The lungs are the organs responsible for oxygenating the blood and expel carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by the body’s cells. Also participating in other important metabolic and cardiovascular functions. The bronchi, while carrying the inspired air into the lungs. From the trachea are divided on, giving rise to smaller and smaller bronchi to reach the alveoli. The alveoli are tiny sacs surrounded by small-caliber blood vessels (capillaries). Among the air in the alveoli and capillaries where gas exchange occurs.
The lung cancer is a malignant tumor that usually originates in the cells lining the bronchi (bronchial epithelium). It is produced mainly by irritation and chronic inflammation of the bronchial epithelium by external agents (carcinogens), wherein the cigarette smoke. Proceeds from this chronic irritation and genetic mutations occur that lead to rapid and uncontrolled growth of certain cells, called malignant transformation, thus creating a cancer. Finally when we continue to grow the tumor, some cells may travel to other organs of the body, giving rise to metastases.
