Posted by By: Alex Wood
Lung cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, according to the American Cancer Society (2022). It is one of the most aggressive types of cancer affecting the respiratory system. It is a disease that results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue, leading to the formation of a tumor. The tumor can spread to other body parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to further complications. Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, and genetic factors. This STEAM project aims to analyze the effects of lung cancer on the function and structure of the respiratory system and describe the tissues in the respiratory system and their function. Also my STEAM project will show how lung cancer progresses through four stages, with each stage reflecting the size and spread of the cancerous cells. In the early stages, the cancer is typically confined to the lungs, but as it progresses, it can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and other organs like the liver. The cancer cells can invade and destroy healthy lung tissue, impairing lung function and potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Lung cancer is a complex disease that involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue. The lungs are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. The respiratory system consists of several parts, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and pulmonary capillaries. The alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. The development of lung cancer begins when normal cells in the lung tissue undergo genetic mutations. These mutations cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. The tumor can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body.
Conversely, malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer can be classified into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) The National Cancer Institute (2022). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. SCLC is less common but is more aggressive and tends to spread quickly.
Lung cancer can have several effects on the function and structure of the respiratory system. The tumor can grow and invade nearby tissues, obstructing airways and reducing lung capacity. This can result in shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough. The tumor can also cause inflammation and damage to the lung tissue, leading to lung scarring and fibrosis. In addition, lung cancer can affect the functioning of the alveoli, which are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The tumor can invade the alveoli, leading to the destruction of their walls and reduced gas exchange. This can result in low oxygen levels in the blood, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
The respiratory system consists of several tissues that work together to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. These tissues include the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and pulmonary capillaries. The trachea is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi. It is lined with ciliated epithelial cells that help to move mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs. The trachea also contains smooth muscle fibers that can contract and relax to regulate airflow. The bronchi are two significant air passages that branch off the trachea and lead to the lungs. They are also lined with ciliated epithelial cells and smooth muscle fibers that help to regulate airflow. The bronchi further divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which continue to branch out into even smaller tubes. The bronchioles are responsible for delivering air to the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place. The alveoli are tiny air sacs that are surrounded by pulmonary capillaries. They exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream. (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017)
This steam project looks at lung cancer and how it affects the function of the lungs. The objectives that were covered were “Analyze the effects of disease on function and structure of the respiratory system” and “Describe the tissues in the respiratory system and their function”. Lung cancer is very dangerous and is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is also one of the most aggressive types of cancer in the respiratory symptom. It happens when cells are mutated and then begin to rapidly replicate causing tumors and spreading to surrounding tissues. There are two main types of Lung cancer, the most common one is non-small cell lung cancer, and the less common but more aggressive one is called small cell lung cancer. Both cancers can occur due to smoking, environmental pollution, and genetic disposition. Due to the fact that the cells rapidly replicate there is a possibility of it blocking the airway or damaging tissue within the lung. This includes the alveoli in the lung, causing the lung to not be able to carry out the gas exchange as well as leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent coughing. This is also a cancer that can be transmitted to other tissues and organs through the blood and lymphatic system. There are four main stages depicted in the artwork. During the first stage, the cancer is mostly contained in the lung. The tumor grows and the cells are carried to different parts of the respiratory symptoms and surrounding tissues causing other issues.