Is emphysema a tumor?
No, emphysema is not a form of cancer. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is characterized by the destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This leads to difficulty breathing, as the damaged air sacs are unable to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively.
Emphysema is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes. It is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time.
While emphysema does not directly cause cancer, people with emphysema are at increased risk of developing lung cancer due to the damage caused to their lungs by the disease. Additionally, smoking is a major risk factor for both emphysema and lung cancer.