There are two main types of lung cancer: the Small Cell Carcinoma and the non-small cell. There are about ¼ cases of Small Cell Lung Cancer among all cases of lung cancer. How can they be differentiated?
Small cell lung cancer grows rapidly, spreads quickly and responds well to chemotherapy. Although both are mainly caused by tobacco smoking, the small cell lung cancer is more linked to smoking than non-small cell cancer. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor. Those who were exposed to asbestos has increased the risk of cancer by nine times. In addition to asbestos, if the person is smoking, the increase of risk is as much as fifty times. Those with small cell lung cancer typically take 8-12 weeks before they visit the doctor.
The symptoms that are caused by the local growth of the tumor include coughing (even with blood), shortness of breathing and chest pain which can be worsened by deep breathing. If the symptoms are because of the spreading of cancer to nearby areas, there would be hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing and swelling of the face and hands.
You have to seek Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatments if you experience the combination of shortness of breath with chest pain and coughing up of blood. In addition to that, the unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue and deep aches or pains also are reasons to seek medical care. On the other hand, you need emergency treatment if you cough large amounts of blood, you have persistent chest pains, sudden shortness of breath and sudden weakness of any limb and vision problems. Labels: Blogging, Health |