Most Common Kinds Of Cancer
Cancer is one of the most dreaded forms of diseases and is characterized by out-of-control cell growth. When the damaged cells divide uncontrollably, the body systems get harmed because of the masses of tissue that develop and lead to tumors. These tumors can develop and interfere with the body functioning and systems. They also release hormones in our body that can disrupt the functioning of digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems. Tumors that show restricted growth and stay in one place are considered to be benign. But, the more dangerous and malignant tumors are often problematic to treat and can be life threatening.
There are different types of cancer, based on their location, for example, rectal cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, etc. Today, there are more than hundred kinds of cancers known and are classified according to the type of cell that is affected. The malignant tumors get developed when two things occur, first, when those cancerous cells move throughout the body, via the lymph systems, and destroy the healthy tissues wherever they reach. This is known as invasion. Secondly, when the cell divides and grow at a rapid pace and develop new blood vessels. The process is known as angiogenesis. When the tumor moves to other parts of the body, destroying healthy tissues, it leads to a serious condition known as metastasis, which is very difficult to treat.
Tumors can grow and lease hormones in the body, altering body functions like digestion, nervous, and circulatory systems Tumors that remain in one place and show limited growth are considered to be benign. The more dangerous or malignant tumors form when cancerous cells move throughout the body using and destroy the healthy tissues. Normal cells follow a logical path of growth, but the cancerous cells continue to grow and divide. Those abnormal cells grow out of control, leading to a mass that is cancerous.
Let us take a look at different kind of cancers.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the uninhibited growth of abnormal skin cells and takes place when unrepaired DNA damages skin cells. The genetic defects, triggered mutations and radiation from sunshine causes the skin cells to multiply rapidly and develop malignant tumors. Skin cancers comprise of melanoma, squamous cell and basal cells. The treatment of Basal and squamous cell is common and is very effective. It is the malignant melanoma that can be difficult to treat. Early diagnosis and treatment is highly suggested. In the United States, the skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer and every year, more than 3 million cases of skin cancers are diagnosed. Skin Cancer Foundation suggests a practical monthly body self-examination from head-to-toe, looking for any kinds of lumps.
Rectal cancer
The rectum is a part of the body’s digestive system. Age and family history do have a role to play, but having a risk factor does not mean that you will get the cancer. The possible risk factors are your ebbing 40 or older, certain hereditary conditions, diet, having a personal history of Polyps, Cancer of the ovary or Colorectal cancer. Signs and indications of Rectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, bleeding, constipation, diarrhea and stools that are narrower or carry a different shape. Change in appetite, as well as, a general abdominal discomfort are other signs. Physical exam includes checking for signs of disease, the patient’s health habits, exam of the rectum, a colonoscopy procedure, where a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens is inserted in inside the rectum and colon tom look for any polyps or cancerous growths. The cure of the cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer and how deep the tumor has penetrated.
Prostate cancer
In prostate cancer, the normal cells of the male reproductive system multiply without any controls and invade adjacent tissues and their space. The prostate cancers arise from the secretory glandular cells and adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer. The main cause of the cancer still remains unknown. However, genetics, age, Hormonal changes, dietary factors, ethnicity, etc. are believed to be the causes. The usual symptoms are difficulty when urinating, pain while urinating or a rise in incidence of urination. Active surveillance, Radiation therapy, Radical prostatectomy, Cryotherapy and HIFU are the common treatments. Treatment for advanced disease comprises of Chemotherapy and Hormonal therapy.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the cancer of the tissue in the breast and is simply a group of abnormal cells with abnormal growth patterns. Basically a disease of women, about 1% of breast cancer is also known to occur in men. This is the second major cause of death in women. There are other risk factors other than age, genetics and gender for the cancer. White women are more likely to develop breast cancer as compared to the African-American women. Hormonal causes too play a role in the development of breast cancer. The symptoms of breast cancer include the presence of a breast lump or a lump in the armpit. Other possible symptoms are nipple inversion, breast discharge or any changes in the skin covering the breast. Examination of the breast, mammography, MRI are the usual way of diagnosing breast cancer. The most definitive way to diagnose is Biopsy. Surgery is the main therapy for breast cancer, and the final decision will depend on size and location of the tumor. How many and which lymph nodes are affected aloes need to be taken into consideration.