AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention.
Information on current cancer research and breakthroughs.
The genetics of cancer
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Question Hi Doctor- I am a 41 year old female who smoked for 19 years (about a pack a day). I quit 8 years ago. About 3 months ago I began to have a tickle in my throat and the need to clear my throat along with some pain at my shoulder blade in the right upper part of my back. The symptoms have remained the same with the exception of the pain in my back getting worse. It seems worse with movement. I had a chest xray in the summer before these symptoms began, that was negative, I also had a bone scan in October that was also clean. Does this sound like it could be lung cancer? I am a little worried
Answer Dear Colleen.
Since you have had the chest Xray and the bone scan recently I very much doubt that you have lung cancer. Most cancers do not have pain as a symptom.
Did the pain in the back come with any injury or strain?
If it continues, of you continue to be worried, I would have a doctor check out your throat.
But you did the best thing by quitting.
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
