Metastatic lung cancer frequently spreads first to areas like the lymph nodes before it moves on to other areas.
In less frequent cases, it may move to the stomach, kidneys, pancreas, and other areas. According to the Mayo Clinic, while every case is different, the bones, brain, liver, and adrenal glands are also common targets of lung cancer, after the lymph nodes.
While lung cancer can occur naturally, it most often occurs due to the patient inhaling toxic chemicals over a prolonged period. This is why lung cancer is common among smokers.
However, lung cancer also occurs in victims who have been unwillingly exposed to toxic fumes for many years, most likely during their time of employment at places that lacked proper safety regulations.
Causes of Lung Cancer
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, according to the Mayo Clinic. Each year, thousands of people die around the United States from smoking-related complications, with lung cancer being the most common culprit. However, there are many other causes of lung cancer, which may include:
- Exposure to certain types of gases, like radon
- Being genetically predisposed to the condition
- Exposure to toxins like asbestos, which is inhaled into the lungs by accident over time
- Air pollution
In recent years, asbestos has been to blame for thousands of cases of lung cancer. Prevention measures started in the 1970s, but there was already a backlog of victims who were exposed to its toxins for decades. Many individuals exposed to asbestos were factory workers, carpenters, construction workers, individuals dealing with insulation, firefighters, mechanics, shipbuilders, first responders, and more.
Many people had insulation containing asbestos in the walls of their homes, and may have been exposed for years as a result. Another cause of cancer, albeit a rare one, is exposure to radon. This poisonous gas accounts for around 21,000 deaths a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This gas is found in many homes around the country, as it comes from broken-down rocks, uranium, and other hazardous chemicals
In cases where asbestos or radon are deemed to be a determining factor in an individual’s diagnosis of lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or other ailments, speaking with an attorney can help put your legal options into a clearer perspective. Many patients are entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of lung cancer can include pain or discomfort in the chest, blood in saliva, trouble breathing, and more. An individual might have lung cancer for months, or even years, and may not know it. This is especially common among smokers, who mistake their symptoms for typical side effects of their smoking habit.
Further, the symptoms of lung cancer can include, but are not limited to:
- Having a hoarse voice
- Pain throughout the body
- Persistent cough, coughing up phlegm, or having a dry cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent headaches
- Looking sick or pale
- Appearing frail
If you suspect that you may have lung cancer, it is best to visit a medical professional right away. There are many treatments available for lung cancer, including lung transplants, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, medications, and more. As with all types of cancer, early detection is the best form of treatment, as the doctors may have a chance to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Types of Lung Cancer and Where Does Lung Cancer Spread First
There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to the American Cancer Society.
NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer; it is common in smokers (and second-hand smokers). SCLC spreads faster than NSCLC, and is recurring in most cases.
Other types of lung cancer include lung carcinoid tumors and other lung tumors. Either of them can be caused by exposure to radon or asbestos, among naturally-occurring causes. Exposure to each of these toxic substances causes thousands of deaths each year.
Lung cancer frequently spreads first to areas like the lymph nodes before it may move on to other areas.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Lung Cancer Attorneys in Your Corner
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has represented many clients over the years who have been subjected to lung cancer as the result of another party’s negligence. Whether the root of the cancer was second-hand smoke, asbestos, radon poisoning, or any other toxin, and whether that lung cancer has spread to other areas, we can fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today at (800) 217-6099 for your free consultation.
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