Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Risk Factors


Posted April 13, 2018 by LasColinasCancerCare

Dr. Echtexplains symptoms and risk factors associated with lung cancer

 
Irving, TX – Lung cancer affects about 200,000 people every year. It is quite a challenging diagnosis to receive and live with. It ravages the body at the point that literally gives breath, and this can significantly affect the quality of life. Patients are always encouraged to keep an eye out for symptoms because lung cancer’s symptoms may resemble other respiratory illnesses.

“It is important that patients get checked when they notice certain symptoms. They include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, chronic chest pain that doesn’t resolve, coughing that either doesn’t resolve or worsens, fatigue, coughing up blood, hoarse voice, unexplained weight loss, and frequently contracting lung infections,” says Dr. Echt. “All these can be mistaken for something else if proper tests are not conducted.”

The risk factors associated with lung cancer include:

• Family and personal history - If someone in the family had lung cancer, the risk increases for those that come after them. One who previously had lung cancer can also experience secondary tumor growth.

• Age – At times, the cancer comes with age. Most of those diagnosed with lung cancer are often above 65 years of age.

• Smoking – Tobacco smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by a huge margin. Cigarettes, pipes, and cigars continue to affect both smokers and non-smokers alike. Non-smokers are at risk too because exposure to secondary smoke can still lead to lung cancer.

• Chemicals and asbestos – Regular exposure to chemicals and asbestos can cause lung cancer. All those in the construction industry and those exposed to chemicals, such as arsenic, chromium, and tar, run a very high risk of developing lung cancer. This applies to pollution as well.

“Proper diagnosis is the only way to ascertain lung cancer. Doctors could find fluid in the lungs, and lung tissue samples may show evidence of a tumor,” adds Dr. Echt. “It may seem bleak but proper examination is the best way to go so we can begin medical intervention immediately.”

About Las Colinas Cancer Center

Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.
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Issued By Las Colinas Cancer Center
Website The risk factors associated with lung cancer
Phone 214.379.2700
Business Address 7415 Las Colinas Blvd, Suite 100
Irving, TX 75063
Country United States
Categories Health
Tags lung cancer treatment
Last Updated April 13, 2018