Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Stage 1) - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages and Treatment

Symptoms

Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be present in a sufferer without showing any signs or symptoms. It is usually diagnosed when a doctor orders a patient to take a chest X-ray which is often associated with another illness. Symptoms may include: a persistent cough (smoker's cough), shortness of breath, wheezing, and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia. At this early stage, other symptoms are not usually present in a sufferer.

Diagnosis

Stage 1 NSCLC is localized (contained within the lungs) and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Stages

- 1 The cancer is localized within the lungs but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.

- 1A (the tumor is 3 cm or less in diameter).

- 1B (the tumor is between 3-5 cm in diameter).

These stages may also be described with a system called TNM (T = tumor size, N = nodes, and M = metastasis [spread of cancer]). Example:

- 1A (T1N0M0) Meaning that the tumor is less than 3 cm (T1), with no nodes (N0), and no metastasis (M0).

- 1B (T2N0M0) Meaning that the tumor is greater than 3 cm (T2), with no nodes (N0), and no metastasis (M0).

Treatment

Surgery is usually considered as the primary option for Stage 1 lung cancer treatment where removal of the tumor may be done via various different techniques. These techniques may include: segmentectomy (removal of a small segment of the lung), lobectomy (removal of the lobe of the lung), or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung).

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may be used when either the location of the tumor is difficult to reach using traditional surgery, or when the general health of the patient is not at its best and considered that the patient would not be able to tolerate a full surgical procedure. VATS is also less intrusive on the patient than traditional surgery.

If the cancer is considered to be inoperable, radiation therapy may be used to treat it.

Stereotactic body radiosurgery (SBRS) is one treatment that may be considered. This is where the patient is first immobilized in a frame to stop any movement, then computer imaging techniques are used to identify precisely where the cancerous cells are. These cells are then in turn destroyed by being given high dosages of radiation.

Conventional radiation therapy's are not usually recommended with Stage 1A lung cancer, although with Stage 1B, adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy used after surgery to kill off any remaining cancerous cells) may be offered.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

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Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - (Stages 0-4)

After non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been diagnosed in a patient it is given what is called a "stage." This describes both the size of the tumor, and to what extent the tumor has spread within the body. Once diagnosed, a more accurate prognosis (life expectancy) of a patient can be given. There are five main stages of NSCLC (0, 1, 2, 3, 4). Each of these stages is further divided into more specific sub-stages.

(Stages 0-4)

- 0 The cancer has not spread past the inner lining of the lungs; also known as carcinoma in situ (CIS).
- 1 The cancer is localized within the lungs but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
- 1A (the tumor is 3 cm or less in diameter).
- 1B (the tumor is greater than 3 cm in diameter).
- 2 The cancer has either spread outside the lungs to the nearby lymph nodes, or has NOT yet spread to the lymph nodes, but is localized in a certain area of the main bronchus (tubes that allow air to pass between the trachea and the lungs). The tumor may also be located in an area where it has invaded the lining of the lungs, or the wall of the chest.
- 2A (the tumor is 3 cm or less and has spread to the lymph nodes).
- 2B (the tumor is greater that 3 cm and has spread to the lymph nodes. It may also be present in the main bronchus region, has invaded the lining of the lungs, or wall of the chest.
- 3 The cancer has spread to the nearby tissue of the lungs.
- 3A (the tumor is lager in size and has spread to the lymph nodes. At this stage multi-tumors of any size may have spread away from the main tumor area).
- 3B (tumors of any size that have spread to distant lymph nodes and have invaded other organs such as the esophagus, the heart, or tumors with malignant pleural effusion [an abnormal amount of fluid in the space between the tissue that lines the inside of the lungs]).
- 4 The cancer has reached its most dangerous stage by having spread to other organs of the body, including another lobe of the lung.

Doctors may often describe NSCLC with a system called TNM. This system is used to further classify lung cancer within its sub-stages. Each letter stands for a different degree (stage) of the disease.

