Cancer can develop anywhere in the body and starts when cells begin to grow uncontrollably outnumbering normal cells. But cancer is not a single disease but they exist Many types. It can originate in the lungs, breasts, colon, or even blood. Although there are similarities between them, they grow and spread differently.
The origin
The problem originates in the cancerous tumor. All cells in the body have their specific function and divide in an orderly manner. That is, when they die, wear out, or damage, new cells take their place. But nevertheless, In cancer, cells continue to grow and produce new cells that crowd out normal cells.
Some types of cancer grow and spread quickly. Others do it more slowly. The treatment too it is different in that some respond better to drugs such as chemotherapy and others require surgery.
The tumor
The mass called a tumor or growth not necessarily cancerous. After an extraction of a fragment under a procedure called “biopsy”, doctors can check whether or not cancer has developed, that is, whether it is a benign or malignant tumor.
But there are some types of cancer, such as leukemia, which is cancer of the blood, that do not form tumors. It is because these types of cancer develop in blood cells or cells, or in other cells of the body.
Types of cancer
What defines the type of cancer is the tissue or organ in which it originated. Also, the denominations They are grouped by the tissue that gave them origin:
Carcinomas. They originate from epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the surface of organs, glands or body structures. This type represents more than 80% of all cancers. That is why you must know the signs that warn you that you have skin cancer.
Sarcomas. They are formed from the so-called connective or connective tissue, that is, from which muscles, bones, cartilage or fatty tissue derive. The most common are bone sarcomas.
Leukemias. They originate in the bone marrow, the tissue responsible for maintaining the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. They can also cause anemia, infections and blood clotting disorders such as bleeding or thrombosis.
Lymphomas. They develop from lymphatic tissue, such as that found in lymph nodes and organs. In fact, it has become associated the quality of carbohydrates to breast cancer.
Cell types
At the same time, a prefix that describes the type of cell that caused it.
- Adeno = gland
- Chondro = cartilage
- Erythro = red blood cell
- Hemangio = blood vessel
- Lipo = fat
- Melano = pigment cell
- Mio = muscle cell
- Osteo = bone
Normal or cancer cells
Microscopic analysis can establish large morphological differences between normal and cancer cells:
Hyperplasia: occurs when cell proliferation increases but maintaining normal cell structure. It is usually a normal, reversible response to an irritating stimulus.
Dysplasia: there is an excessive proliferation characterized by the loss of the normal organization of the tissues and of the normal cellular architecture. It can undergo a carcinomatous transformation. The most severe case of dysplasia forms carcinoma “in situ”, within the most immediate anatomical barrier to the place where it started. In this process, cells lose the ability to differentiate or specialize in their functions. .
The different stages of cancer
The doctor must analyze whether the cancer is propagated and the place where it originated. In this way, the stage or staging of the cancer is established and the best treatment for the patient is decided.
Treatments
Goes from surgery, drugs, and radiation. But everything will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery is often used to directly remove the malignant tumor or some part. But this procedure not useful in all cases and it ends up resorting to chemotherapy or radiation.
The drugs they fight cancer cells or slow their growth. They can be administered intravenously. There are also other modes that consist of pills that are taken by mouth. In addition, you can resort to targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. On the other hand, radiation therapy is also used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. All these treatments can be combined with each other, that is, it is not necessary for the doctor to use just one.
Causes of cancer
Genetic changes called “causing” cancer affect three main types of genes: proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and DNA repair genes:
Proto-oncogenes: they are dedicated to normal cell growth and division. When they are altered or more active than normal, they can become cancer-causing genes because they allow cells to grow and survive when they shouldn’t.
Tumor suppressor genes: control cell growth and division. If there are abnormalities, cells can divide uncontrollably.
DNA repair genes: fix damaged DNA. If cells have mutations in these genes, they will form additional mutations in other genes.
Metastasis
In metastasis, cancer cells separate from the site where they initially formed, that is, primary cancer, and they travel through the vascular or lymphatic system. Then they form new tumors, called metastatic tumors, in other parts of the body. This metastatic cancer has the same name and type of cancer cells as the original or primary cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected but there are some general signs associated with cancer, although it is necessary to take into account that they are not exclusive to cancer.
- Fatigue.
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin.
- Weight changes, such as unintended weight gain or loss.
- Changes in the skin, such as yellow pigmentation, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that do not heal, or changes in existing moles.
- Changes in bowel or bladder evacuation habits.
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath.
- Difficulty to swallow.
- Ronquera.
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating.
- Persistent muscle or joint pain, without apparent cause.
- Persistent fever or night sweats, with no apparent cause.
- Bleeding or bruising with no apparent cause.
- If you have these persistent signs, you should see your doctor.
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