Monday, September 28, 2009

what are the symptoms of lung cancer

what are the symptoms of lung cancer?
i am an idiot. last year in october of 2006 or so i guess outside there was like burning of liek the stuff they use to make roads or w/e and i inhaled it, in the summer i smoked a cardboard cigar looking thing with nothing in it. i smoked weed here and there, no cigs. i bet i have lung cancer or some disease. what are the symptoms and how long does it take? i havent had anyhing lately.
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
I will bet that you are not in the age group that frequently gets lung cancer. Symptoms usually consist of cough and bloody sputum when the cancer is advanced. Early on there are no symptoms.
2 :
Stop inhaling toxic stuff and you will be fine.
3 :
Caleb you do not have lung cancer but you may have sustained lung damage. General symptoms of lung cancer The symptoms of lung cancer can be * Having a cough most of the time * A change in a cough you have had for a long time * Being short of breath * Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood in it * An ache or pain when breathing or coughing * Loss of appetite * Fatigue * Losing weight Less common symptoms of lung cancer There are other symptoms of lung cancer that are less common. They are usually associated with more advanced lung cancer. You may have * A hoarse voice * Difficulty swallowing * Swelling of the face caused by a blockage of a main blood vessel from the head (SVCO) * Swelling in the neck caused by enlarged lymph nodes * Pain or discomfort under your ribs on your right side (from the liver) * Shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion) WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER? Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer may also be the most tragic cancer because in most cases, it might have been prevented -- 87% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are proven cancer-causing substances, or carcinogens. Smoking cigars or pipes also increases the risk of lung cancer. The more time and quantity you smoke, the greater your risk of lung cancer. But if you stop smoking, the risk of lung cancer decreases each year as normal cells replace abnormal cells. After ten years, the risk drops to a level that is one-third to one-half of the risk for people who continue to smoke. In addition, quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing other smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke also affect the nonsmoker inhaling the smoke, making "secondhand smoking" another important cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually. Radon is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Radon gas can come up through the soil under a home or building and enter through gaps and cracks in the foundation or insulation, as well as through pipes, drains, walls or other openings. Radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States -- 12 percent of all lung cancer deaths are linked to radon. Radon problems have been found in every state. The EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has indoor radon levels at or above the level at which homeowners should take action -- 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) on a yearly average. Radon can be a problem in schools and workplaces, too. Because you cannot see or smell radon, the only way to tell if you are being exposed to the gas is by measuring radon levels. Exposure to radon in combination with cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. That means for smokers, exposure to radon is an even greater health risk. Another leading cause of lung cancer is on-the-job exposure to cancer-causing substances or carcinogens. Asbestos is a well-known, work-related substance that can cause lung cancer, but there are many others, including uranium, arsenic, and certain petroleum products. There are many different jobs that may involve exposure. Some examples are working with certain types of insulation, working in coke ovens, and repairing brakes. When exposure to job-related carcinogens is combined with smoking, the risk of getting lung cancer is sharply increased. A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association suggests that particulate matter pollution can cause lung cancer. Lung cancer takes many years to develop. But changes in the lung can begin almost as soon as a person is exposed to cancer-causing substances. Soon after exposure begins, a few abnormal cells may appear in the lining of the bronchi (the main breathing tubes). If a person continues to be exposed to the cancer-causing substance, more abnormal cells will appear. These cells may be on their way to becoming cancerous and forming a tumor. HOW IS LUNG CANCER DETECTED? In its early stages, lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, the cancer is often advanced. Symptoms of lung cancer include: * Chronic cough * Hoarseness * Coughing up blood * Weight loss & loss of appetite * Shortness of breath * Fever without a known reason * Wheezing * Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia * Chest pain These conditions are also symptomatic of many other lung problems, so a person who has any of these symptoms should see a doctor to find out the cause. When a person goes for an exam, the doctor ask many questions about the person's medical history, including questions about the patient's exposure to hazardous substances. The doctor will also give the patient a physical exam. If the patient has a cough that produces a sputum (mucus), it may be examined for cancer cells. The doctor will order a chest X-ray or specialized X-ray such as the CT scan, which help to locate any abnormal spots in the lungs. The doctor may insert a small tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and down the throat, to look inside the airways and lungs and take a sample, or biopsy, of the tumor. This is just one of several ways in which a doctor may take a biopsy sample. A growing number of doctors are using a form of CT scan in smokers to spot small lung cancers, which are more likely than large tumors to be cured. The technique, called helical low-dose CT scan, is much more sensitive than a regular X-ray and can detect tumors when they are small. More studies on this type of screening will show whether routine screening of smokers and others at risk for lung cancer will save lives. If you are diagnosed with cancer, the doctor will do testing to find out whether the cancer has spread, and, if so, to which parts of the body. This information will help the doctor plan the most effective treatment. Tests to find out whether the cancer has spread can include a CT scan, an MRI, or a bone scan. ======= You can see a doctor and voice your concerns, but you haven't really listed any symptoms. Your lung function can be tested as well. And lay off cigarettes or weed. Marijuana has many more carcinogens than cigarettes (and RESIN) that sticks in your lungs. You only have TWO lungs...protect them.
4 :
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Thursday, September 24, 2009

