Lung Cancer: Causes and Symptoms

Lung cancer is an uncontrollably growth of an abnormal cell that does not develop healthy lung tissue. The most common way to contract lung cancer is from smoking Cigarettes, 2nd hand smoke, or even in radon also know as radioactive gas. Facts for many years have stated why smoking or 2nd hands smoke from cigarettes are the leading cause for this cancer, but radon is a factor as well because it could be found within our homes and/or our water supply. It could be found in our homes by the crack in the walls, gaps around service pipes, cavities insides the walls, and etc. Some of the risk factors that comes into play with lung cancer are 2nd hand smoke, radon, and even family history. Family history could be apart of the risk factor only because it could be passed through inherited or environmentally-acquired gene mutation. Unfortunately, African American men are more prone to this disease due to their over socioeconomic status, opposed to other races or even women. Not to say that other races or sex are not exposed to this disease, but just because of their socioeconomic status it some how plays a role in their health condition/s.

The way this cancer is diagnosed is by either an X-ray, CT scan, sputum cytology, or even a biopsy. An X-ray is to check for abnormal mass/nodules. CT scan is checked for small lesions. An Sputum cytology is checked for a sputum when coughing under a microscope. Then the biopsy is checked for a small tissue that shows signs of a tumor. Although, it is enough ways to help detect whether or not that is it lung cancer, there are some ways to help treat or maintain lung cancer. Surgery is one of the most common treatment, radioactive therapy, chemotherapy, target drug program, and immunotherapy. The two of many medications that could help treat or maintain lung cancer are Trexall (methotrexate) and Avastin (Bevacizumab). Those two drugs are for chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Trexall is a immunosuppressive and chemotherapy drug, and should be taken by mouth one to two times a week as for a 2.5 mg dosage Trexall is used to treat cancer of the blood, bone, lung, breast, head and neck, and distinguished features or factors. Avastin is a chemotherapy and target therapy drug and should be taken intravenously once for two to three times a week with a 25mg/ml dosage. Avastin is used to slow the cancer cells growth by targeting the cancer cells; which also treats colorectal, lung, glioblastoma, kidney, and cervical ovarian cancer.

With all the therapy and medications given it still could be a deadly cancer due to how early there diagnosed and if the lymph nodes or blood vessels didn't spread fast throughout the lungs. So, it is not curable but could be treatable and give the patient a bit longer lasting life. Studies have shown on the American Cancer society website, states that this year 2018 alone have about 234,030 new cases with 121,680 in men and 112,350 in women. Unfortunately, about 154,050 deaths with 83,350 in men and 70,500 in women. It also states how it's about 20% more in black men than white men and 10% less in black women than in white women. Which shows a lot about how much more African American Males are prone to this than any other race, especially than whites.

Resources:

Care, Cancer. Risk . Lung Cancer 101 | Lungcancer.org, 2018, www.lungcancer.org/find_information/publications/163-lung_cancer_101/273-risks

Care, Cancer. What Is Lung Cancer . Lung Cancer 101 | Lungcancer.org, 2018, www.lungcancer.org/find_information/publications/163-lung_cancer_101/265-what_is_lung_cancer.

Society , American cancer. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer. American Cancer Society, 2018, www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. Lung Cancer. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Apr. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620.

Steppler, Melissa Conrad. Lung Cancer Symptoms, Signs, Stages, Treatment & Types. MedicineNet, 2016, www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/article.htm.

Technology inc., Pure-aire. Radon Testing and Reduction . What Is Radioactive Gas? Is Radon A Problem And How Do You Get It?, 2008, www.pure-airetech.com/info.html.

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