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.
What is Vitiligo?
Especially in recent years, where media is striving for representation, you may have noticed a few actors or models with contrasting skin pigmentation. Many individuals with these discolored patches of skin have vitiligo. While this condition has only recently been receiving more acknowledgment and visibility, people all over the world have had vitiligo for many years.
Symptoms of Vitiligo
Individuals with this condition exhibit patchy skin color. Many are often born with a monotone skin pigment, and symptoms manifest over the years. Every person suffers from the condition differently, involving a wide range of severity and affected areas. Different types can affect different parts of the body:
- Universal vitiligo: nearly all of your body
- Generalized vitiligo: many parts of your body (often symmetrically)
- Segmental vitiligo: only one side of your body
- Localized (focal) vitiligo: affects just a few targeted spots on the body
- Acrofacial vitiligo: affects just the hands
While the loss of skin color can appear anywhere, some areas of the body are often affected first. These areas include the hands, face, and parts of the body surrounded by openings (such as the genitals).
It may also manifest as the premature loss of color in the hair. Although graying hair is expected with age, vitiligo may cause this to happen much earlier, such as in adolescence or teen years.
Some people may only exhibit symptoms when they are older; however, a vast majority of cases appear before the age of 30. Sometimes, the skin will regain its color over time with treatment. In other cases, the condition progresses. It’s difficult to gauge how vitiligo will impact a person.
Although the disease itself is not life-threatening, there are certain complications individuals suffering from this condition should keep in mind. Vitiligo increases the risk of sunburn, hearing problems, and eye problems. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding the condition sometimes forces individuals to endure social and psychological stress.
What Causes Vitiligo?
On a microscopic level, vitiligo refers to the death of melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that give skin, eyes, and hair their natural color. When these cells die, the skin is left incredibly pale in appearance. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of this cell death; however, there are several different theories why one would suffer from the disease.
Autoimmune Disorders
Some experts speculate that immune system disorders are responsible for abnormal behavior. The immune system is responsible for keeping the body safe and healthy. Some believe that when the body’s defense accidentally attacks healthy tissue, it can cause some damage. If the immune system happens to target melanocytes, this theoretically results in loss of pigmented tissue.
Genetics
Researchers found a connection between heredity and this condition. It’s possible that an inheritable genetic mutation is responsible for symptoms.
Environmental Factors
A traumatic triggering event may cause it. Triggering events can include stressful situations such as severe sunburns or contact with an incredibly corrosive chemical.
How to Get Diagnosed
Diagnosis of vitiligo involves a medical examination. A trained physician can assess your case. If you notice patchy pigmentation abnormalities appearing in your skin, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatments that may help with symptoms.
Treatments for Vitiligo
There are no treatments that stop vitiligo; however, some treatments may get color back in some cases. Depending on the medical assessment you receive, a doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medication, light therapy, photochemotherapy, or depigmentation. However, these may have side effects to consider and are not guaranteed to be effective.
Above all when answering, it’s important to remember that vitiligo’s symptoms are more superficial than anything. Treatments are available to offer patients desired solutions, but vitiligo is not a dangerous condition that requires much treatment. Aside from taking extra care when the skin is exposed to the sun, if you are comfortable with your condition, there is no need to seek treatment.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of patchy spots, using makeup can help blend your skin colors together. Many individuals found happiness and success from embracing their vitiligo versus struggling to cover it up and blend in.