What is Cancer? Symptoms of Cancer

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What is Cancer?

The human body is made up of many cells which replicate through cell division. It is a common process in which the body cells undergo controlled division. However, when these cells start growing abnormally, it is called cancer. The cell growth becomes uncontrolled and obstructs the body’s developmental system. According to the scientist, abnormal changes in the cell DNA result in cancer. All the cells present in the tumor are not the same. However, it helps to spread cancer and affects the cells, and starts forming new tumors. According to the World Health Organization, the death toll from cancer is high all over the world. Do not take the cancer disease lightly, and if you notice any signs, then consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let us tell you in detail about cancer in today’s article.

• Types of Cancer
• Causes of Cancer
• Symptoms of Cancer
• Diagnosis of Cancer 
• Treatments for Cancer 

Types of Cancer

Cancers are named based on the area where they begin and the type of cell they are made from, even if they spread to other parts of the body. For example, cancer that starts in the lungs and spreads to the liver is called lung cancer. Here are the names of some common types of cancer:

• Carcinoma – This type of cancer starts in the skin or tissues that affect other organs.
• Sarcoma – Sarcoma is a cancer of the connective tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels.
• Leukemia – Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, which forms blood cells.
• Lymphoma and myeloma are cancers of the immune system. (Read more – What are lymphomas)

Causes of Cancer

Changes in the DNA and mutations are the main cause of cancer. When cells start to grow uncontrollably, the risk of cancer arises. Apart from this, some chemicals or ultraviolet rays can cause a person to get cancer. Some cancers can be caused by underlying health conditions and bad dietary habits.

Risk factors of cancer include:

• Long-term use of tobacco and cigarettes can cause cancer of the mouth and lungs.
• Chronic drinking can increase the risk of liver cancer and other types of cancers.
• Frequent wounds can cause skin, tongue, lips, gall bladder, and bladder cancer.
• Consumption of more medicines and chemicals causes stomach and liver cancer.
• Having sex at a young age and having sexual relationships with multiple partners may result in cervical or uterine cancer. (Read more – What is breast cancer)

Symptoms of Cancer

Symptoms may develop depending on the body part where cancer has occurred. Apart from this, symptoms can vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. These symptoms include:

• Feeling tired
• Difficulty swallowing
• Generalized weakness in the body.
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Bluish discoloration of the skin
• Constant coughing
• Frequent fever
• Muscle pain
• Frequent infection
• Lump formation in the skin
• Joint pain (Read more – What is the treatment for joint pain)

If a person experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, he should get a proper diagnosis and treatment without delay to prevent the risk of further complications.

Diagnosis of Cancer 

To test for cancer, the doctor first conducts a physical examination and asks about your age, previous illness history, and family health status and gets information about your symptoms. If the doctor finds any signs of cancer, he can do some of the following tests to get an accurate diagnosis.

• Lab test – Some tests are done by taking samples of the patient’s blood, including kidney function test, liver function test, C reactive protein, CBC, ESR, etc.
• Imaging Tests – Imaging tests include CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, USG scans, bone density scans, etc.
• Biopsy – In this, a sample of the affected site or tumor is collected and examined to accurately determine whether the growth is cancerous or not. (Read more – What is lung biopsy)

Treatments for Cancer 

Cancer is treated based on the stage, type, and severity of cancer. The treatment options for cancer include:

• Surgery – Cancer is removed through surgery as per the need.
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-power energy beams such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can come from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation), or it can be placed inside your body (brachytherapy).
• Bone marrow transplant – Bone marrow is the material inside your bones that produces blood cells from stem cells. Bone marrow transplant, also known as stem cell transplants, may receive bone marrow stem cells from the person himself or a donor. A bone marrow transplant allows you to use high doses of chemotherapy to treat your cancer. It can also be used to replace diseased bone marrow.
• Other cancer treatments include immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy. Hormone therapy may also be used. For example, hormone therapy is used to treat prostate cancer. Some medications may also be used to prevent the symptoms of cancer, such as pain. (Read more – What is World Cancer Day)

We hope that we could answer your questions regarding cancer through this article.

If you want more information about cancer and its treatment, you can contact the Oncologist.

We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.