|
Lung Cancer X-ray Most
lung cancers start in the lining of the bronchi. That is why another term for
lung cancer is bronchogenic cancer. Lung cancer can also form in glands below
the lining of the bronchi, frequently in the periphery of the lungs. Lung cancers
are thought to develop over a period of many years. First, there may be areas
of precancerous changes in the lung. These changes do not form a mass or tumor.
They cannot be seen on an x-ray and they do not cause symptoms. But, these precancerous
changes can be found by analyzing cells in the lining of the airways of smoke-damaged
lungs. Recently, molecular abnormalities believed to be precancerous have been
identified in cells from individuals at high risk to develop lung cancers (for
example, survivors from one prior lung cancer). These precancerous changes often
progress to true cancer. As a cancer develops, the cancer cells may produce chemicals
that cause new blood vessels to form nearby. These new blood vessels nourish the
cancer cells, which can continue to grow and form a tumor large enough to see
on x-rays. Cells from the cancer can break away from the original tumor and spread
to other parts of the body. As noted earlier, this process is called metastasis.
Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease because it often spreads in this way
even before it can be detected on a chest x-ray.
Lung Cancer X-ray
Our mission is to provide relevant information on important health issues.
We are neither medical professionals nor attorneys.
If you are seeking a medical diagnosis, please contact a physician.
For legal advice, we recommend you seek out a licensed attorney.
Please read our DISCLAIMER.
| |
