Definition
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing , shortness of breath , or chest pain , while colon cancer often causes diarrhea , constipation , and blood in the stool .
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In some cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, symptoms often are not present until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
However, the following symptoms are common with most cancers:
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Definition
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Causes
Cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too rapidly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die.
There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.
There are multiple causes of cancers, including:
- Radiation
- Sunlight
- Tobacco
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Treatment
Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.
- If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the goal for treatment would be surgery and cure. This is often the case with skin cancers .
- If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed.
- If all of the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, the options for treatment include radiation , chemotherapy , or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there many ways to keep up your strength.
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Other Names
Carcinoma; Malignant tumor
Possible Complications
One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook varies widely among different types of cancer. Even among people with one particular type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured, some that are not curable can still be treated well, and some patients can live for many years with the cancer. Other tumors are rapidly fatal.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to not smoke or chew tobacco. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and heavy drinking.
Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early, most treatable stages. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk.
Exams and Tests
Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:
Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer undergo CT scans to determine the exact location of the tumor or tumors.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. ...
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