Lung cancer is cancer that is associated with lungs. The most common type of lung cancer is NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer). It covers almost 80-85% of all cases. The particular type of cancer starts from the body’s surfaces and cavities through the formation of lining by the cells. It usually develops in the outer portion of the lungs (known as adenocarcinomas). Another 30% of this type starts from the respiratory tract through the lining formation by the cells (known as squamous cell carcinoma). A rare type of adenocarcinoma starts in the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs). It is known as Adenocarcinoma In Situ (AIS). This particular situation needs immediate treatment. If NSCLC grows faster than the normal, then large-cell neuroendocrine tumours and large-cell carcinoma can happen.
Another type of lung cancer is SCLC (Small-Cell Lung Cancer). It covers almost 15-20% of lung cancers. This type of cancer grows as well as spreads faster than NSCLC. It responds faster to chemotherapy, but the chances of recovery are less than the former type.
In some cases, lung cancer tumours are associated with both NSCLC and SCLC cells.
Another type of lung cancer is Mesothelioma. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure.
Lung cancer is cancer that is associated with lungs. The most common type of lung cancer is NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer). It covers almost 80-85% of all cases. The particular type of cancer starts from the body’s surfaces and cavities through the formation of lining by the cells. It usually develops in the outer portion of the lungs (known as adenocarcinomas). Another 30% of this type starts from the respiratory tract through the lining formation by the cells (known as squamous cell carcinoma). A rare type of adenocarcinoma starts in the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs). It is known as Adenocarcinoma In Situ (AIS). This particular situation needs immediate treatment. If NSCLC grows faster than the normal, then large-cell neuroendocrine tumours and large-cell carcinoma can happen.
Another type of lung cancer is SCLC (Small-Cell Lung Cancer). It covers almost 15-20% of lung cancers. This type of cancer grows as well as spreads faster than NSCLC. It responds faster to chemotherapy, but the chances of recovery are less than the former type.
In some cases, lung cancer tumours are associated with both NSCLC and SCLC cells.
Another type of lung cancer is Mesothelioma. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure.
Basically, the symptoms associated with non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are same.
Some of the initial symptoms are as follows:
As cancer starts to spread, additional signs and symptoms start to show:
Tumours that are located at the top of the lungs may affect facial nerves, and the result can be a small pupil, drooping of one eyelid, lack of sweating on one side of the face, etc. These signs and symptoms are called Horner syndrome altogether.
Sometimes, lung cancer can create hormone-like substances that can cause a wide variety of symptoms known as the paraneoplastic syndrome. The symptoms are as follows:
Lung cancer can cause neurologic deterioration, such as:
Without treatment, back pain caused by the lung cancer may become more complicated.
Most of the lung cancer is linked with smoking, but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor associated with lung cancer. It covers more than 85% of lung cancer cases. Tobacco smoke is involved with more than 60 various toxic elements that can be responsible for cancer development. Smoking cannabis increases the risk factor for lung cancer.
Passive smoking: If a person doesn’t smoke, but always lives in an environment of tobacco smoking, then it is called passive smoking. It can enhance the risk associated with lung cancer.
Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally comes from small amounts of uranium that are present in all soils and rocks. Sometimes, it can be found in buildings. If a person breathes in radon, his/her lungs can damage especially if that person is a smoker.
Pollution and occupational exposure: Certain occupations and industries can be associated with some substances and chemicals that can enhance the risk of lung cancer. These harmful chemicals are:
A family history of lung cancer can also be an influencing factor.
Patients suffering from lung cancer should do the following things:
Patients suffering from lung cancer should not do the following things:
Lung cancer patients can take the following foods upon the recommendation of their Doctors:
Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli are very beneficial foods in cancer as they are associated with sulforaphane (the biggest cancer fighter component). These kinds of vegetables contain a substance called indole-3-carbinols that can repair damages to the cells (by carcinogens) before they turn to cancerous.
Orange and red-colour vegetables and fruits: Papaya, orange, red bell pepper, peach, and carrot are associated with an orange colour antioxidant pigment (carotenoid) called beta-cryptoxanthin. It is very helpful in reducing the risk of lung cancers, particularly in smokers.
