‘lung diseases’

Solitary pulmonary nodule

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

solitary pulmonary noduleThe solitary pulmonary nodule (NPS) is defined as the radiological image of increased density rounded, surrounded by lung tissue and less than 3 cm. in diameter. Can appear in plain chest radiography (RX), as computed tomography (CT) and therefore is a diagnostic imaging.

Not accompanied by lymphadenopathy or atelectasis.  not fall within this definition because they tend to be cancer. Up to 90% of cases is an incidental finding, may appear in 0.2% of RX and its incidence is increasing since the introduction of CT screening population studies of lung cancer. The role of radiologists is essential in their management.

Among the most important objectives of the evaluation of the NPS are:
(more…)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in About Lungs | 1 Comment »

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Lung Cancer Risk  Factors

Researchers have discovered several causes of lung cancer and most are related to the use of snuff.

Cigarettes. Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. Harmful substances, called carcinogens in snuff, damage cells in the lungs. Over time, damaged cells may become cancerous. The probability that a smoker will develop lung cancer is affected by the age at which smoking began, by the time the person has smoked, the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the force with which the smoker inhales. Quitting smoking greatly reduces a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.

Cigars and pipes. People who smoke cigars and pipes have a higher risk of lung cancer than nonsmokers. The number of years a person smokes, the number of pipes or cigars smoked per day and the force with which the person inhales all affect the risk of developing lung cancer. Even the smoking of cigars and pipe do not inhale are at increased risk of lung cancer, mouth and other types.

Snuff smoke in the environment.
The possibility of developing lung cancer increases with exposure to tobacco snuff in the air: the smoke in the air when someone else is smoking. The snuff smoke exposure in the environment is called second hand smoking or passive smoking or involuntary.

Radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas, odorless and tasteless, that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It can damage the lungs, which can lead to lung cancer. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon and, in some parts of the country, radon in homes also. Smoking increases the risk of further lung cancer in people who already have the risk from exposure to radon. A kit for home use to measure radon levels in homes is for sale at most hardware stores. The home test for radon is relatively easy to use and not expensive. After correcting the problem of radon, the risk disappears completely.

(more…)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Risk Factors of Lung Cancer | 2 Comments »