Adenocarcinoma is a most common kind of lung cancer, which is located on the outer surface of the lungs known as periphery. The cancer form is usually localised, although it can spread to the lymph glands, the bloodstream and other organs. Your risk of adenocarcinoma increase if you smoke, exposed to radon or asbestos dust and are exposed to agents such as uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline and diesel exhaust.
Like other cancer forms, adenocarcinoma of the lung have symptoms such as a cough that doesn't go away, wheezing, breathing difficulty, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, fever, hoarseness, poor appetite and weight loss.
Prevention of Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
There are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of adenocarcinoma and other forms of lung cancer. Some of the recommendations to prevent it are as follows.
Avoid cigarette smoking: Smoking increases the risk of any type of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma being no different. If you already smoke, see a doctor to talk about proven ways to help you quit.
Avoid Secondhand Smoke
When you choose smoke-free environment such as restaurants and hotels where smoking is prohibited, you are helping yourself to shield against adenocarcinoma.
Reduce Exposure to Radon
Have your home checked for radon gas levels. A level above 4 picocuries/litre is unsafe. If you have a water pool, have it checked for the radon levels.
Reduce Exposure to Asbestos
If your home is old, make sure that insulation or other material that contains asbestos is not exposed or deteriorating. Any exposure is too much in this case. If you deal with asbestos-containing materials routinely, you should work under recommended measures to limit asbestos exposure and must keep from bringing asbestos dust home on their clothing.
Image courtesy: Getty Images
Read more articles on Health A-Z.
