Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment – Complete Study Guide

Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment – Complete Study Guide

1. Definition

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

These cells can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs through blood or lymphatic system.

2. Important Terms

Tumor

Any abnormal swelling, lump, or mass in the body.

Neoplasm

Abnormal proliferation of genetically altered cells.

3. Types of Tumors

1. Benign Tumor

Non-cancerous

Slow growing

Do not invade surrounding tissues

Usually removable by surgery

Named with suffix –oma

Example

Fibroma

2. Malignant Tumor

Cancerous tumor

Rapid uncontrolled growth

Invades surrounding tissues

Can metastasize

Suffix used:

Carcinoma

Sarcoma

Blastoma

Example

Hepatocarcinoma

Mammary carcinoma

4. Types of Cancer

1. Carcinoma

Cancer arising from epithelial tissue (skin or organ lining)

Examples

Lung cancer

Colon cancer

2. Sarcoma

Cancer of connective tissues

Examples

Bone

Muscle

Fat

3. Leukemia

Cancer of blood-forming tissues (bone marrow)

Produces abnormal white blood cells.

4. Lymphoma & Myeloma

Cancer of immune system cells.

5. CNS Cancer

Cancer of brain and spinal cord tissues.

6. Germ Cell Tumor

Tumor arising from reproductive cells

Common in testes and ovaries.

5. Origin of Cancer

Cancer develops due to mutation of DNA.

Steps:

1. DNA damage occurs

2. Mutation develops

3. Cell growth regulation lost

4. Cells fail to undergo apoptosis

5. Excess cells accumulate

6. Tumor formation

6. Carcinogenesis

Definition:Process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells.

Also called:

Oncogenesis

Tumorigenesis

Cause:

Genetic mutations

Epigenetic changes

Types of genetic changes:

Chromosomal deletion

Chromosomal duplication

Activation of oncogenes

7. Causes of Cancer

Distribution

Environmental causes – 90–95%

Genetic causes – 5–10%

1. Tobacco

Major cause of cancer.

Associated cancers:

Lung

Oral cavity

Larynx

Esophagus

Bladder

2. Diet and Obesity

Risk factors:

Low fruit & vegetable intake

High red meat consumption

Obesity

Physical inactivity

Examples:

High salt diet → Gastric cancer

Betel nut chewing → Oral cancer

3. Infections

Viral

Human papillomavirus → Cervical cancer

Bacterial

Helicobacter pylori → Gastric cancer

Parasitic

Clonorchis sinensis → Bile duct cancer

4. Radiation

Types:

Ionizing radiation

Ultraviolet radiation

Sources:

Sun exposure

Medical imaging

8. Signs and Symptoms

General symptoms:

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Persistent fever

Pain

Lump or swelling

Abnormal bleeding

Persistent cough

Non-healing ulcers

Difficulty swallowing

9. Warning Signs of Cancer (CAUTION)

C – Change in bowel or bladder habits

A – A sore that does not heal

U – Unusual bleeding or discharge

T – Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

I – Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

O – Obvious change in wart or mole

N – Nagging cough or hoarseness

10. Diagnosis of Cancer

1. Biopsy

Most confirmatory test

Tissue examination under microscope.

2. Imaging Tests

X-ray

CT Scan

MRI

Ultrasound

3. Laboratory Tests

Blood tests

Tumor markers

4. Endoscopy

Visualization of internal organs using flexible tube.

5. Genetic Testing

Detects mutations in tumor cells.

11. Treatment of Cancer

1. Surgery

Removal of tumor.

2. Chemotherapy

Anti-cancer drugs destroy rapidly dividing cells.

3. Radiation Therapy

High energy rays destroy cancer cells.

4. Targeted Therapy

Drugs targeting specific cancer cell molecules.

5. Immunotherapy

Stimulates immune system to attack cancer.

6. Hormone Therapy

Used for hormone-dependent cancers.

7. Stem Cell Transplant

Replaces damaged bone marrow cells.

12. Prevention

Avoid tobacco

Healthy diet

Regular exercise

Maintain healthy weight

Avoid excessive alcohol

Regular screening tests

Protection from radiation


Cancer – Short Summary

Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs through blood or lymph, a process called metastasis.

A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are of two types: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, slow growing, and do not spread, whereas malignant tumors are cancerous, grow rapidly, invade surrounding tissues, and can metastasize.


Cancer develops due to mutations in DNA that disturb normal cell growth and apoptosis. This process is called carcinogenesis or oncogenesis.


Major causes of cancer include:

Tobacco use

Obesity and unhealthy diet

Radiation exposure

Infections such as HPV and Helicobacter pylori

Genetic factors


Common types of cancer are:

Carcinoma

Sarcoma

Leukemia

Lymphoma

CNS cancers

Germ cell tumors


Common symptoms include:

Weight loss

Fatigue

Lump or swelling

Persistent cough

Abnormal bleeding

Non-healing ulcers


Cancer is diagnosed mainly by biopsy, along with imaging tests like CT scan, MRI, and blood tests.


Treatment methods include:

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

Immunotherapy

Targeted therapy


Cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy weight, and undergoing regular screening tests.

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