T - (the size of the tumor).
N - (indicates which lymph nodes have been invaded).
M - (defines whether the cancer has metastasized).

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

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Mesothelioma Mining on Hold in Canada

Canada has, for a long time, been one of the leading producers of asbestos which has now come under extreme scrutiny. For the first time in over 100 years, one of the world's top producers of mesothelioma-causing asbestos has stopped production at its two remaining asbestos mines because of money and logistical problems.

Canada Under the Microscope

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. In the United States alone, more than 2,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. So it should therefore come as no surprise that Canada is now facing some harsh criticism.

Health officials around the world have been highly critical, if not denunciatory, of Canada's asbestos industry and its exportation policies because of the clear link between asbestos and various asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, more attention is being paid to this issue. The disease attacks the protective tissue that encases both the lungs and lining of the abdomen, and because symptoms don't appear until decades after asbestos exposure, by the time a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it may be terminal.

Today, despite protective measures, mesothelioma is on the rise worldwide, especially in third-world countries where asbestos is still used as a cheap additive to building materials. To make matters worse, many of these countries are top importers of Canadian asbestos.

Once a dominant force in the world for the production of asbestos, Canada was revered for the production of asbestos-related materials for fireproofing and insulating components. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Canada produced 85% of the world's asbestos in the 1900's - 1.69 million metric tons at its peak in 1973. In 2010, the country produced about 100,000 metric tons - just 5% of the world supply. How many thousands of cases of mesothelioma were caused by the Canadian asbestos industry has never been reported. Now that production has stopped, the Canadian Press says the future of the country's last two mines remains unclear.

Asbestos Mining To Be Continued?

One of the two mines remaining would need a team of international investors and a bank loan guarantee of $58 million from the government of Quebec in order to start digging in a new section. If things work out in their favor, it is estimated that the mine could continue to produce asbestos for another 25 to 50 years. The Canadian Mining Journal reports that investors hope to resume production of this mine in the spring of 2012.

The other mine doesn't seem to be faring quite as well and has been having 'operational problems'- though these problems aren't necessarily due to human opposition. In fact, the problems are due to a massive rock slide that cut off access to the mine's economically viable chrysotile. It is unclear when work will resume at this location.

In the meantime, many mesothelioma activists are furious over the entire situation, arguing that asbestos safety standards in poorer countries are not high enough, which, if Canadian production of asbestos continues, may put thousands more people at risk for mesothelioma in the next ten to twenty years.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Myra D. Foreman writes for Surviving Mesothelioma. This is the only website where this important book is available for free. The book is written by Paul Kraus who was diagnosed with mesothelioma more than a decade ago and is still enjoying life today!

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Mesothelioma and the Importance of Good Nutrition

Everyone knows and acknowledges that the key component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to incorporate good nutrition into your diet, particularly if you have mesothelioma cancer or some other health-compromising disease. Individuals who have mesothelioma can greatly benefit from consuming a nutritionally rich diet, which will undoubtedly fluctuate as they go through their treatment protocol and will require a great variety of nourishing and wholesome foods.

Consuming a health conscious diet that consists of all the necessary nutrients the human body needs can be an overwhelming challenge in general. However, people who suffer from mesothelioma and other types of cancer may find it even more difficult to adhere to a healthy diet plan. Eating a well balanced diet is especially important for people with mesothelioma even though they struggle with nausea and appetite loss since nutritional foods help sustain energy, boost the immune system and ward off free radicals that may trigger cancer. Additionally, proper nutrition is vital to diminishing the detrimental side effects that some mesothelioma treatments can incur.

Mesothelioma victims cope with various nutritional requirements since cancer treatments may produce side effects that are relative to nutrition. For instance, a patient who receives chemotherapy or radiation therapy can experience difficulty eating on a regular basis since these types of treatments are recognized as producers of intense nausea. Also, post-surgery patients are generally weak and therefore have a hard time eating proper foods. Other cancer treatment side effects that could sabotage an ideal nutrition plan are overall pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty swallowing, anorexia, bulimia, anxiety, depression and mouth sores.

