Lung cancer is diagnosed through a number of tests to determine if the disease is indeed present and, if so, how advanced it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). Signs and symptoms of lung cancer do not surface until the cancer is in its advanced stages, often too late to save the victim, so early diagnosis is crucial.
Identification
On visiting a physician, a biopsy will be ordered to check for lung cancer. The biopsy will be sent to the pathologist for positive identification. The pathologist will review the sample and determine the type of lung cancer present, and also the stage to which it has advanced.
Types
There are two basic types of lung cancer, and the term "non-small cell" and "small cell" cancers encompass many similar types of lung cancer that are classed under these two main types. Non-small cancers include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma and small cell lung cancer, often called oat cell carcinoma, which is almost always seen in heavy smokers diagnosed with cancer.
Warning
Warning signs of advanced cancer include a new, persistent cough, a smoker's cough that changes, coughing up blood, wheezing, hoarse voice, being short of breath and chest pain. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer should be checked out by a medical professional immediately.
Benefits
Lung cancer victims, depending on their overall health, may benefit from a number of therapies available to them. These include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, lung surgery and targeted drug therapy. Discuss options in your particular case with your physician.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention of cancer includes not smoking, giving up smoking, and staying away from secondhand smoke. Other preventative measures include having your home tested for radon levels, and workplace carcinogen awareness if working around chemicals or carcinogenic substances. Eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables in your diet and take 30 minutes daily exercise to stay fit.
Tags: lung cancer, cell carcinoma, biopsy will, cell lung, lung cancer, small cell