What are the symptons for lung cancer

What are the symptons for lung cancer?
I've had an itchy throat for a while now(3 weeks) and it feels like its only on the left side of my throat, so its hard to clear it. I dont know if this has any connection to it but sometimes i have a minor bother in the bottom left of my rib cage. I work in construction, im 18, so, can it be lung cancer or something? or what?
Cancer - 1 Answers
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1 :
Lung cancer symptoms The symptoms of lung cancer can be * Having a cough most of the time * A change in a cough you have had for a long time * Being short of breath * Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood in it * An ache or pain when breathing or coughing * Loss of appetite * Fatigue * Losing weight Less common symptoms of lung cancer There are other symptoms of lung cancer that are less common. They are usually associated with more advanced lung cancer. They include * A hoarse voice * Difficulty swallowing * Swelling of the face or neck * Pain or discomfort under your ribs on your right side (from the liver) * Shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion)

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

What are the chances of getting lung cancer after 30 years of being smoke free

What are the chances of getting lung cancer after 30 years of being smoke free?
My father is 80 and has not smoked for 30 years. He was just diagnosed with Small Cell lung cancer and will be undergoing an aggressive chemo/radiation therapy. Can an individual get lung cancer after not smoking for 30 years or do you think there is another variable causing the cancer?
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
of course they can, but after 30 year the risk is almost the same as that of a non-smoker so his cancer is likely to be from second hand smoke of someone else or from other causes. good luck to your father.
2 :
At 5 years smokefree, the lung cancer rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half. At 10 years lung cancer death rate smilar to that of non smokers. (from source) I am terribly sorry to hear this; it must seem so unfair. But you must understand there are many people who get lung cancer who do not smoke, or never did, sometimes I think people are just predisposed to it, or it is environmental, I suppose... .If you really want to though, you can always ask for a second opinion. All the best to you and your father.
3 :
First of all, I'm sorry your Father has to go through this. I am an ex-smoker, and this is my understanding of the chances of still getting lung cancer. Smoking causes a gene mutation which allows the lung cancer. Problem is, the mutation can occur with the first cigarette smoked,or the last cigarette, or any of them in between, or not at all. When, (if at all) it occurs is different for each individual. So, the way I see it is, it's basically a crap shoot. As far as other variables, I am positive that is a possibility. Hope this helped.
4 :
There are a number of variables that cause lung cancer. The hazards that I can think of at the moment are occupational hazards, diet and environmental hazards (including smoking). Actuaries tell you that after 5 years of not smoking, it is the same as if you haven't smoked. I don't know if that is true in all cases.
5 :
My friend just went through this with his mom. She was diagosed with small cell lung cancer after quitting smoking for 18 years. The doctors explained that just because you quit smoking does not mean you will never get cancer. It still can happen!
6 :
May God be with you and your father.
7 :
Radon gas exposure might also be a contributing factor. http://www.epa.gov/radon/radonqa1.html If it was my father in this situation I'd want to make sure and closely access the risk vs benefit ratio of his doing aggressive radiation and chemotherapy therapy. good luck http://www.mednet.gr/pneumon/pdf/16-3-8e.pdf http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_34404.html

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

My father died about one year ago from lung cancer can i get social security survivor benefits

My father died about one year ago from lung cancer can i get social security survivor benefits ?
My father died about one year ago from lung cancer can i get social security survivor benefits ? im 15 his last son i have a death certificate for him what do i need to do to get it?
Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
I believe you can. Here is what I saw at Social Security Adminitration website about this. Checkout with social security office to see whether your father had enough credits for this. "Your unmarried children who are younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time) also can receive benefits. Your children can get benefits at any age if they were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Under certain circumstances, benefits also can be paid to your stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren or adopted children."
2 :
Your legal guardian or surviving parent has to apply for survivor benefits which will include an extra payment for your expenses and care. I am surprised they did not apply at the time of his death.
3 :
Yes you can. You would have to ask the Social Security Office what all you need. You will need the death certificate. You can get them if you are in school. And until you are 18. Your mother or relative you are living with should take you.

