Habitual smoking is one of the largest known causes for lung cancer. Typical cigarettes are loaded with numerous chemicals, up to 250, that are harmful. Of these 250, around 69 are known to cause cancer. This statistic makes it smoking one of the most dangerous habits to take up, as it is entirely ensured that one will suffer health problems because of it. Even exposure to secondhand smoke for prolonged periods of time can cause reactions in the body that result in cancer. As secondhand smoke is not filtered, it is considered more dangerous than smoking itself.

Exposure to asbestos is one of the largest causes of cancer, also. When products containing asbestos, like ceilings, are disturbed, the tiny particles of asbestos are breathed in and settle into the lungs. Over time, these particles build up and tear the inside of the lungs, causing inflammation. Serious health issues, like lung cancer, can arise out of long-term exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma, one of the deadliest kinds of cancer, can arise in the lungs also. Mesothelioma arises in the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but proper medical attention can make treatment more comfortable.

If you are a previous or current smoker and you begin developing a cough that is persistent and consistently gets worse, you should see your healthcare professional for proper diagnosis; you may have lung cancer. Another large sign of lung cancer is coughing blood. Any amount of blood coughed is a worrying sign, and if it continues you should immediately see your doctor for a checkup. Persistent respiratory problems are the telltale warning sign of lung cancer, and needs instant medical attention. Another sign to look keep aware of is recurrence of bronchitis. Reoccurring shortness of breath and respiatory illness may be a sign of a cancerous tumor.

Metastasis, the process of the main tumor spreading to other parts of the body, makes lung cancer one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat. When the cancer spreads, it affects other parts of the body, especially the lymph nodes. This causes extreme discomfort and pain.

There are a few treatments for lung cancer. For less aggressive stages of cancer, surgery, medically known as surgical resection, is recommended. For more aggressive and malignant cancerous tumors, chemotherapy is oftentimes required. This radiation treatment targets the tumor in the body and kills the cells that make it up. While it works in destroying the cancerous tumor, chemotherapy also affects other parts of the body. This is why cancer patients experience hair loss and persistent weakness.

Lung cancer has many causes and multiple symptoms. If caught in time, it can be treated properly.