It is crucial to maintain a nutritional diet before, during and after cancer treatments since undernourishment can cause weakness, exhaustion and leave a patient vulnerable to infection. Frequent dietary issues many cancer patients face are not consuming enough calories and protein, which are critical to promote healing, stave off infection and maintain energy levels. A well-balanced and healthy diet can result in a better outcome for the patient.

Here are a few nutritional suggestions for fighting mesothelioma and staying healthy while enduring cancer treatment protocol.

- Keep your body thoroughly hydrated to expel harmful toxins that accompany certain cancer treatments

- Discuss an optimal diet plan with your dietician that is personalized to specifically meet your needs

- Consider a low-carb diet while integrating high amounts of healthy protein-rich foods which help restore impaired tissues due to surgery or other various mesothelioma therapies as well as boost the immune system

- If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or nausea, consume softer types of foods or vitamin-rich liquids. Create healthy fruit smoothies or consume ready-made liquid diet supplements if solid foods are intolerable to you

- Incorporate healthy fats into your diet to maintain energy levels and avert depression

- Avoid extreme weight loss by eating high-calorie foods, which include real cheeses, milk and butter if you are experiencing a loss of appetite

- Consult with your doctor or medical practitioner to be sure you are getting an ample supply of the essential nutrients your body requires

Sarah Livingston researches and writes on various health topics such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Proper nutrition is crucial during the mesothelioma cancer treatment. Visit Sarah at WhenWasAsbestosBanned.net to learn more about the facts and dangers of asbestos.

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Increasing Asbestos Awareness And Reducing Exposure Risk With Notifiable Non-Licensable Work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimate that there are still some four million properties around the UK, which are likely to contain hidden asbestos materials, and often encountered in a friable ( fragile and disintegrating) condition. Any attempt to remove can result in fibres becoming airborne and inhaled by anyone in close proximity, from home owner or tenant, company employee to public visitors, as well as building and demolition workers.

It is frequently reported that still far too many firms seem to possess little or no asbestos awareness or training to correctly deal with the potential health risks. To minimise time and costs, the health and safety procedures are often simply ignored when existing building materials found to contain asbestos (ACMs) are dismantled and disposed of alongside standard building waste.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which came into force on the 6th April, updates previous asbestos regulations by implementing EU Directive 2009/148/EC, and targets changes at around three quarters of a million workers in companies involved with non-licensable asbestos work. From now on, the "Non-Licensable" category of asbestos work will be divided into two with an additional category, to be known as "Notifiable Non-Licensable Work" (NNLW).

According to the HSE, " All non-licensed work is required to be carried out with the appropriate controls in place. Employers will also have an obligation for notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW)", which means they must:

Notify work with asbestos to the relevant enforcing authority.Ensure medical examinations are carried out.Maintain registers of work (health records).

The process involves specifying whether a type of asbestos work is either licensable, NNLW or non-licensed work in each case. To do this, a risk assessment must be carried out first to identify the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM) and an evaluation of its condition.

If the work is exempt from the need for a licence, it must be then determined if it is notifiable non-licensed work or just non-licensed work. The HSE advise that the key factors to consider are based on the type of work planned, whether maintenance, removal, encapsulation, or air monitoring and the collection and analysis of asbestos samples.

Identifying asbestos type is crucial. Although the most toxic forms were banned from use in 1985, white chrysotile asbestos fibres continued to be incorporated into a variety of building materials, including insulation wallboard (AIB), cement roofing, surface coatings and sprayed insulation, tiles and soffits, infill and adhesive tapes, etc. An import ban on chrysotile in 1999 was followed by a full ban in 2005. However, it must be assumed that any property built or renovated at any time until the end of the twentieth century has to be suspected of containing asbestos material.

Asbestos found in a fragile, friable condition is particularly prone to release fibres and is liable to be designated NNLW while work which disturbs the least friable materials e.g. asbestos cement can normally be treated as non-licensed work. Encapsulated asbestos, such as cement, paint or plastic, which are considered to be firmly bonded in a matrix, are more likely to be found in good condition and can usually be treated as non-licensed work.

