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Lung cancer, also known as pulmonary cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lings. The lungs are two spongy organs located in the thoracic cavity, protected by the ribs. The lungs help to oxygenate the deoxygenated blood. They remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen. According to studies, lung cancer is one of the most common causes of death, especially in America. Lung cancer is a malignant tumor, that is capable of spreading from its origin to other parts of the body. It usually starts with the uncontrolled growth of some cell tissues, that eventually join together to form a tumor. Most lung cancers are actually primary cancers. Some of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest discomfort, bone pain, headache, dyspnea, coughing of blood, unexplainable loss of weight and so on. There are two main types of lung cancer. These are small cell lung carcinoma, and non-small cell carcinoma. The small cell lung carcinoma is the most common type. Statistics have shown that up to about 85% of people affected with lung cancer do present with small cell lung carcinoma. On the other hand, about up to 15% of cases are non-small lung cell carcinoma. Lung cancer is caused by a combination of many factors. Some of these factors could be genetic or environmental. Some of the environmental factors include exposure to chemical toxins, smoke, asbestos and so on. Physicians diagnose this disease by evaluating the signs and symptoms of the patient. In addition, they also carry out imaging tests such as computed tomography, X-ray and so on. A biopsy is a confirmative diagnosis for this disease. Some of the ways of reducing the risk of developing lung cancer include avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to chemical toxins, and so on. Majority of lung cancer cases are not curable. However, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Physicians treat this disease through a combination of therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and so on. There is a lot of potential in the stem cell therapy for lung carcinoma.  Usually, adult stem cells have the ability to repair, and replace abnormal cells and tissues in the body. Researchers are working on ways to use this knowledge to effectively treat lung cancer.

What Are the Early Signs Of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can go undetected for a long time until it reaches an advanced stage. This is largely because the disease might not present with symptoms until it’s late. However, there are some things the patient would notice. As earlier mentioned, the earlier the disease is diagnosing, the better the prognosis. Below are some of the early signs and symptoms you might notice in someone that has lung cancer;

  1. A persistent cough: A patient affected with lung cancer do present with a cough that persists for a long time. This could be an early sign of lung cancer. A lot of people would ignore this symptom, and pass it off as a simple cough. You should take it seriously when a cough is productive with blood. In addition, patients might also present with hoarseness of voice. Although, this isn’t always present. You should consult your physician for proper evaluation and diagnosis if you notice these symptoms.
  2. Loss of weight: Patients affected by lung cancer do lose a lot of weight, and cannot attribute the loss of weight to anything. This might be a sign of cancer. A physician should be consulted to make the right diagnosis, and also map out the treatment plan.
  3. Chest discomfort: Patients affected with lung cancer might also present with discomfort in parts of their body such as their chest, back, shoulders and so on. This can be attributed to the immune system of the body fighting off the tumor In addition, patients might also experience strange conditions like severe headaches, and so on. It’s important to go see a physician for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
  4. Weakness: Patients might also complain of weakness. This could happen as a result of the tumor cells using up the nutrients that are meant for the healthy cells to thrive on.
  5. Obstruction of the airways: The growth of the tumor cells can obstruct the airways. In addition, patients might also present with the superior vena cava syndrome.

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What Are the Causes of Lung Cancer?

There are various factors that could lead to the development of lung cancer. The main factors are genetic and environmental factors.

  • Genetic factors: This occurs due to the mutation of the DNA. The mutation of the DNA changes the functions of the cells, including the rate at which the cells grow. Malignant cells grow without control.
  • Environmental factors: Some of the environmental factors that could lead to the development of lung cancer include smoking, exposure to chemical toxins, and so on. Studies have shown that cigarettes contain at least 64 carcinogens. Passive smoking could also contribute to the development of lung cancer. Asbestos also contributes to the development of this disease.

What Are the Complications of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can lead to various complications. Some of them include the following;

  • Dyspnea: This is a condition in which an individual finds it difficult to breathe. Lung cancer can cause the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. In addition, the tumor can also obstruct the respiratory airway.
  • Pain: People with this condition tend to present with discomfort in various parts of their body. You should consult your physician if you notice any of the symptoms.
  • Pleural effusion: This occurs when fluid accumulates in the lung cavity. This could eventually lead to difficulty in breathing.

Stem Cell Therapy and Lung cancer

There is a lot of potential in stem cell therapy for lung cancer. Usually, adult stem cells have the ability to repair, and replace abnormal cells and tissues in the body. Researchers are working on ways to use this knowledge to treat lung cancer effectively.

References

Gene therapy offers severely combined immunodeficiency hope. (2012). Springer Healthcare News, 1(1).

Gene therapy offers severely combined immunodeficiency hope. (2012). Springer Healthcare News, 1(1).

Hönig, M., Schulz, A. and Friedrich, W. (2011). Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Klinische Pädiatrie, 223(06), pp.320-325.

Ozdemir, O. (2016). Neonatal Screening Test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: TREC Assay and Its Limitations. MOJ Immunology, 3(6).

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