Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How long from the time symptoms occur is it obvious someone has Lung Cancer

How long from the time symptoms occur is it obvious someone has Lung Cancer?
i have felt fatigued for a few months now, and now my chest is starting to hurt, and i have worsening breathlessness. i am very worried, i got an x-ray but my doctor has not gotten back to me yet.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If your doctor suspects cancer, then specific diagnostic tests and medical imaging will be ordered. Frankly, it sounds more like you have a respiratory or cardiac issue than cancer. In any event, this needs to be handled by your physician.
2 :
"BSherman" is correct. If someone has symptoms of lung cancer, it will show up on x-ray studies. Chest pain is not a common presenting symptom of lung cancer. It would help us a great deal to know what age you are. Only 3% of lung cancers are found in people under age 45. Most lung cancers are found in people over age 65. I suspect you are under age 45. The majority of the time that a lung cancer is growing is asymptomatic, so symptoms are a very late sign. The chances are that you do not have lung cancer, but your x-rays and your doctor will make the call - not those of us here on YA.
3 :
You have very vague symptoms right now & they don't really point to just cancer. Chest pains can be from just lung irritation or inflammation like in pneumonia or even just muscle or rib problems. Cancer of the lung usually causes other symptoms like coughing up blood when the disease progresses. Fatigue is so general & there are so many things that cause it. Breathlessness is a also a very general symptom & can be caused by lung or cardiac problems but also can result when the body has other diseases.I'd be curious to see if your doctor heard anything in your lungs like fluid, dullness or other physical findings esp. those pointing to a definite abnormality. The only way you will know is by the x-ray results. If there is an abnormal finding you will need either a CAT or MRI to know. It could even be justy the flu which also causes those symptoms. Please contact your doctor for that is the only way you will know for sure. Good luck.
4 :
As I have just told someone else - when my dad had lung cancer he had no symptoms except a cough, 5 days after xrays and scans he had part of his lung removed and survived lung cancer, he died 3 years later of stomach cancer 6 weeks after being diagnosed. Do you not have to call your doctor for the results?

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Saturday, October 4, 2008

does anyone know the survivor rate for lung cancer with and without treatment

does anyone know the survivor rate for lung cancer with and without treatment?
was diagnosed with lung cancer 10/10/07. Will begin treatment this week. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
My father was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, saw a surgeon, and discussed chemotherapy and radiation. After being told that the treatments could only buy him a few more months of life, not years, he opted not to take ANY treatment whatsoever. He continued smoking and drinking and lived for 18 months.
2 :
It depends if it hits the blood stream or not. If it does, bad news. It's up to you but chances are much higher.
3 :
My best friend was diagnosed with lung cancer (in both lumgs) and was told that he had six months to live. His final decision was to take the best of both worlds: Accept treatment; and combine this with holistic medications (mainly consisting of various types of herbal mushrooms). He survived for four years under this regimen! Not only that; but he survived two strokes during those four years! There are very few people who are wiling to take the risk of disregarding "full" treatment" when diagnosed with lung cancer. Statistics favor the downside: Six months or less; however, based upon what my friend did, I would certainly try "his method" of survival. Keeping a healthy mind - and lots of positive thinking - will help most people endure for more years than predicted. Tom B
4 :
any survival rates given here with the information you have given would be very vague and could be misleading, lung cancer is an aggressive cancer and can spread quickly...... it depends on many factors.... operable/non operable, any secondaries ? state of the persons overall health other than the cancer?....small cell/non small cell..... treatments offered? I would have a chat with your oncologist for a more accurate answer.... best wishes and good luck
5 :
have treatment my mother did when she was diagnosed and she lived for another 4 years but died there in may treatment worked for her cause she was only given 6 months to a year
6 :
It depends on how far along the cancer has progressed. My mom had cancer five years ago, was caught in the very first stage, the tumor was about the size of a quarter, chemo/radiation and was given a clear bill of health, five years later. Two months after this clearance, she had some issues and the cancer was back, this time the tumor was the size of a softball and growing. She was given one month, and didn't make the full month. So....................hope is out there if detected early. If your's is further along, I hope your doctor offered Hospice care for you, it's a wonderful thing and you can spend your days at home with family/friends. It's great not only for the patient, but for the family, as well. Take care.......
7 :
all I believe is there are no two people alike. Some live for a looooooong time. I'm reading a book right now about the first cancer survivor to summit Everest..Sean Swarner. He was diagnosed with lymphoma at 13 and given 3 MONTHS. He underwent chemo and was in remission. After a few years he was diagnosed with an aggresive lung cancer and given 2 WEEKS. He is alive and well and it;s been 10 years from the last cancer diagnosis (after surgery and chemo and all that) and he has summited Everest a couple years back. So you never know. http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=56298701&srchTerms=Keep+Climbing&mediaType=1&srchType=Keyword

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

What is the likelihood of a smoker getting lung cancer

What is the likelihood of a smoker getting lung cancer?
Say they smoke approximately 15 cigarettes a day.
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
very likely.. stop now when you have a chance... my grandfather died from lung cancer!!
2 :
While the actual rate of lung cancer among smokers is fairly low, as in much less than 1/2, the rate is much higher than among those who don't smoke. There is no really accurate way to predict your "chances" if you smoke, as doctors still don't understand all of the factors that contribute to lung cancer.
3 :
At that rate its almost 99.9 percent they will contract lung cancer...if they stick to their current trend. It's best stop now.
4 :
Chances are 100% in 40 years. Quit now.
5 :
not incredibly high (17%) but if you have lung cancer, there is a 90% chance you are a smoker it is important to note that lung cancer is not the only illness that increases in probability from smoking, more than likely you will die of a smoke related heart attack before developing lung cancer. In general, smoking causes you to age faster.
6 :
I'm not really sure. My father smoked for 52 years and quit cold turkey. Later he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and when he passed it was caused by cancer in his lungs caused by asbestos--nothing to do with all his years of smoking cigarettes and he was so bad that a carton didn't last him two days.
7 :
Dear Super Star, the chances for a person who smokes develop cancer is higher than for those who don't. You may find more informations on this subject in this site: http://cancerhelp.awardspace.com/ Hope it helps, My best regards

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