The lungs are an important part of the body just like every other organ. They are the main source of oxygen to reach our blood. We have two lungs and they help clear Carbon Dioxide which is present in the air we breathe. Lung Cancer and Bronchitis are diseases that affect the lungs.
Lung Cancer vs Bronchitis
The main difference between lung cancer and bronchitis is that lung cancer is caused by the cancer cells and bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Bronchitis can leave one with breathlessness and intense pain in the chest. Lung Cancer can cause coughs and blood that comes when one coughs.
Lung Cancer is caused by cancer cells. They grow in the lungs and affect the functioning of the lungs. Lung carcinoma is the other term for lung cancer. These cancer cells present in the lung can furthermore affect the other organs of the body by spreading.
Bronchitis is caused due to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that are present in the lungs. This is a communicable disease and can spread through the air when an individual coughs or when they are directly in contact with an infected person. It is also a viral infection in more than ninety per cent of cases.
Comparison Table Between Lung Cancer and Bronchitis
| Parameters of Comparison | Lung Cancer | Bronchitis |
| No. of people affected in a year | More than one million people are affected each year | More than 10 million people are affected each year |
| Caused by | Cancer cells | Infected Bronchial tubes |
| Symptoms | Coughing with blood, wheezing | Breathing is difficult, dry cough or cough with phlegm |
| Treatments | Depends on the cancer stage, surgery, radiation therapy | Can be cured by self, Narcotics and cough medicine |
| Where it is present | Predominantly present in the lungs and spreads to other organs | Present in the bronchial tubes |
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer is caused by the cancer cells in the lungs. The most common cause of death by cancer is due to lung cancer. It is also known as lung carcinoma. Mesenchymal cells and Epithelial cells can cause cancer. Epithelial cells group and form as malignant cells. Mesenchymal cells are formed by the connective tissues.
Cancer can grow and spread to the other parts it is called metastasis. Carcinomas is the term for initial lung cancer. Due to tobacco smoking lung cancer occurs. And that is why the cigarette packets have warnings of lung cancer on them. Even genetic factors can be the cause of cancer.
Avoiding smoking and not going into places where there is a lot of air pollution can reduce the risk of getting cancer. There are two types of lung cancer. Mostly eighty-five per cent of people have cancer due to smoking. Only ten to fifteen per cent have cancer which is not caused by smoking.
Lung Cancer can affect not just breathing but also cause rapid weight loss, fever, wheezing, pain in the chest and bones. It is also difficult to swallow food properly. These cancer cells can spread to the liver, kidneys and even the brain.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of bronchi tubes. It can cause coughing which is either with mucous or dry cough. This can spread by direct contact with people or the air. There are two types of bronchitis: chronic and acute. Bronchial tubes are present in the lung.
Tobacco, pollution and dust are the main causes of Bronchitis. Five per cent of the adults and six per cent of the children get this. Chronic Bronchitis can be there either for three months or for a year. This is a communicable and also an infectious disease. Antibiotics are not usually given for this.
Acute bronchitis is caused by a viral infection. If an individual has a cough for ten weeks or more it can be acute bronchitis. This cough is also called a smokers cough as it prolongs for a longer period. Smoking should be avoided to get rid of this disease.
Chronic Bronchitis has a cough with phlegm. It can have spotting of blood, yellow or green colour. Medications and oxygen therapy can help cure this disease. For many centuries this disease has existed.
Main Differences Between Lung Cancer and Bronchitis
Conclusion
Both lung cancer and bronchitis are diseases that affect the lung and can have prolonged effects on the individual. Lung cancer is a bit difficult to endure as it can even cause death. Cancer spreads to other areas of the body hence it is very critical.
Bronchitis on the other hand is of two types acute and Chronic. Both can be curable and are not as dreadful as cancer. This is a communicable disease and one has to be careful with passive smoking and air pollution. The diseases require medical support most f the time. It is recommended to treat these sicknesses right from the initial stages to avoid complications later.
References
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