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Contents of this page: | |
Alternative names
Carcinoma; Malignant tumorDefinition Return to top
Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that have mutated from normal tissues. This growth can kill when these cells prevent normal function of vital organs or spread throughout the body, damaging essential systems.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer arises out of normal cells in the body, and can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.
In general, cancer appears to be caused by abnormal regulation of cell division. Cancers can occur when cells divide too rapidly or when cells “forget” how to die.
There are multiple causes of cancers such as:
However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.
The three most common cancers in men in the U.S. are prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. In women here, the three most frequently occurring cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer.
Certain cancers are more common in particular geographic regions. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of gastric cancer, while in the US this type of cancer is relatively rare. Dietary differences may account for the variance.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, while colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool.
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. However, the following symptoms are common with most cancers:
Signs and tests Return to top
Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:
Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer undergo CT scans to determine the exact location of the tumor or tumors.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.
Support Groups Return to top
The diagnosis of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a person's entire life. There are numerous support groups for cancer patients.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outlook varies widely among different types of cancer. Even among people with one particular type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured, some that are not curable can still be treated well, and some patients can live for many years with the cancer. Other tumors are rapidly fatal.Complications Return to top
One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor.Calling your health care provider Return to top
You should contact your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms suggestive of cancer.Prevention Return to top
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to not smoke or chew tobacco. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and heavy drinking.
Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early, most treatable stages. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk.
Update Date: 6/3/2004 Updated by: Robert J. Green, M.D., M.S.C.E., Division of Oncology, Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 September 2004 |