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Where can i find statistics on lung pain and how often that is lung cancer

Where can i find statistics on lung pain and how often that is lung cancer?
i am so scared, it's a really scary thing reading about the low survival rates of people with lung cancer.
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Lung cancer is extremely rare in the young and in non-smokers. It is a disease which effects mainly the older patient who has been a heavy smoker for most of his/her life. You have nothing to worry about.....except if you start smoking and continue to do it...heavily....for the next 30 or 40 years (if you are in your teens)
2 :
The percentage of lung cancer that can be cured with chemo alone is 25 % and those disease free after 5 years is also 25%.It also depends on the type of cancer (aggressive type versus mild) and location. If the tumor is small & localized in the base of the lung the prognosis is better for often surgery is very effective & all of the tumor can be removed.If the cancer is closer to the neck (bronchial area) there is a higher threat of the tumor blocking the airway & also of spreading to the lymph nodes.So it really all depends on type & location.I've seen patients do well & recover & also seen patients who had aggressive cancer come in, get diagnosed, & only survive 3 months. You really need to consult with your doctor so you know exactly what you are dealing with. Good luck.
3 :
When my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer 6 years ago aged 73 he had no pains in his lungs or anywhere else, he had a slight cough and a lot of phlegm and went to the doctors because my mum moaned at him, 5 days later he had part of his lung removed and recovered, 3 years later he felt unwell and sick, stomach cancer was diagnosed at the advanced stage, he died 6 weeks later aged 76.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

What can you bring foodwise or giftwise to a friend with lung cancer

What can you bring foodwise or giftwise to a friend with lung cancer?
I am visiting a friend that has lung cancer that has spread. What can I bring as a helpful or fun gift? Foodwise anything? Other than time and bringing up funny memories and good times what can I do for this good friend of mine to help pass the time or show my concern?
Cancer - 7 Answers
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1 :
I would make a personal appearance first and ask to offer help..they are really picky right now and not to sound offensive, very picky. So offer to get them something that they want and that would mean more ... just being there most of the time is enough.
2 :
Why not get a good funny movie and spend time with them? Much better than food or a gift (what are they going to do with a gift? They're going to die). Spending your time with them is a gift.
3 :
You can bring whatever you would like being that they already have lung cancer. My uncle used to chain smoke when he had cancer and everyone would look at him like he was doing something Taboo. He would say, "why should I stop now, I don't have to worry about getting cancer?"
4 :
The best thing that you can do is to be a good friend. Visit whenever you can, call when you can't, help your friend to pass the time and listen, listen and listen more. Your friend has a number of their mind that they need to talk about. Encourage them to talk and if your friend asks you to help find someone else to talk to, do what you can to find that person. Food and other gifts are symbols, and yes, they help, but your time and your caring are the real gifts.
5 :
Bring fresh fruit if they are eating hospitals never has anything very fresh. Chapstick or hard candies always very dry in hospitals. Magazines always help pass the time or if you can afford it a portable DVD with some of your favourite movies is nice. I sure your friend would just like to spend time with you, knowing that you care.
6 :
My husband is a lung cancer suvivor, among others. I got a booklet from my hospitals dietician which had wonderful recepies in it that a cancer patient undergoing treatment can eat without getting sick from the food. He loved fresh fruit !! How about a card chain? I did that once for my mom. Contacted friends from far and near, old and new and had them all send cards to her for her birthday. Then I sat with her and we put them into an album. I now have that album! glad we did that together!! Good luck to you and your friend!!! Have you ever heard of the healing practice of Reiki? Good luck has come our way with it....Never say never!!!
7 :
i used to recently take my brother in law bread and butter pudding, and cheese and biscuits,and i would ask them what they would like ,and take it in..as every day is different for them, taste wise, good luck on what ever you decide.