The ever present risk is the disturbance and breathing in of asbestos fibres. Once ingested they embed in the lung linings and can eventually cause asbestosis disease or form the deadly incurable tumours of mesothelioma cancer.

A long gestation period of between 15 to 50 years is known to elapse before the first asbestosis symptoms appear, by which time, the disease may have spread to adjacent tissues or organs. A patient's survival rate after a conformed diagnosis can be less than 6 months.

Under the requirements of the NNLW, the HSE requires " brief written records should be kept of non-licensed work, which has to be notified, e.g. copy of the notification with a list of workers present on-site, plus the level of likely exposure of those workers to asbestos".

By April 2015, each and every worker who is exposed to asbestos must be under medical "surveillance" every three years. The employer must maintain a register for each worker, which records the type and duration of work carried out with asbestos and is to be retained for at least 40 years along with copies of all medical reports.

The HSE state that " Workers who are already under health surveillance for licensed work need not have another medical examination for non-licensed work but medicals for notifiable non-licensed work are not acceptable for those doing licensed work".

With more than 1.8 million people annually exposed each year to asbestos and at least 2,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed annually, the new Regulations are an attempt to reduce disregard for health and safety on property renovations when there is still a potential hazard from exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos Victim Advice
Get expert advice and information on mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses.
http://www.asbestosvictimadvice.com/

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Lung Cancer - Are You At Risk?

Cancer is an abnormality of the cell that results in uncontrolled cell growth. The abnormal cells continue dividing and form a lump or tumor. This tumor if, cancerous can invade other healthy tissues and destroy them. It is at this point known to have metastitize. Lung cancer tends to spread early after it is formed and therefore it is very dangerous and difficult to treat. Although this type of cancer has the ability to spread to other organs like liver, brain and bone, it is also a common site for other cancerous tumors to metastasize. Lung cancer is cancer than begins in one or both of the lungs

Are You At Risk?

SMOKING

About 90% of lung cancers are related to smoking tobacco. The number of cigarettes you smoke greatly increases your risk of getting lung cancer. Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk. Passive smoking can also put one at risk of getting lung cancer. Passive smoking is inhaling cigarette smoke of a non smoker from a smoker.

RADON

Radon is an odorless gas produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water. The air eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Some homes may have high levels of radon particularly on the lower level. Radon testing kits can be purchased to check if home have unsafe levels of radon. If this is so, measures can be taken to resolve it.

ASBESTOS FIBERS AND OTHER CHEMICALS

Workplace is the common place for exposure to asbestos and other chemicals. When inhaled, asbestos can persist in the lungs for a long time and cause lung disease. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing lung cancer.

FAMILY HISTORY

People with family who have the disease are at a greater risk of developing it.

Other factors that can increase your risk include excessive alcohol intake, certain lung diseases like emphysema, air pollution and tuberculosis.

Lung cancer does not usually present any symptoms in its early stages. The tumor may be found through a chest x-ray done for other reasons. The symptoms begins when the cancer is advanced. These symptoms include:

- a new cough that does not go away
- coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- change in a chronic cough
- chest pain that is dull, aching and persistent
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- unexplained weight loss

Lung cancer treatment options may depend on the stage of the cancer,the type of cancer, the individual's health. Treatment may not be an option when the side effects out weigh the benefits. In this case, the doctor may give supportive treatment to treat the symptoms of the disease like shortness of breath and pain.

Please visit http://yourhealth-check.com/ for more information.

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How Long After You Quit Smoking Before You Are Not at Risk For Lung Cancer?

The earlier on in life you stop smoking, the less at risk you are from developing some degree of lung cancer during your lifespan. However, it is difficult to predict exactly when and from what degree of lung cancer you may or may not suffer. Numerous factors need to be considered such as: the age when you began smoking, how long you smoked for, the number of cigarettes you smoked everyday, and how deeply you inhaled while smoking.

