Cancer begins in cells and affects the functioning of the whole body, overtime. The basic nature of cancer is shown by abnormal duplication of cells which happens uncontrollably. The end result is formation of a mass of excess cells called tumors There are two types of tumors but only malignant ones are harmful. The other type is called benign meaning non cancerous.
The malignant cancer cells usually divide rapidly entering other nearby tissue and organs disorting the normal functioning of the body. The cancerous cells can also swim through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to give rise to tumors in other places.
Cancers are usually named after the place in which it starts. Therefore, names of cancer types as lung cancer, bone cancer, breast cancer and so on. If a lung cancer spreads out to the brain, it is still called a metastatic lung cancer for the simple reason that cancerous cells originated in the lungs.
Statistics show breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer types. Common symptoms for breast cancers are discharges from the nipples and lumps in the breasts which are often diagnosed through a mammogram. While treatment for breast cancer does not always end up in surgery, in extreme cases patients are advised against settling for other options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.
Colon cancer has different symptoms such as weight loss, bowel habit changes, discomfort and pain in abdomen, as well as fatigue. the exact causes of colon cancers are not yet known but it is believed, that genetic mutations that are passed down generations can act a risk factor.
Similarly, risk factors for lung cancer too can run in genes However the deadliest cause of lung cancer for most sufferers is tobacco smoking, marijuana, exposure to radon and recurring inflammation of the lungs due to conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Lung cancer can most probably be controlled up to a level through chemotherapy, radiation therapy and sometimes surgery.
When it comes to prostate cancer, the treatment options vary according to the stage of the illness. For stage one prostate cancer, internal/external radiation as well as radical prostatectomy may be ideal. For stage II, radiation therapies and hormonal therapies may work out. For stage III and IV, patients may want to move in to clinical trials of chemotherapy or continue radiation therapy along with hormone therapy. Causes of prostate cancer is not crystal clear but it is believed that risk factors run in African American genes and has a connection with dietary habits and age.