What is Cancer?

Were you aware that cancer is not a single disease? There are more than 200 types.

Cancer is an illness that originates from cells. The human body is composed of trillions of cells that form tissues and organs like the heart, kidneys, muscle, etc. Cell division, growth, and death are controlled by nucleic material in the cell’s nucleus.

Regular cell function follows the coding of its genetic material, but the instructions can sometimes get lost in translation causing abnormal cell response. Cancer stems from abnormal cell division and growth.

Are All Tumours Cancer?

No. Some tumours are benign, meaning that they are localized and do not spread. Although they can grow into large sizes, there is usually no recurrence after surgical removal. While others are malignant.

Malignant tumours can metastasize, via the blood or lymphatics to other organs of the body and because of this, a malignant tumour can recur after removal.

The key to maximum treatment/management is early detection.

Metastases and Naming

Cancer is named according to its cell of origin. If cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. If it then metastasizes to the lung, it still consists of breast cells, so it is called “breast cancer with lung metastases.”

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