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What is lung cancer?
The lungs, a pair of sponge-like, cone-shaped organs, are part of the respiratory system. The right lung has three sections, called lobes; it is a little larger than the left lung, which has two lobes. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under the microscope. Each type of lung cancer grows and spread in different ways and is treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer, and it generally grows and spreads more slowly. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer. They are named for the type of cells in which the cancer develops (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma). Small cell lung cancer, sometimes call oat cell cancer, is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. This type of lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
• A cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse over time
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue
Skin Cancer
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Symptoms of skin cancer vary from person to person and may include a:
* Change on the skin, such as a new spot or one that changes in size, shape or color
* Sore that doesn’t heal
* Spot or sore that changes in sensation, itchiness, tenderness or pain
* Small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump
* Firm red lump that may bleed or develops a crust
* Flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly
Many of these symptoms are not cancer, but if you notice one or more of them for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
Penile Cancer
Types
The following are common types of penile cancer:
* Squamous cell carcinoma
* Adenocarcinoma
* Melanomas
* Basal cell penile cancer
* Sarcomas
Symptoms
Penile cancer starts on the glans (head), or tip, of the penis and spreads from there. Some men may have obvious symptoms in the early stages, while others may not have any symptoms until the disease has advanced. Although it may not mean cancer, any abnormalities of the penis should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many men are reluctant to discuss these issues with their physician, and may delay seeking treatment until the disease is advanced and harder to treat.
Men who have retained their foreskin need to examine the area underneath the foreskin regularly, as well as to keep the area clean to lower their risk. Penile cancer symptoms may include:
* A wart-like growth or lesion
* An open sore that won't heal
* A reddish rash
* Persistent, smelly discharge under the foreskin
Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms
Most women with ovarian cancer have some symptoms. However, these symptoms are often vague and may be attributed to less serious ailments such as indigestion, weight gain or the consequences of aging.
Contact your doctor if any of the following symptoms occur:
* General abdominal discomfort or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, cramps)
* Bloating and/or a feeling of fullness, even after a light meal
* Nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination
* Unexplained weight loss or gain
* Loss of appetite
* Abnormal vaginal bleeding
* Unusual fatigue