Smoking in Relation to Lung Cancer
Most people know cigarette smoking is bad for one’s health. Lung cancer caused by smoking is the most preventable form of cancer. A non-smoker’s risk of developing lung cancer is 23 times less than that of smokers. Each year, 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
When you inhale smoke from a cigarette, the smoke particles get trapped in the cilia, the tiny hairs that line the air passage of the lungs. Over time, smoke and tar are absorbed deep into the cilia. The cilia become clogged and irritated and the cilia cells can become cancerous.
The smoke inhaled from a cigar is filled with tobacco and other poisonous chemicals that can lead to lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a single cigarette contains as many as 42-61 carcinogens. These carcinogens include cyanide, polonium, benzene, carbon monoxide, methoprene, nicotine and arsenic. Nicotine suppresses part of the immune system that is trying to fight cancerous cells.
The smoke doesn’t just put carcinogens into the lungs; it changes the DNA of cells in the body. It changes how fast the cells grow and reproduce, which can lead to malignant tumors and lung cancer.
It’s never too late to quit smoking. When you quit smoking, you can start to reverse the bad effects.
Book an Appointment with a Tampa Robotic Lung Surgeon
If you are a smoker with lung cancer, we recommend you stop smoking immediately and seek treatment to remove the cancer, if possible. If you have a lesser stage lung cancer, robotic lung surgery may be the best option to remove the cancer.
Dr. Peter Mikhail is a robotic lung specialist and surgeon who performs robotic lung surgery to treat lung cancer. He will evaluate you and determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery. To learn more about robotic lung surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail has offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida.
