Apoptotic cell death in disease—Current understanding of the ...

7 Early Symptoms Of Lung Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore

Lung cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is crucial to be aware of the early warning signs, as early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Early symptoms of lung cancer may include a worsening cough or shortness of breath, depending on which part of the lung is affected and which type of lung cancer the patient has. Lung cancer typically doesn't cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced. As the cancer develops, these symptoms may become more severe or intense. Here are seven early symptoms of lung cancer that you should be mindful of:

Persistent Cough: If you have a lingering cough that lasts for more than a few weeks, it's essential to take notice. A persistent cough is one of the most common early symptoms of lung cancer. It may worsen over time and may produce blood or rust-colored sputum.

Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless or experiencing difficulty in breathing, especially with minimal physical activity, could be a sign of lung cancer. Tumors in the lungs can obstruct air passages, leading to shortness of breath.

Chest Pain: Lung cancer may cause chest pain that is persistent and may worsen with time. The pain can be dull, aching, or sharp and might be felt in the chest, shoulders, or back. Unexplained Weight Loss: If you are losing weight without trying or experiencing significant and unexplained weight loss, it could be a cause for concern. Lung cancer can cause the body to consume more energy, leading to unintended weight loss. Patients with lung cancer can gain or lose weight. The tumors of small-cell lung cancer sometimes cause the body to make a hormone called ACTH. ACTH, in turn, causes the body to make cortisol. Too much cortisol causes fluid retention and weight gain. Other patients, however, lose weight — usually caused by the higher calcium levels that cause loss of appetite. Fatigue and Weakness: Ongoing fatigue and weakness that don't improve with rest might be a symptom of lung cancer. Cancer-related fatigue can be debilitating and impact daily activities. Hoarseness or Voice Changes: Lung cancer can affect the nerves and structures near the lungs, leading to hoarseness or changes in the voice. Recurrent Respiratory Infections: If you are experiencing frequent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, it could be an early sign of lung cancer, particularly in individuals with a history of smoking. It is essential to remember that these symptoms can be caused by various other conditions as well, and having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lung cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it's essential to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Keep in mind that early detection is crucial for the effective treatment of lung cancer. If you have concerns about your lung health or have a history of smoking or exposure to lung cancer risk factors, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and lung cancer screenings, when recommended, can play a significant role in detecting lung cancer at an early stage and improving overall outcomes. 7 Common Symptoms of Bone Cancer How Does the Body's Cancer Spread? Study Unearths a Secret 10 Precautionary Measures for Lung Cancer  

What To Know About Thyroid Cancer That Has Spread To The Lungs

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid at the base of the neck, but it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. This includes the lungs.

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2023, more than 43,000 people will receive a thyroid cancer diagnosis in the United States. That's 2.2% of all new cancer cases in the country.

Thyroid cancer is around three times more common in females and mostly affects white people.

While it starts in the thyroid, as the cancer advances, it can spread, or metastasize, from the thyroid to other parts of the body, including the lungs. Even if it's detected in the lungs, it still has thyroid cancer features, so it's still called thyroid cancer.

Here, we explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of thyroid cancer that has spread to the lungs.

Thyroid cancer can spread to other organs if it reaches the metastatic stage. When cancer spreads into other organs, it's called distant metastasis.

Depending on the type of thyroid cancer, lung metastases can be more or less frequent. For example, the lungs are the most frequent location of metastases of papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.

Thyroid cancer that has spread into the lungs can have the following symptoms:

These symptoms usually appear in addition to symptoms of primary (original) thyroid cancer, such as:

To diagnose thyroid cancer in the lungs, a doctor begins with a physical exam. They may ask you about a history of cancer in you and your family. They may also order tests, including:

Which treatment a doctor prescribes for thyroid cancer that has spread into the lungs depends on the following:

type of thyroid cancer

your age and overall health

number, location, and size of metastases

Several therapies can help treat thyroid cancer and its metastases, such as:

Thyroid gland removal followed by radioactive iodine therapy is the most common way to treat thyroid cancer that has spread into the lungs.

Although people with thyroid cancer usually have a very good prognosis (outlook), distant metastasis, such as metastasis in the lungs, may significantly affect the chances of survival.

According to a 2014 study, the average 5-year survival of people with thyroid cancer metastases in one organ was around 77%. Those with metastases in more than one organ had a 15% chance of survival in the same time frame.

However, people treated for thyroid cancer today may have a better outlook because of improvements in treatment.

It's important to remember that your outlook depends on multiple factors, such as:

type of cancer

your age and overall health

stage at diagnosis

type of treatment

Your endocrinologist and oncologist can give you a better idea of your individual outlook.

Thyroid cancer that has spread into the lungs is different from lung cancer. It's an advanced stage of thyroid cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of this condition usually occur with other symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as a lump on the neck and trouble breathing.

The most common treatment for thyroid cancer that has spread into the lungs is thyroid removal followed by radioactive iodine treatment.

Although thyroid cancer typically has a very good outlook, metastases can significantly affect your outcome. However, treatment options have improved over the last decade. Be sure to speak with your doctor about your individual prognosis.

Do Quartz Countertops Put Homeowners At Risk Of Lung Disease?

Real Estate News The manufactured stone, known for its durability and sleek appearance, has become a high-demand material for new homes and remodels. Michael Conroy/Associated Press

As quartz countertops rise in popularity, those manufacturing the stone are experiencing the repercussions of exposure to dust released by the material, but homeowners are not at risk, experts say.

"Probably zero risk to homeowners with quartz counters. Dust exposure only," said Dr. David Center, an associate provost of translational research, a professor, and the chief of pulmonary, allergy, sleep, and critical care medicine at Boston University.

A study the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine published online Monday found a significant increase in the lung disease silicosis among quartz manufacturers. Quartz countertops consist of polyester resins, pulverized quartz, and pigments, according to This Old House.

The manufactured stone, known for its durability and sleek appearance, has become a high-demand material for new homes and remodels. That demand has led to increased levels of exposure to air filled with silica dust, which has been linked to the lung disease.

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling particles of silica dust, commonly found in rocks and soil. After exposure, it can cause severe damage to the lungs, according to the American Lung Association. The dust is emitted only during the manufacturing process.

Center said the effects of silica dust exposure can present in different ways.

"Silicosis can be acute with symptoms of cough and shortness of breath in weeks to months after heavy exposure, or chronic in which lung scarring, shortness of breath, and cough occur over years of exposure," Center said. 

In the study, conducted in California, 52 cases of silicosis were found among the workers, the majority of whom were male Latino immigrants. The median age of the workers was 45.

There is no cure or treatment for silicosis other than supportive care with oxygen, according to Center. 

How can the workers protect themselves?

"Good ventilation, industrial grade N95 respirator masks, good goggles to protect eyes, [and] frequent breaks with ventilation of the grinding area," Center said. "Both acute and chronic silicosis can progress to respiratory failure and death. It is a miserable way to die."

According to the article, 48% of the workers diagnosed with silicosis continued to manufacture the material.

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