Cancer begins in cells and affects the functioning of the whole body, overtime. The basic nature of cancer is shown by abnormal duplication of cells which happens uncontrollably. Eventually, there will be a mass of cells forming in the body known as tumors. There are two types of tumors but only malignant ones are harmful. The other type is called benign and is not cancerous.
The Harmful cancer cells usually divide rapidly invading other nearby tissue and organs distorting the normal functioning of the body. The cancerous cells can also swim through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to form new tumors elsewhere
Classification of cancer is usually done according to the place in which it starts. Therefore, names of common types of cancer vary accordingly. If a lung cancer affects the brain, it is still called a metastatic lung cancer for the simple reason that cancerous cells originated in the lungs.
Statistics show breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer to be the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer. Common symptoms for breast cancers are discharges from the nipples and lumps in the breasts which are often diagnosed through a mammogram. The most common breast cancer treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.
Colon cancer has a variety of symptoms such as weight loss, bowel habit changes, discomfort and pain in abdomen, as well as fatigue. the exact causes of colon cancers are not yet known but it is believed, that genetic mutations that are passed down generations can act a risk factor.
Similarly, risk factors for lung cancer too can run in genes But the most common cause of lung cancer in the world is tobacco smoking, marijuana, exposure to radon and recurring inflammation of the lungs due to conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. The common treatments for lung cancer are none other than chemotherapy, radiation therapy and sometimes surgery.
When it comes to prostate cancer, the treatment options vary according to the stage of the illness. For stage one prostate cancer, internal/external radiation as well as radical prostatectomy may be ideal. For stage II, radiation therapies and hormonal therapies may work out. For stage III and IV, patients may want to move in to clinical trials of chemotherapy or continue radiation therapy along with hormone therapy. Causes of prostate cancer is not crystal clear but it is believed that risk factors run in African American genes and has a connection with dietary habits and age.