Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth, potentially spreading to other parts of the body and affecting vital organ function.

Definition:

• It refers to the uncontrolled growth and division of body cells, leading to the formation of abnormal tissues known as neoplasms or tumors.
• Neoplasm: A mass of tissue that develops abnormally when cells do not undergo timely apoptosis (cell death) or proliferate excessively.

Conditions of Cancer

• Disorganized Growth: Cells do not follow the normal structure and function.
• Uncontrolled Cell Division: Continuous proliferation without regulatory signals.
• Tissue Invasion: Tumor cells invade adjacent tissues.
• Lack of Apoptosis: Cells do not undergo programmed cell death, allowing accumulation.

Causes of Cancer

1. Genetic Factors:

   • Inherited mutations and genetic predispositions.

2. Physical and Chemical Agents:

   • Smoking: Major risk factor for lung and other cancers.
   • Alcohol Consumption: Linked to various cancers including liver and breast.
   • Diet: Poor dietary habits can increase cancer risk.

3. Hormones:

   • Imbalances can promote certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

4. Infections:

   • Viruses: HPV, Hepatitis B and C.
   • Bacteria and Parasites: Certain strains linked to cancer development.

5. Radiation:

   • Ionizing Radiation: X-rays, gamma rays.
   • Non-Ionizing Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.

6. Rare Causes:

   • Organ Transplantation: Immunosuppression increases cancer risk.
   • Trauma: Chronic injuries may lead to cancer in rare cases.

Types of Cancer

1. Carcinoma:

   • Originates in epithelial cells.
   • Common in lungs, breasts, pancreas, skin, and other organs.

2. Sarcoma:

   • Arises from connective or supportive tissues.
   • Affects muscles, fat, bone, cartilage, or blood vessels.

3. Melanoma:

   • Develops in pigment-producing skin cells.
   • Highly aggressive and prone to spreading.

4. Lymphoma:

   • Affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
   • Includes Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

5. Leukemia:

   • Cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
   • Involves the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Treatment of Cancer

1. Chemotherapy:

   • Uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancers cells.

2. Radiation Therapy:

   • Utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancers cells.

3. Surgery:

   • Physically removes tumors from the body.

4. Hormone Therapy:

   • Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers.

5. Biological Response Modifiers:

   • Enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

6. Immunotherapy:

   • Uses the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

7. Bone Marrow Transplant:

   • Replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow.

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