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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer
  • Small cell lung cancer, which makes up about 20% of all lung cancers

The following may increase your risk for lung cancer:

  • Secondhand smoke
  • Exposure to asbestos
  • Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust
  • Exposure to radon gas
  • Family history of lung cancer
  • High levels of air pollution
  • High levels of arsenic in drinking water
  • Radiation therapy to the lungs

Signs & Symptoms

In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of cancer, but can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Persistent cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

These symptoms are more likely to occur when lung cancer is in later stages:

  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Facial paralysis
  • Hoarseness or changing voice
  • Joint pain
  • Nail problems
  • Shoulder pain
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Swelling of the face or arms
  • Weakness

Diagnosis

If lung cancer is suspected, a Deborah physician will perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s medical history. When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the physician may hear fluid around the lungs that suggests cancer may be present.

The doctor may order these tests to diagnose lung cancer or see if it has spread:

  • Bone scan
  • Chest x-ray
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • CT scan of the chest
  • MRI of the chest
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • Sputum test to look for cancer cells
  • Thoracentesis

Confident in the Fight Against Lung Cancer

Deborah surgeon Joseph Costic, DO explains why we are now more confident than ever in the fight against lung cancer.

Watch Video

Terms & Conditions

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