MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Lung cancer symptoms are rarely felt until the disease has developed into an advanced stage. Even when symptoms are felt, people often tolerate them for some time before they seek medical assistance. For instance, it''s easy to shrug offshortness of breath as being out of shape, or a chronic cough as a bad cold or allergies. More obvious symptoms, such as coughing up blood or dyspnea (difficulty breathing), may occur before medical advice is asked for. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. Later these signs may appear: Persistent cough Sputum (spit) streaked with blood Chest pain Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis PREVENTION Don''t use tobacco in any form. If you use tobacco, quit. Create smoke-free environments in your community. RISK People who use tobacco in any form People who have had exposure to substances such as arsenic, radon and asbestos People whose occupation exposes them to radiation People exposed to second-hand smoke All people exposed to air pollution and environmental smoke

Early Detection of Lung Cancer

Chest X-ray, analysis of cells in sputum and examination of the bronchia. Newer tests, such as the low-dose spiral CT scan, may soon help detect early lung cancer in people at high risk. Treatment Once diagnosed, treatment is determined by the type of lung cancer, either small cell ornon-small cell. Surgery is usually the treatment of localized disease. Radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes used in combination with surgery for later stages.