Soy foods: Soy foods can cut down the risk associated with lung cancer.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid: Fish such as Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines as well as other foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acid can minimise the effect of lung cancer.
Foods rich in folate: Folate (a type of Vitamin-B) can work as a safeguard to the cells from the tobacco carcinogens. Spinach, beans, kale, etc. are rich in folate. Smoking and drinking alcohol can drain out folate from the body.
Whole grains: Substitute your white rice intake by the brown rice and whenever you purchase bread or pasta, don’t forget that their main ingredient should be whole grains such as quinoa, whole wheat, or oats. These substances are helpful in fighting lung cancer.
Lung cancer patients should avoid the following foods:
Acidic, tart, and spicy foods: Citrus foods or tomato-based foods may be hard to swallow. So, these types of foods should be avoided by the lung cancer patients.
Rough-textured foods: Raw vegetables, fruits, pretzels, and crackers may be hard to swallow as lung cancer patients’ oesophagus becomes sensitive. So, any foods with sharp edges and rough textures should be avoided.
Basically, the symptoms associated with non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are same.
Some of the initial symptoms are as follows:
As cancer starts to spread, additional signs and symptoms start to show:
Tumours that are located at the top of the lungs may affect facial nerves, and the result can be a small pupil, drooping of one eyelid, lack of sweating on one side of the face, etc. These signs and symptoms are called Horner syndrome altogether.
Sometimes, lung cancer can create hormone-like substances that can cause a wide variety of symptoms known as the paraneoplastic syndrome. The symptoms are as follows:
Lung cancer can cause neurologic deterioration, such as:
Without treatment, back pain caused by the lung cancer may become more complicated.
Most of the lung cancer is linked with smoking, but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor associated with lung cancer. It covers more than 85% of lung cancer cases. Tobacco smoke is involved with more than 60 various toxic elements that can be responsible for cancer development. Smoking cannabis increases the risk factor for lung cancer.
Passive smoking: If a person doesn’t smoke, but always lives in an environment of tobacco smoking, then it is called passive smoking. It can enhance the risk associated with lung cancer.
Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally comes from small amounts of uranium that are present in all soils and rocks. Sometimes, it can be found in buildings. If a person breathes in radon, his/her lungs can damage especially if that person is a smoker.
Pollution and occupational exposure: Certain occupations and industries can be associated with some substances and chemicals that can enhance the risk of lung cancer. These harmful chemicals are:
A family history of lung cancer can also be an influencing factor.
Patients suffering from lung cancer should do the following things:
Patients suffering from lung cancer should not do the following things:
Lung cancer patients can take the following foods upon the recommendation of their Doctors:
Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli are very beneficial foods in cancer as they are associated with sulforaphane (the biggest cancer fighter component). These kinds of vegetables contain a substance called indole-3-carbinols that can repair damages to the cells (by carcinogens) before they turn to cancerous.
Orange and red-colour vegetables and fruits: Papaya, orange, red bell pepper, peach, and carrot are associated with an orange colour antioxidant pigment (carotenoid) called beta-cryptoxanthin. It is very helpful in reducing the risk of lung cancers, particularly in smokers.
Soy foods: Soy foods can cut down the risk associated with lung cancer.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid: Fish such as Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines as well as other foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acid can minimise the effect of lung cancer.
Foods rich in folate: Folate (a type of Vitamin-B) can work as a safeguard to the cells from the tobacco carcinogens. Spinach, beans, kale, etc. are rich in folate. Smoking and drinking alcohol can drain out folate from the body.
Whole grains: Substitute your white rice intake by the brown rice and whenever you purchase bread or pasta, don’t forget that their main ingredient should be whole grains such as quinoa, whole wheat, or oats. These substances are helpful in fighting lung cancer.
Lung cancer patients should avoid the following foods:
Acidic, tart, and spicy foods: Citrus foods or tomato-based foods may be hard to swallow. So, these types of foods should be avoided by the lung cancer patients.
Rough-textured foods: Raw vegetables, fruits, pretzels, and crackers may be hard to swallow as lung cancer patients’ oesophagus becomes sensitive. So, any foods with sharp edges and rough textures should be avoided.