Lung cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the uncontrollled growth of abnormal cells in the lung. Normal lung tissue is made up of cells that are programmed by genes to create lung tissue in a certain shape and to perform certain funtions. lung cancer developes when the genetic material responsible for production of cells is damaged. Repeated exposure to carsinogens such as tobacco smoke can lead to damage in lung cells.


The mutations in the genetic material of the cells cause the intsructions for those cells to make the cells reproduce wildly, without regard for the normal shape and function of a lung. The wild reproduction causes the formation of tumors that block air passages in the lung and make it stop functioning properly.


Lung cancer is divided into two major types. The first type is small cell cancer. the second non-small cell cancer. Sometimes a lung cancer may have characteristics of both types, this is called mixed small/large cell carcinoma. About 20% of all lung cancers are small cell lung cancer. it is named for the size of the cells, although each of the cells are smaller they can multiply quickly and form large tumors and can easily spread to other organs. non-small cell represents about 80% of all cases of lung cancer, it usually causes tumors.


Tobacco and the additives in cigarettes have been reconized as the number one cause of lung cancer, over 80% of lung cancers are directly linked to smoking. Other factors that could cause lung cancer is genetics. Carcinogens like radon and asbestos can also lead to lng cancers.


There are several types of treatments for lung cancer, one type of treatment is surgery. The surgery removesw the cancerous tumors from the lung, and is called a lobectomy. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells as they travel through the bloodstream and into all the organs of the body, however the medicine can have brutal effects on the users body.