Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
Gingivitis Symptoms to Be Aware Of
A happy, healthy smile is not just about keeping your teeth white, shiny and straight; overall gum health is incredibly important in terms of oral hygiene. In order to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you should schedule regular dental check-ups, and brush and floss daily.
There are a few different diseases that attack the gums. Arguably, the most common form of gum disease is gingivitis. We have all seen this term referenced in commercials and by our doctors and dentists, but what actually is this condition? Learning more about gingivitis symptoms will help you take charge of your oral health and prevent uncomfortable conditions.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a frequently occurring type of gum disease. The disease manifests as redness and inflammation of the area of gums closest to your teeth.
The disease progresses over time, starting with mild symptoms but slowly worsening to more severe problems. While everyone experiences the disease a little differently, there are some key symptoms associated with gingivitis
In addition to discolored and inflamed gums, gingivitis also leads to bad breath and bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis may turn into something much more serious, and can even lead to tooth loss.
Luckily, paying attention to the symptoms of gingivitis and addressing them as soon as you can helps prevent the disease from ever getting too serious.
The main cause of this disease is poor dental care. When people have a lot of plaque, it eventually turns into tartar which irritates the gums and acts as a breeding ground for bacteria.
What Are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?
The early stages of gingivitis are mild pain and redness on your teeth. You may notice that your gums are sore to the touch or are a little puffy when you try to apply pressure to them.
When you brush your teeth normally with early gingivitis, you may notice some blood when you spit into the sink. Bad breath may also be an early sign of the disease.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out if you fall into any of the risk populations more likely to succumb to this condition. Such vulnerable groups include smokers, people over 40, immunocompromised patients (such as those with HIV/ AIDS, leukemia, or are undergoing chemotherapy treatment) drug use, hormonal changes, or a family history of gum issues.
How to Diagnose Gingivitis
Formally diagnosing gingivitis is a task you should leave up to your dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. Treating the condition early is key to getting the best recovery possible.
A dentist can detect signs of gingivitis by a simple oral examination.
How to Treat Gingivitis
One of the most effective methods to treat gingivitis includes making some lifestyle changes. Cutting out a lot of sugar or acidic foods from your diet helps keep your teeth intact. Additionally, making sure you properly bush your teeth is vital for beating and avoiding a lot of oral health problems.
Going to the dentist and having them professionally clean and remove plaque from teeth is also recommended. Your bi-yearly professional cleanings are helpful, but not enough to keep your gums healthy. You need to do some work at home and take time out of your daily schedule to prevent gingivitis from occuring in the first place.
Can You Prevent Gingivitis?
Preventing gingivitis is the best way to avoid any gum issues. Luckily, leading a healthy lifestyle is often enough to help keep your gums in tip-top shape.
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most crucial things you can do. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and right before they go to bed). You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each session and be sure to effectively hold and maneuver your brush. Flossing once a day is also a great way of keeping your mouth happy and healthy.
In fact, practicing general good health, in general, is beneficial. Managing your blood sugar and having a healthy diet is great when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Finally, visiting a dentist is incredibly important. You should visit your dentist at least once every 12 months, every six months if you can manage it. They can help monitor your gum health so you can track any changes and notice if anything is out of sorts.