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Friday, September 4, 2009

Is the smoke in cigarettes what really will cause lung cancer

Is the smoke in cigarettes what really will cause lung cancer?
I know that in general that smoking gives you lung cancer, but what I'm wondering is if it is the smoke itself, or what is in the smoke that causes the cancer? Lets say that someone stood next to a wood burning fire and inhaled the smoke from it for the exact same amount of time over a 40 year period as a half a pack per day smoker. Would the person inhaling the campfire smoke have a large chance at getting lung cancer too?
Cancer - 21 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Cigarette smoke contains over 100 toxins and carcenogens. Wood smoke does not. Anyone who thinks they are the same is an idiot.
2 :
Nope. Nicotine
3 :
every time u smoke it takes 2 seconds out of your life
4 :
the nicotin and the smoke ofcourse.
5 :
yes. and its the stuff mainly in the cigarette but its also the cigaette its self.
6 :
It's not only the smoke, it's the carcinogens that are burnt in the cigarette and end up in the smoke that cause lung cancer and COPD.
7 :
well the guy who inhaled campfire smoke would probably be just a little healthier than the cigarette smoker. there is tar and various other weird chemicals in cigarette smoke.
8 :
i cant believe some of these people said nicotine... you guys are stupid.
9 :
No. It;s the stuff that they put into the cigarettes to give it flavor. if you find out what they put in it it;s actually pretty disgusting. theres Burgris in it wich comes from whale vomit yea pretty gross soo no inhale your wood your safe
10 :
yes it can if you smoke it alot because it is a proven fact by docters i guss!!!!!!
11 :
I is the tar (like real tar you find on the road) in the smoke that causes lung cancer. The burning wood does not have any tar in it, but may have other harmful toxins if it was treated with chemicals.
12 :
It's the toxins in the smoke. There is a new study that found that the heavy silt from diesel engines (18 wheelers) also cause cancer. It affected drivers severly that were on the road for over 2 hours a day the most. Anything acidic will cause cancer.
13 :
Yes it is. The cartrigens in the Cig and the tar in it are painfull. The smoke slowly killes your cillia (little hairs that clean your lungs). Thats why when you smoke to much you get lung cancer and cough all the time. Dont smoke its not worth it
14 :
different smoke the smoke from cigarettes contain 20 odd sum harmfull toxins while the campfire is natural the billions of dollars of research did not come to outcome that chances of catching lung cancer in bingo parlors and camp sites are equal
15 :
Smoke contains carcinogens, which are chemicals produced by the heat of fire. That is why it is not good to use too much heat in cooking and scorch the food. If they put sawdust in cigarettes that would not be good for you either.
16 :
cigaretts have tar and lots of lovely canser giving chemicals deep inside their walls and when you light it up and breath it in guess where it all goes? your lungs!! and about burning wood..? that doesnt have bad chemicals in it so it wont kill you.. unless you stand there like an idiot breathing it then you will! (we do need oxygen)
17 :
i think whats in the cigarette will cause the problem b/c it contains like chemicals ude in paint, poison etc but the smoke wouldnt be good next 2 the fire 4 40days
18 :
iT CaN CeRtAiNlY InCrEaSe tHe cHaNcEs m8
19 :
No it's what the cigarette is made of..........
20 :
its all the chemicals that make ciggarettes, there are a few cancer causing chemcals in ciggarettes. they together can give you cancer when they enter your lungs. they can also give you mouth, tounge and throught cancer. no, the smoke from a fire wont give you cancer, its not the actuall smoke that is cancinogenic. (just as long as the wood used to make the fire hasn't been treated, not a good idea!)
21 :
cigarette smoke is full of toxic chemicals, wood smoke is mostly carbon. carbon is a natural element found...all over the place, including the human body. Smoke inhilation of any kind is not particularly good, however, cigarette smoke is terrible for your lungs and can cause mutations of cells which end up forming tumors resulting in lung cancer. DUH!

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

How long will i take to develop lung cancer

How long will i take to develop lung cancer?
I had i puff of my cuz cigarette's (3).I didn't smoke the whole things tho. I just wanted to know if it likely 4 me to get lung cancer?! I am NEVER touching another one in my life because i don't wont lung cancer! plzzz help.
Cancer - 6 Answers
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1 :
Cmon, get real.A puff of a cig does NOTHING you. You get that many toxins just by breathing in a big city. 90% of people with lung cancer are people that smoked heavily for more then 20 years.In most cases 30-40 years even. Heavy smoking means multiple cigs everday. It is good that you say you will never touch one again though. Because a puff can turn in a bait very quickly. And before you know you have been smoking most of your life.
2 :
It will take years of contineous smoking.
3 :
It is highly unlikely that you will develop lung cancer after just one puff, but stop now. Every cigarette does some damage, most of which starts to repair itself once you stop. But, even a single cigarette may be the one to trigger the single cell mutation that becomes cancer if you happen to be unlucky.
4 :
You're silly. Obviously kind of young. Look- straight out, you're either prone to cancer or not. You can do things to make it more likely but cancer is cancer in the end and it doesn't matter where the tumors originated. People can stop smoking and develop cancer years later. Some people never smoke and get lung cancer. A lot of people can smoke and smoke and just won't get cancer. No golden rule. If I were you and cancer runs in your family, stop asap. Even if it doesn't, you should and that's coming from someone who currently still smokes and maternal grandfather died at 66 from esophagus cancer and mother is 65 and at the end stages of lung cancer. I hope I am smart enough to beat it. Stop while you can. If nothing else because cigarettes are a big financial burden eventually and unpopular in the adult world.
5 :
Hello, I'm a doctor. Use topamax. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to ----> http://webmd18.notlong.com/AAI27Qb
6 :
You won't get cancer from that, it takes years of regular smoking for that to happen. 99% of adults have tried a cigarette at some time in their life, and they're not all getting cancer. Don't worry about it, it's not going to happen, but remember the fear you've been feeling after this episode, and remember it the next time someone offers you a cigarette, because once you've started, it is so, so, so hard to stop

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