HOW (LUNG) CANCER SPREADS

Most cancers spread in basically the same way, but we are currently talking about lung cancer. Let me stress that with any cancer early detection is the key to treatment and survival. Do not put off going to the doctor because it might be cancer! If it is cancer, the sooner you know the better your chances of survival. I am a survivor of both breast and colon cancers. Both times my life was saved by early detection.

The following describes in simple terms how the cancer spreads. This will explain the reason early detection is so important.

• Cancer cells grow into nearby tissue.
• Cancer cells break off from your original (lung) tumor and get into your bloodstream or lymph vessels.

Lymph vessels are like blood vessels, but instead of blood they carry lymph fluid which is an important part of the immune system. Cancer cells can spread through your lymph vessels and bloodstream to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are organs that create and store cells to fight infection. Sometimes this takes place before there are symptoms or the cancer can be seen on an exray.

Again, early detection is very important, as you can see by the above. If you have the slightest suspicion, see your doctor. If there is no cancer, you will feel relieved and your doctor will be happy for you.