Lung+Cancer+Notes+WB

Lung cancer is uncontrolled growth in the tissues of the lungs. For a long time, it was a popular belief that lung cancer was only caused by smoking cigarettes. However, lung cancer has recently been discovered to be caused by second hand smoke, exposure to asbestos, as well as exposure to radon gases. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death for women. Lung cancer is responsible for 1.3 million deaths per year worldwide. Symptoms of lung cancer include: Shortness of breath Hoarse voice Coughing up blood Difficulty swallowing Weight loss

Photo of a healthy lung: Photo of a lung with lung cancer:

Lung cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgeries. Surgeries usually require removal of the lung or part of it. Recently, a technique called a lobectomy has been created. In a lobectomy, only part of the lung is removed. With successful therapy, the survival rate for lung cancer is still incredibly low.