There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of these two types, SCLC represents around 20%. It is often nicknamed oat cell carcinoma due to the oat like appearance of the small cells of the lungs.
SCLC develops when these small cells start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way and eventually become malignant (cancerous). Since this cancer affects the lungs this is the area where most of the symptoms manifest. In this article I will be discussing three of the most common small cell lung cancer symptoms.
1) A PERSISTENT COUGH:- If you notice you have a cough that does not seem to go away it could be a sign of SCLC. A lot of coughs will have no other symptoms than a dry, hoarse, itchy feeling in the throat. However, some coughs result in phlegm and blood coming up. Other coughs can even cause pain.
You should inform your doctor if you notice any type of persistent cough and if any phlegm or blood comes up you should inform them right away. The cough may be down to something much less serious but it may also be an early warning sign of SCLC. Your doctor will be able to perform a number of tests and give you a professional diagnosis.
2) BREATHLESSNESS:- Feeling breathless for no apparent reason is another potential small cell lung cancer symptom. This can often lead to you feeling tired and lacking in energy whilst performing every day tasks such as walking down the street.
Regardless of whether the breathlessness comes on gradually or suddenly it should be treated with suspicion. If you notice yourself becoming short of breath for no logical reason go see your doctor and explain your concerns. They will then be able to identify the cause of the breathlessness and determine if it is linked to SCLC.
3) CHEST PAIN:- Chest pain is a very serious symptom which is linked with a number of conditions including SCLC. The chest pain may be caused by coughing or deep breathing. However, you may also experience constant or spontaneous chest pain.
Any type of chest pain should be treated with extreme caution and you should go see your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform a number of tests to identify the cause.
Many of the symptoms of small cell lung cancer are linked to the chest. Although the above symptoms are not exclusive to SCLC, they do usually act as early warning signs.
If you notice any of the symptoms discussed above you should inform your doctor right away. They will be able to investigate any suspicious coughs or spontaneous chest pains and determine if they are linked to SCLC.
This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so it makes sense to act on any potential symptoms early and go see your doctor.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
About the Author
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about small cell lung cancer and how improving your fitness can help prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Misdiagnosis of Heart Attack and Cancer by Amanda Tobin
Most people know when something just does not "feel right" with their bodies. While some will make an immediate trip to the doctor, others may wait and hope the feelings go away on their own.
Regardless of how quickly people seek medical attention for potential health conditions, they rely on doctors to correctly identify illnesses and treat them in a timely manner.
When a doctor fails to properly detect a patient's health problems and provide useful treatment options and that patient suffers further injury or wrongful death, that doctor may be held liable for medical malpractice.
In an alarming study by Health Grades, Inc., patients in hospital settings were misdiagnosed 15.5% of the time and emergency room patients were misdiagnosed 20-40% of the time.
Two of the most common health conditions that are misdiagnosed are heart attacks and cancer.
Misdiagnosis of Heart Attack
As most people are aware, heart attacks can be fatal. Typically heart attacks occur in men over age 45, however women and younger adults can also suffer from this health condition which happens when there is a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
Heart attack symptoms can be sudden and severe or the symptoms can only occur occasionally. The pain can start mild and become progressively more painful over time.
Heart attack symptoms can include:
• Chest pain, squeezing, pressure or burning
• Back pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
• Neck or jaw discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Vomiting or nausea
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Palpitations
Heart attacks are not the same for every individual which makes proper testing even more important.
If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of a heart attack, make sure your doctor or emergency room physicians run adequate tests to diagnose your condition, including:
• Stress tests
• Electrocardiograms
. Echocardiograms
• Coronary artery disease tests
• Cardiac enzyme tests
• Angiograms
Misdiagnosis of Cancer
Early detection and treatment of cancer can greatly improve a patient's chance of survival. In some cases it is the individual's responsibility to make sure that he or she follows a physician's recommendations of frequent testing, such as mammograms, prostate exams or cervical exams.
However, if physicians neglect to properly inform patients of the importance of tests or neglect to properly identify cancer symptoms in their patients, those physicians can be held accountable under medical malpractice lawsuits.
It is important that physicians not only perform proper tests but also correctly and quickly interpret the test results so treatment options can be discussed and implemented.
Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer.
Some cancer symptoms may include:
• Changes in moles or warts
• Unidentified lumps• Reoccurring cough
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Bladder or bowel difficulties
• Abscess
• Bleeding
• Unsettled stomach or difficulty swallowing
A misdiagnosis of a heart attack or cancer may result in catastrophic injury or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a misdiagnosis, contact an attorney as quickly as possible to determine if you have a medical malpractice case.
Please contact the in Phoenix, Arizona for an initial case evaluation.
About the Author
Please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys of Snyder & Wenner, P.C. in Phoenix, Arizona for an initial case evaluation.
Regardless of how quickly people seek medical attention for potential health conditions, they rely on doctors to correctly identify illnesses and treat them in a timely manner.
When a doctor fails to properly detect a patient's health problems and provide useful treatment options and that patient suffers further injury or wrongful death, that doctor may be held liable for medical malpractice.
In an alarming study by Health Grades, Inc., patients in hospital settings were misdiagnosed 15.5% of the time and emergency room patients were misdiagnosed 20-40% of the time.
Two of the most common health conditions that are misdiagnosed are heart attacks and cancer.
Misdiagnosis of Heart Attack
As most people are aware, heart attacks can be fatal. Typically heart attacks occur in men over age 45, however women and younger adults can also suffer from this health condition which happens when there is a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
Heart attack symptoms can be sudden and severe or the symptoms can only occur occasionally. The pain can start mild and become progressively more painful over time.
Heart attack symptoms can include:
• Chest pain, squeezing, pressure or burning
• Back pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
• Neck or jaw discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Vomiting or nausea
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Palpitations
Heart attacks are not the same for every individual which makes proper testing even more important.
If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of a heart attack, make sure your doctor or emergency room physicians run adequate tests to diagnose your condition, including:
• Stress tests
• Electrocardiograms
. Echocardiograms
• Coronary artery disease tests
• Cardiac enzyme tests
• Angiograms
Misdiagnosis of Cancer
Early detection and treatment of cancer can greatly improve a patient's chance of survival. In some cases it is the individual's responsibility to make sure that he or she follows a physician's recommendations of frequent testing, such as mammograms, prostate exams or cervical exams.
However, if physicians neglect to properly inform patients of the importance of tests or neglect to properly identify cancer symptoms in their patients, those physicians can be held accountable under medical malpractice lawsuits.
It is important that physicians not only perform proper tests but also correctly and quickly interpret the test results so treatment options can be discussed and implemented.
Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer.
Some cancer symptoms may include:
• Changes in moles or warts
• Unidentified lumps• Reoccurring cough
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Bladder or bowel difficulties
• Abscess
• Bleeding
• Unsettled stomach or difficulty swallowing
A misdiagnosis of a heart attack or cancer may result in catastrophic injury or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a misdiagnosis, contact an attorney as quickly as possible to determine if you have a medical malpractice case.
Please contact the in Phoenix, Arizona for an initial case evaluation.
About the Author
Please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys of Snyder & Wenner, P.C. in Phoenix, Arizona for an initial case evaluation.
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