Causes of

There are a number of external and internal factors that contribute to lung cancer, and the first among them is smoking. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer), so that long-term smoking is disturbed state of bronchial epithelium. The degeneration of the cells can last a very long time, for decades (the duration of this process depends not only on the length of smoking but also on the number of cigarettes smoked), but since there were atypical cells, the process is developing very quickly. Research supports the fact that lung cancer often occurs in families of smokers in the background of the so-called second-hand smoke (smoke inhalation).

Another important external factor contributing to lung cancer are occupational hazards: coal and asbestos dust, smoke room, close contact with arsenic, nickel, chromium and some other metals. A similar importance and ecology of large cities, where the air is filled with exhaust gas and waste products.

The internal factors contributing to the development of lung cancer, are chronic, long flowing inflammatory processes in the bronchi and lungs, including tuberculosis Tuberculosis - a full recovery is not guaranteed .

How is lung cancer

In most cases of lung cancer in the initial stages it goes unnoticed and only manifests when the tumor becomes sufficiently large. At this stage of lung cancer may be accidental discovery of X-ray examination of the patient on another occasion. This is very dangerous, because lung cancer is often detected at already advanced stages. At this time, the patient may be concerned about the weakness, fatigue, malaise, low work capacity. In the future, these signs are attached signs of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Patients worried cough, periodic temperature rise, increasing weakness and weight loss. Under the influence of anti-inflammatory treatment condition usually improves, due to the process of accession to the infection.

The most common sign of cancer Fifteen signs of cancer that women ignore   a light cough, initially rare, and then more and more frequent and intrusive, often dry, but when joining an infection it can be humid. Sputum blood veinlets begin to appear (a consequence of the defeat of the walls of the bronchi) that usually is a sign of fairly advanced stage of the disease.

In some cases, there are pains in the chest on the side of the tumor, which may be associated with damage to the intercostal nerves or the pleura (membrane covering the lungs). It may also appear shortness of breath, palpitations and irregular heartbeat, a violation of the passage of food through the esophagus, which often arises from the compression of the heart and major blood vessels growing tumor of the esophagus.

At the last stage of the disease the tumor begins to distant metastases Metastasis - danger everywhere   brain and internal organs.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of lung cancer is difficult, because in the early stages of the disease the tumor is not visible, even on X-rays. In the later stages it is often asymptomatic and there is no reason for patients seeking medical attention. In this regard, great importance is the annual fluorography examination as part of scheduled checkups. Equally important is also a regular examination of persons suffering from chronic respiratory diseases.

Clarify the nature and location of the tumor is possible with the help of bronhografii - X-ray of the bronchi with the introduction of a contrast agent and bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy - unpleasant but necessary   - The study of the state of the bronchial mucosa using a special device - bronchoscope.

Treatment

Lung cancer is treated in accordance with the approved methods of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The basic method of treatment is surgical moment at which removes part or all of light, followed by coupling of radiation and chemotherapy.

Lung cancer - this is the case, when it is easier to carry out prevention (to quit) than cure.

  Galina Romanenko

Diagnosis of carcinoid tumors

Since carcinoid tumors grow slowly, many cases are identified before the start of the process of metastasis, or developing any symptoms. In many cases, the disease is during routine inspection or survey on other diseases.

Such tumors are often found by accident. Sometimes they are in a mass colonoscopy Preparing and conducting a colonoscopy: the risks and alternatives   or endoscopy of the population or when the results do not conform to the norm while liver function tests.

Sometimes a tumor is detected by symptoms. When a doctor is suspected of a carcinoid tumor, it holds one of the diagnostic tests:

• A blood test or urine. These simple tests are often the starting point in the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome Carcinoid syndrome: how to get rid of in the early stages . With these tests the doctor will determine the high levels of hormones or other substances produced by carcinoid tumors.
• The visualization of internal organs. Using imaging carcinoids physician determines the location in the body. The procedure is carried out by radiography, computer, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography or scintigraphy technique. If you find carcinoids scintigraphy is particularly useful. For this test, the blood injected a small amount of radioactive substances and endocrine disruptors substance that tends to tumors. After a few hours with the help of a special device detected all the centers of accumulation of this substance.
• Endoscopy. This type of diagnostics is carried out using a long flexible tube with a camera or ultrasound scanner at the end. The method is particularly effective in detecting tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and enables to scan all parts of the digestive tract, from the esophagus and ending rectum.
• Biopsy. The doctor takes a piece of the tumor tissue and examines it under a microscope. Biopsy - a very effective method of diagnosis of carcinoid tumors. The study of cells under a microscope allows us to establish with any type of cancer it is you are dealing. It also helps us to determine what kind of treatment would be most effective.

Forecast

If the tumor is detected before it starts to spread to other organs, the probability of complete cure by surgical removal of the tumor is high enough. If the tumor is still moved beyond its initial position is used and other treatments, either alone or in combination with surgery. This can be drug treatment, chemotherapy Chemotherapy - it always falls the hair? , Radiotherapy Radiotherapy in cancer treatment: irradiation aid   or radiofrequency ablation. All of this helps to break down and destroy the tumor completely or partially.

No matter what stage of the tumor was not detected, the sooner treatment begins, the better. Previously, some doctors believed that if the tumor grows slowly, it is better to wait until they showed symptoms of the disease, and only after that start a course of treatment. But now it is known that the surgical method and other methods of treatment are more effective in the early stages of the disease. Early aggressive treatment gives the best results.