Lung Cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the lung in the cells that line the air passages. There are two classifications of lung cancer. Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. They are diagnosed with microscopic tests. There have been 159, 390 deaths that have occured this year due to lung cancer and there will be 219,000 new cases reported this year. It is obvious that this dreaded disease is on the increase due to the staggering statistics.

In it's initial stages individuals may not experience any symptoms. The cancer is identified through chest x-rays usually from other reasons. The majority of people develop symptoms. These symptoms originate from primary tumors, metestatic tumors(tumors in other parts of the body) and disturbances of hormones, blood and surrounding systems.

Primary lung cancer symptoms include coughing, coughing up blood , chest pain ,and shortness of breath.

Smokers and former smokers should have a high sense of awareness and concern for potential lung cancer.

Prolonged or chronic cough should be evaluated by a physician .

Hemoptysis(coughing up blood) occurs with lung cancer. The amount should raise concern.

One fourth lung cancer patients experience chest pain. The pain is dull,aching, and persistant and may involve other structures surrounding the lung.

Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage to the flow of air in part of the lung, collection of fluid around the lung( pleural effusion), or the spread of tumor throughout the lungs.

Blockage or imflammation in the lungs causes wheezing or hoarseness.

Repeated respiratory infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia can be a sign of potental lung cancer.

Metastaic lung cancer symptoms depend on the tumors location and size.

Lung cancer spreads to the adrenal glands, the liver, the bones, and the brain.

Metastatic lung cancer in the liver usually does not cause symptoms, at least by the time of diagnosis.

Metastatic lung cancer in the adrenal glands also typically causes no symptoms by the time of diagnosis.

Metastasis to the bones is most common with small cell cancers but also occurs with other lung cancer types. Lung cancer that has metastasized to the bone causes bone pain, usually in the backbone (vertebrae), the thighbones, and the ribs.

Lung cancer that spreads to the brain can cause difficulties with vision, weakness on one side of the body, and/or seizures.

There are other affects of cancer not directly related to the actual tumor. They are Paraneoplastic syndromes chemicals released from the cancers. They cause:

clubbing of fingers-the depositing of extra tissue under the fingernails

new bone formation-along the lower legs or arms

anemia-low numbers of red blood cells and high calcium level or low sodium level in the blood

other effects-muscle weakness, skin rashes, and degeneration of the brain

wieghtloss

fatigue

low sodium levels

If you experience any of the following symptoms you should consult with your doctor. When we experience symptoms of disease, infection, and etc our bodies are trying to tell us something. We have to react, but we need to take a closer look at what the problem is. If our bodies are not functioning at its optimal performance then there is an underlining issue. The body has the ability to heal itself, but it must be given the right tools in order to do so. The body is a complex integrated system of mini systems all functioning to make life possible. Each cell has a specific function and can only function in an akaline environment. Cancer is the result of the body and its fluids becoming acidic(breaking down). Note if you have cancer and have overcome it that doesnt mean that it's gone forever. Only akalizing the body is the key to regeration of the cell. The absense of oxygen in the cell will cause the cell to acidify therefore breeding a mutant cell (cancer cell). Dr Otto Warburg a nobel prize winning doctor discovered and documented that if you drive oxygen out of the cell you induce cancer. This imformation is documented yet the medical community in some parts of the world choose to ignore it. With knowledge and education combined with a healthy diet we can overcome the dreaded disease called cancer that's plaguing our society.