Cutting down smoking certainly helps cut the risk of developing lung cancer, but it is not the same as actually giving up all together. An ex-heavy smoker is more at risk of developing lung cancer than an ex-occasional smoker, who is still more at risk of developing the disease than someone who has never smoked before. When smoking is either cut down or stopped all together, the benefits to the body are almost immediate, showing that it is never too late to give-up smoking even after many years.

Statistics show that the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer for an active smoker, is between 10% and 15%. However, this is reduced considerably by between 70% and 80% once the smoker stops. The benefits to the body begin within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, as the blood pressure lowers itself to a normal level, together with the carbon monoxide in the lungs.

Within the first 24 hours, the risk of having a heart attack reduces, and within 48 hours, the nerve endings begin to grow again. Both the ability to smell and taste also improve at this time. Between one month and three months, the blood circulation improves, and the lungs begin to function better. The worst of the nicotine symptoms also tend to subside during this period.

Within nine months, there is a noticeable improvement with problems such as: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. During the next five years, the bodies recuperation continues to improve at a noticeable rate, and the probability of a relapse is considerably less with time. Between five and ten years, the risk of a heart attack also reduces to nearly that of a non-smoker.

At the five to ten-year period, the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer drops to one-half of that of an active smoker, together with a reduction in the risk of developing cancers such as: mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas. Within 15 years, the risk of suffering a heart attack is about the same as that of a non-smoker, as is the risk of developing lung cancer.

Although the average bodies recuperation period takes up to 15 years before the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer reduces to that of a non-smoker, previous considerations must be take into account. It takes courage and determination to give up smoking, and a 15 year recuperation period really is worth the effort to bring down the risk of developing lung cancer to that of a non-smoker.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design." If you are interested in reading about how to treat lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

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How to Treat Lung Cancer Caused By Melanoma

Of the many different types of cancer that exists, asbestos caused lung melanoma, also know as bronchial carcinoma and mesothelioma, is now responsible for 1% of all cancer related deaths worldwide. Mesothelioma cancer is directly associated with the exposure to asbestos, of which shows no immediate detrimental signs to the health, and takes many years to develop within the body. Although it is extremely difficult to treat, once diagnosed, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery, have all been used with a certain degree of success.

Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat mesothelioma cancer due to its ability to either, attack directly, or to poison the dividing cancer cells anywhere in the body. However, healthy cells are also affected during the treatment, causing side effects that are usually attributed to the patients hair falling out as the hair cells are attacked along with the gastrointestinal, and normal bone marrow cells. Dacarbazine and Temozolomide, are two chemotherapy drugs that are often used with melanoma spread cancers, of which up to 20% of all patients who have been treated with either one of the drugs, have experienced a notable reduction in the size of their tumours.

Immunotherapy is another option, as it works by boosting the ability of the immune system, which in turn allows the immune system to fight off the cancerous cells. The side effects are less severe than those of chemotherapy, however, patients usually suffer from heavy flu-like symptoms which are prolonged by the duration of the treatment. Interferon Alfa and Interleukin-2, are two drugs that are often used to treat melanoma spread cancers, of which when administered to patients in high doses, help to stimulate the immune system.

Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery is also used to treat mesothelioma cancer. The patient is first immobilized in a frame to stop any movement, as computer imaging techniques are then used to identify precisely where the cancerous cells are. These cells are in turn destroyed by being given high dosages of radiation. The treatment is particularly effective against mesothelioma cancer, as it allows high dosages of radiation to be administered precisely, which destroy the cancerous cells while causing minimal damage to the surrounding cells that are healthy. Although, this treatment is only recommended for use on relatively healthy patients.

Surgery is a last result, and is something that is not usually recommended with melanoma spread lung cancers. The prognosis is often poor, as the patients five-year to ten-year survival rate is usually estimated to be under 25%.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you would like to know how asbestos actually causes lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-does-asbestos-cause-lung-cancer

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