Understanding Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. If left untreated, these cells can form tumors that spread throughout the body and potentially lead to death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing serious consequences.
What is a Tissue?
Tissues are groups of organized cells that work together to perform specific functions.
What is a Tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue resulting in an increased volume. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
What is Cellular Differentiation?
Cellular differentiation is the process by which cells develop specific shapes and functions during embryonic development or the lifespan of a multicellular organism. This specialization allows cells to perform distinct roles within the body.
Benign vs. Malignant Tumors
Benign: Tumor cells resemble original mature cells.
Malignant: Tumor cells may not resemble original mature cells.
General Cancer Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Pain
- Skin abnormalities
Specific Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool size, pain during urination, blood in urine, or changes in bladder function can be signs of colon, prostate, or bladder cancer.
- Wounds that don’t heal: Non-healing sores, especially in the mouth, genitals, or skin, can be signs of cancer.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge: Blood in phlegm (lung cancer), stool (colon or rectal cancer), vaginal discharge (cervical or endometrial cancer), urine (bladder or kidney cancer), or nipple discharge (breast cancer) should be investigated.
- Thickening or lump: Lumps or hardening in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or soft tissues can be signs of cancer.
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing: These can be signs of esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer.
- Changes in a wart or mole: Changes in color, size, shape, or border of a mole or wart should be checked by a doctor.
- Persistent cough or hoarseness: A persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer, while hoarseness can indicate thyroid or laryngeal cancer.
Cancer Classifications
- Carcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cancer. These include age, gender, personal and family history, and environmental factors.
- Tobacco use: Strongly linked to lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
- Sun exposure: Associated with skin cancer.
- Hormonal factors, pregnancy, obesity, and physical activity: Can influence breast cancer risk.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
- Tobacco: Can cause cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, and bladder.
- Occupational exposure: Exposure to radiation, solvents, radon, pesticides, and asbestos.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver cancer.
- Certain medications: Some leukemia drugs may increase the risk of other cancers.
- Sun exposure: Increases the risk of skin cancer and melanoma.
- Sexual promiscuity: Increases the risk of cervical or penile cancer due to STDs like HPV.
- Radiation exposure: Can increase the risk of various cancers.
Specific Cancer Types (Signs and Symptoms)
Skin Cancer
- Changes in color, size, shape, or bleeding of a mole
- Skin irritation or infections
- Non-healing ulcers
- Unusual skin spots
- Presence of certain types of moles
Melanoma
- Changes in size, shape, color, bleeding, itching, tenderness, or appearance of a mole
Lung Cancer
- Chest pain
- Recurring cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
Colon Cancer
- Lump or swelling
- Pain or tenderness in the colon
Testicular Cancer
- Hard lump (often painless)
Breast Cancer
- Lump or mass in the breast
Bone Cancer
- Pain (most common symptom)
- Interference with joint movement
- Fatigue, fever, weight loss, anemia
Prostate Cancer
- Urination problems
- Weight loss
- Back pain
- Changes in urine stream
- Bone pain (from metastasis)
Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal discharge, spotting, or bleeding
- Increased uterus size
- Pain in the cervical area
Laryngeal Cancer
- Persistent sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Changes in voice or hoarseness
- Ear pain
- Lump in the neck
Stomach Cancer
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion and food intolerance
What is Metastasis?
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, forming new tumors.