The relationship between COPD and lung cancer shows a high risk even innon - smoking

Called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and a condition are much more closely connected, even in the lifetime nonsmokers to research. It is estimated that 40-70 percent of people are diagnosed with lung cancer was diagnosed with COPD. This connection is well established that doctors are now calling for developing COPD, the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Other recent studies have shown that the risk factors for the other overlap makes it difficult to diagnose cancer, until it reaches the later stages.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute more than twelve million people may have unwittingly COPD.

Symptoms of COPD are similar to those of a number of lung cancer and have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, which increases with exercise and repeated bouts of pneumonia and / or bronchitis, lung cancer may begin much the same way to start presenting to other symptoms. These may include coughing bloody sputum and cough appear only blood, lack of appetite, which ewight severe and sudden weight loss, hoarseness, arm or chest wall pain and swelling in the neck or face area. Once lung cancer is diagnosed, it is usually fairly late stage and incurable. Depending on the stage, chemotherapy and radiation could be proposed, but can only extend the life span of only a few months.

COPD is a leading cause of death in the United States, even in non-smokers. There are two forms of the disease such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a severe form called, which eventually leads to a complete destruction of the lungs. In nonsmokers, the lack of a specific protein called alpha-1-anitrypsin cause emphysema. Other environmental risk factors include occupational exposure to various hazards such as gases or noxious fumes and pollution. Passive smoking also increases the risk of COPD.

Testing for COPD and lung cancer can be tricky. One of the simplest tests for doctors to use that spirometry where the patient asked in a tube as hard as possible to blow. The results can be measured immediately. Other possible tests such as blood tests, scans and x-rays or even listening to the chest may be less accurate because the lungs may look normal, or to scan sounds normal when the chest heard. The treatment is geared towards reducing symptoms, because there is no cure.

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