be saved from this illness?
Lung cancer development factors
Often, lung cancer occurs in males over 50 who smoke. Although recently there has been a tendency towards a decrease in the average age of patients. According to statistics, 10% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are persons under 45 years of age, 52% are 46-60 years of age, and 38% are 61-75 years old. Men are more likely to become ill, but women can not even avoid this illness.
Lung cancer refers to aggressive forms of cancer. Patients with a peripheral lung injury are much more likely to survive, much lower – with a central form of lesion.
Why there are malignant tumors in the lungs, medicine does not yet know. However, there are risk factors that contribute to the development of lung cancer. They include:
Smoking More than 80% of lung cancer patients are active smokers. In addition, there is a danger of passive smoking.
The effect of radon. This gas is in the ground, especially in the basements and first floor of buildings. Radiation from radon contributes to the development of mutations in the respiratory tract cells, including in the lungs.
Hereditary predisposition. In the presence of lung cancer in blood relatives, the probability of developing this pathology increases.
Old age. Physiological aging of the body reduces its resistance to malignant processes.
Professional activity. The probability of developing lung cancer is higher among the occupations associated with contact with volatile dusting carcinogens. This is, for example, asbestos, cadmium, chromium, arsenic.
Chronic lung disease. The risk of developing malignant tumors increases after tuberculosis and other pulmonary diseases.
Cure for lung cancer
In the early stages of the disease, it is difficult to detect because the symptoms are erased. Later in the patient there is a sore throat, increased fatigability, rapid weight loss, tormenting the cough, while breathing may result in an unpleasant smell from the mouth.
The methods for diagnosing lung cancer include: blood tests on oncology markers, bronchoscopy, radiography. To visualize the tumor, determine its location and size, use CT. A biopsy of pathologically damaged tissue may also be required.
For the treatment of lung cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention may be used (which is possible only if isolated, not spread on adjacent tissues and tumor organs).
Lung cancer often develops rapidly, even lightning fast. In addition, it can cause secondary inflammatory and purulent processes, pneumonia, bronchitis. When lymph nodes are damaged, they become inflamed. In the patient rapid development of respiratory insufficiency is possible.
The best prevention of lung cancer is to adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle. It is very important to finally quit smoking, as well as protect members of their family from passive smoking, which is also extremely dangerous. For the first suspicious symptoms you should contact a doctor, because the early onset of treatment gives the patient a much greater chance of life.
