Cancer:
In our body, cell division is carefully regulated and according to the specific needs of body. But sometimes, this regulation is broken down in some cells. As a result, such cell starts to grow irregularly and infinitely while the body does not need further these types of cells. These cells produce new cells which continue to proliferate in uncontrolled and irregular manner. Thus, an unwanted clone of cells is formed which can be termed as tumor. “Any malignant tumor formed by the result of abnormal and uncontrolled mitosis (division of cells) is known as cancer”. Hence, cancer is a mitotic disorder not a meiotic one.
Types of Tumor:
- Benign Tumor: Benign tumors are localized and of small sized. They are stable and non-transferrable. These cells usually consider as normal cells and ain’t require any treatment. But, they can easily destroy by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Malignant Tumor (Cancerous Tumor): These tumors are delocalized and can be spread to any other parts of the body. They are truly cancerous cells and mostly invade surrounding tissues.
Difference between Cancerous cells and normal cells:
Cancerous cells can easily be distinguished from normal cells because of their structures. They show the property of rapidly growing, having high nucleus to cytoplasmic ratio and prominent nucleoli.
Some Common Symptoms of Cancer:
The common symptoms of cancer are instant weight loss/gain, fever usually at night time, formation of lumps, thickening of area under skin, bleeding, lose of appetite, problem in peeing, body-aches, fatigue, cough, changes in the size of moles and hair-loss. You shouldn’t neglect these symptoms and consult your doctor in case of observance of these symptoms. Imaging tests are very helpful in the confirmation of cancer.
Causes of Cancer:
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Intrinsic Factors:
- Mutation in somatic cells.
- Irregular and uncontrolled mitosis.
- Mutations in genes (DNA) within cells.
2. Extrinsic Factors:
- Physical, chemical and biological carcinogens.
- Obesity and diet.
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol.
Types of Cancer:
| Types of Cancer | Commence in | Affects | |
| 1 | Leukemia | White blood cells (WBCs) | WBCs and bone marrow |
| 2 | Sarcoma | Connective and supportive cells | Bone, cartilage, muscles, fats and blood vessels |
| 3 | Lymphoma | Lymphocytes | Immune system, Lymphatic system |
| 4 | Carcinoma | Epithelial cells | Breasts, kidneys, liver, lungs, head, neck, heart, brain prostate gland, pancreas and skin |
| 5 | Melanoma | Melanocytes | Skin |
Treatment of Cancer:
Gene therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are done for the treatment of cancer.
