Problems of Lung Cancer

Problems of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer causes 35,000 deaths in the UK each year out of 42,000 diagnosed; only 9% of people survive more than 5 years after being diagnosed [1]. Cancer is a mutation that causes cells to continue to multiply regardless of the bodies need; eventually these cells build up and create a mass of tissue called a tumour. Not all tumours are cancerous; they can be benign or malignant. A benign tumour can usually be removed and the cells don’t spread to other body parts. A malignant tumour is cancerous. Cells in these tumours can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, the spread of cancer is called metastasis [3]. Tumours can push against nerves or blood vessels which can cause pain or malfunctions. Cancer cells take advantage of an enzyme called serine hydrolases; which can invade and destroy nearby structures which can cause internal bleeding, blockages and the loss of production of hormonal and biochemical products . Lung cancer can start in the cells lining the bronchi and in other parts like the bronchioles or alveoli. The first changes in the genes may cause the cancer cells to grow faster, but they won’t form a mass or tumour. Over time these cells mutate further and progress to true cancer. As it develops the cells make chemicals that cause new blood vessels to form nearby, these vessels nourish the cells and allow them to grow then become large enough to be seen on x-rays.[pic 1][pic 2]

The lymph system is one of the ways in which lung cancers can spread. This system has several parts:

• Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped collections of immune system cells (cells that fight infections) that are connected by lymphatic vessels.
• Lymphatic vessels are like small veins, except that they carry a clear fluid called lymph (instead of blood) away from the lungs.
• Lymph contains excess fluid and waste products from body tissues, as well as immune system cells [4]

Factors affecting lung cancer risk

There are two main factors associated with increasing the risk of lung cancer, although even if these are avoided, a person may still develop cancer.

Ionizing radiation is a proven human carcinogen. The evidence for this comes from many different sources, including studies of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, people exposed during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, people treated with high doses of radiation for cancer and other conditions, and people exposed to high levels of radiation at work, such as uranium miners.[pic 3]

Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco are made from dried tobacco leaves, and many other ingredients are added as well. The smoke from these products is a complex mixture of chemicals produced by the burning of tobacco and its additives. Tobacco smoke is made up of more than 7,000 chemicals, including over 70 known to cause cancer (carcinogens) [5][pic 4]

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy was discovered during World War 2 when it was discovered that nitrogen mustard gas significantly reduced white cell count. This led researchers to investigate its effect on rapidly dividing cancer cells. Alfred Gilman and Louis Goodman conducted trials into the treatments effectiveness, eventually leading to its mainstream use.