Individuals newly diagnosed with lung cancer may view their prognosis one of two ways. Despite feelings of anger or fear, many who are diagnosed with cancer of the lungs accept some level of responsibility for developing this illness. These individuals likely smoked, or currently smoke tobacco products. On the other hand, millions of individual who are diagnosed with lung cancer are left in complete shock. This group would consist of non-smokers – including those not exposed to second hand smoke. Lung cancer does not only affect smokers. For decades, cancer awareness information has warned the public of the risk associated with second hand smoke. Still, many considered themselves safe, and the odds of developing second hand cancer were slim. Unfortunately, the number of non-smokers developing lung cancer has dramatically increased in recent years.

What is Lung Cancer?

A person develops cancer when healthy cell begin to divide abnormally. These abnormal cells are cancerous, and they form tumors throughout the body. When cancerous cells are detected in the lungs, a person is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer causes a number of deaths among women and men each year. Cancerous cells develop and grow rapidly, thus it is imperative for victims to seek immediate treatment. If treatment is delayed, the cancer may spread to healthy tissues and organs, which makes the illness difficult to cure.

Causes of Lung Cancer

The obvious cause of lung cancer is smoking. In fact, 90% of all individuals diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers, or individuals who smoked in the past. Tobacco products contain a deadly substance called carcinogens. As a smoker inhales smoke, this substance is released into their lungs and gradually damages the cells located in the lungs. Lungs cells that endure long-term exposure to carcinogens are four times likely to become cancerous. Additionally, individuals who work in industries that have exposed them to toxic materials have a high risk of developing lung cancer.

What is Second Hand Smoke?

Individuals who live with smokers, or who work in an office with smokers, have likely been exposed to second hand smoke. Many non-smokers believe that their risk of developing lung cancer is slim because they have never used tobacco products. However, the tobacco released into the air when a smoker exhales contains enough toxins to affect those around them. Those who inhale second hand smoke on a daily basis have an extremely high risk of developing lung cancer. Sadly, many non-smokers have developed lung cancer, while their tobacco using relatives continue to lead relatively healthy lives. Even when tobacco use ends, a smoker and non-smoker remain at high risk of lung cancer. Nonetheless, a person's risk of developing cancer decreases the longer they remain tobacco free.

Types of Lung Cancer

The two types of lung cancer include small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and accounts for approximately

75 – 80% of all lung cancer cases. The other 20% are small cell lung cancer. This form of cancer is slow progressing.

Non-small cell lung cancer includes:

• Adenocarcinoma: Account for approximately 35% to 40% of non–small cell lung cancers Begins on the outside of the lung. This form of non-small cell cancer could potentially spread to lymph nodes, tissues, and organs. This cancer affects women nonsmokers, and past smokers.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Accounts for approximately 25% to 35% of non-small cell cancers. Generally begins in the bronchial tubes, and progresses slower than other forms of non–small cell cancer.

• Large cell carcinoma: Accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all non-small cell lung cancers. This cancer begins near the surface of the lung.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Detecting lung cancer early is challenging. In most cases, early stage lung cancer has few or no symptoms. Victims may experience a slight cough or chest tightness. However, symptoms are often ignored. Lung cancer is generally diagnosed after symptoms worsen. Symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Chronic cough
• Chest, shoulder, or back pain
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Neck and face swelling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Respiratory infections

Those who experience an onset of one or more of these symptoms should visit a doctor – especially if the person is a smoker, or exposed to tobacco smoke on a regular basis.

Advanced Lung Cancer

Lung cancer that is not detected early may spread to other parts of the body. Common areas that could be affected by lung cancer include the brain, liver, and bones.

Symptoms of brain cancer include:

• Seizures
• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Mental confusion
• Nausea

Symptoms of liver cancer include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Symptoms of bone cancer include:

• Widespread pain
• Chronic backaches
• Numbness

In addition, those with lung cancer are at great risk of developing throat, esophagus, oral, and kidney cancer. Cancer that has spread beyond the lungs is attacked with aggressive therapy. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapy.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

There are a series of tests designed to diagnose lung cancer. After examining a patient's medical history, physicians will likely order a chest X-ray to check the lungs for abnormalities. Mass or tumors are generally detected on an X-ray. If a tumor is present, patients will have to undergo a biopsy in which tissue samples are removed from the tumor and examined for the presence of cancer. If the tumor is cancerous, patients must begin immediate treatment.

Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Cancer patients have the choice of three treatment options. Surgery is preformed to remove cancerous tumors and tissues. This is the most effective method; however, some lung cancers are inoperable. In this case, patients must endure radiation therapy that is intended to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. Another treatment option is chemotherapy (drug intended to kill cancerous cells). Patients who undergo surgery to remove tumors may also be administered chemotherapy and radiation to attack any remaining cancer cells, and prevent the growth of new tumors.