The word cancer in Latin means ‘crab or creeping ulcer’. Cancer is known to be one of the most researched and least understood topics in the medical field. Cancer can be summarized as a collection of cells which keep multiplying and start invading the adjacent tissues. Cancer can occur or start in any part of the body. A number of etiological factors and risk factors contribute to the genesis of cancer. It is important to understand that not all growths and tumors are cancer.
Can the term tumor and cancer be used synonymously ?
No, the term tumor and cancer cannot be used synonymously. A tumor refers to abnormal growth of tissue in any part of the body. A tumor can be further categorized as a benign tumor or a malignant tumor. A benign tumor is one where the tumor does not invade or spread to the adjacent tissues or to the distant tissues. Whereas a malignant tumor is one in which the tumor spreads to the adjacent and distant tissues. A benign tumor can be bigger in size but is usually asymptomatic and does not recur on surgical removal whereas in a malignant tumor recurrence is high.
How are cancer cells different from normal cells ?
Cell is the structural and function unit of life, hence is the sole unit of a living organism. Different types of the cell are present in a human body and the function of a cell is determined by its growth and its differentiation. A normal cell has a predetermined life cycle and rate at which it will die. Once the old cells die they are replaced by the new cells. New cells are formed by the continuous controlled division of older cells which are genetically regulated. A normal cell multiplies and differentiates to perform the function it is assigned to in the body whereas a cancerous cell just multiplies in number without becoming functional. When a cells exits the normal regulatory cycle of cell division it multiplies and keeps growing. Uncontrolled cell growth leads to an increase in the size of the tissue or organ of the body, when these cells start spreading to the adjacent tissues and start invading and destroying them, it is when the cells become cancerous.
Does genetics have a role to play in cancer ?
Yes, genetics changes play a very important role in the development and spread of cancerous tissue. As mentioned above each cell in the body has a regulated life cycle which is controlled by genes. Any mutation in these genes may lead to a uncontrolled growth of these cells leading to cancer.
What are the possible etiologies for cancer ?
Though cancer is a very well researched topic, it is still very complex to understand with a number of etiological factors, risk factors associated with it. The prime cause of a cancer lies in genes where the any type of change in the genetic makeup (called as a genetic mutation) causes the change in regulation of the life cycle of a cell thereby leading to uncontrolled growth. The cells that grow beyond their potential just keep on multiplying but do not differentiate to perform their function. Every cancer is unique and so is its genetics make up. The risk factors of cancer can include a wide array of factors such as genetic predisposition, sunlight (UV radiation), smoking and chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption and viral infections ( Human Papilloma Virus) to name a few.
What are the types of cancer?
Depending upon the type of cancer and the location of cancer more than 100 varieties of cancer are documented in literature. Broadly the cancer can be classified as ;
• Carcinoma: Cancer of the epithelial cells (cells which form a lining of the organs and tissue in the human body. Most common type of cancer.
• Sarcoma: Cancer of the connective tissue components such as the muscle, tendons, fat, bone, blood, lymph vessels, nerves and joints.
It is said that the carcinomas usually spread or metastasize by the lymphatic channels whereas sarcomas spread via the blood but is still remains a debatable topic.
How does a cancer metastasize ?
It is the characteristic of a malignant tumor to invade and spread to the adjacent and distant tissues. This process of spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is termed as metastasis. In metastasis the cancer cells can break from the tissue of origin and spread to any nearby or distant sites via the lymphatic channels or the blood vessels and get lodged there. A metastatic cancer has the same set of cells as the primary cancer. An example could be a prostate cancer that has metastasized to lungs.
How is cancer diagnosed ?
Cancer is a disease which can be symptomatic or asymptomatic at times. If the patient is experiencing an abnormal growth in any part of the body which is either asymptomatic or associated symptoms such as pain, discharge, ulceration, generalized weakness, sudden increase in size of the growth, fever and malaise it is advise to seek consultation with a specialist to check for a possibility of cancer. The consulting physician will conduct a routine physical examination and analysis of your signs and symptoms to come to a diagnosis. Adjuncts like radiographs, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan and a biopsy of the affected tissue can be done for a final diagnosis.
How is cancer treated ?
The treatment of cancer is based on the stage of cancer and its grade which is determined by a microscopic examination of the biopsy. Earlier the cancer is diagnosed, better is the outcome of treatment and prognosis. The treatment of cancer is usually a surgical removal of the cancerous growth via various surgical approaches and may be followed by either or both chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions to prevent further recurrences. In certain cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as adjuncts to the surgical removal of the cancer as it is essential to remove the cancer completely in order to prevent any future recurrences. The treatment plan would be decided by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and it depends on type of cancer, staging of the cancer, and its location.New treatments like immunotherapy, hormone therapy and gene therapy are also being developed to prevent and control cancer.
How to find cancer specialists for cancer treatment ?
Now you can find cancer specialists for cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple cancer specialists, cost estimates for cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals, compare things and then choose a cancer specialist or a cancer hospital for cancer treatment.
Find a cancer specialist for cancer treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
