The Basics of Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is the name given to define diseases which result when abnormal cells divided uncontrollably and invade other cells. The lymph system and the blood assist in the transference of cancer cells from one part of the body to another. Cancer is not a single disease but a group of over 100 diseases which the above definition criteria. Most cancers are named according to the organ under attack. In that sense, cancer of the skin melanocytes is referred to as melanoma. Cancer that originates from the colon is referred to as colon cancer. We also have liver cancer, lung cancer, and many others (National Cancer Institute, 2014). Cancers can also be grouped into wider categories. The main categories of cancer include:

Carcinoma – this is the cancer which begins on the tissues lining internal organs or on the skin. Carcinoma is further subdivided into a variety of subcategories including transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

Sarcoma – cancer which originates in supportive and connective tissues like blood vessels, fat muscle, bone and cartilage.

Leukemia – Cancer which begins in the tissue that forms blood like bone marrow. This leads to the formation of numerous abnormal blood cells which are released into the blood

Lymphoma and myeloma – cancers originating from the immune system cells

Central nervous system cancers – these are cancers that begin in the cells in the spinal cord or in the brain (National Cancer Institute, 2014).

In general, all cancers begin in the body’s unit of life which is the cell. The body is made of many varieties of cells. As these cells grow, they subdivide to form new cells to help the body in remaining healthy (Gabbert, 1985). As these cells grow old, they die and are replaced by newer cells. This process however sometimes fails. Sometimes the genetic DNA of a cells can be damaged hence leading to the formation of mutations or cells that do not die when they are supposed to hence leading to the presence of excess cells in the body which the body does not require (University of Basel, 2014). A tumor is the mass of tissue formed by the cells. Tumors are either benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous cells. They can invade nearby tissues as well as spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis (Gabbert, 1985). Not all cancers form tumors. Leukemia, for example, is the cancer of the blood and bone marrow and does not lead to the formation of tumors. Cancer in relation to what is told is a very skillful disease with many different kinds and stages. It takes a toll on one’s life changing it forever, as their battle against cancer begins the second they are diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms indicating the presence of cancer

Physical indications of cancer

As cancer continues to develop, the tumor starts to push on nearby nerves, blood vessels and organs. This pressure creates some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. The nearby organs determine the significance of the signs and symptoms. If the tumor is in the brain, even the slightest tumor can be symptomatic. However, sometimes the region of cancer origin is such that no signs and symptoms are caused in the early period of cancer development. Cancer of the pancreas, for example, does not cause any signs or symptoms until the tumor becomes large enough to exert pressure on nearby organs. This results in back or belly pain. Others may develop around the bile duct hence distracting the flow of bile. This causes the yellowing of the eyes and skin, a disease referred to as jaundice. By the time pancreatic cancer gets to this point, it has developed to the advanced level. This implies that at this point it has metastasized to other parts of the body (Gabbert, 1985).

Symptoms like fever, fatigue and weight loss may also be asymptomatic to cancer. They may be as a result of the body spending so much of the body’s energy or releasing substances in the body that change the way the body obtains energy from food.  The effect of cancer on the immune system may also cause these symptoms.

In some cases, cancer may cause symptoms that are not usually linked to cancer owing to the substances it releases into the body. Pancreatic cancer may cause blood to clot in the veins of the legs. Lung cancer may lead to the release of hormone like substances which raise the levels blood calcium. This results in weakness and dizziness as the substances affect the muscles and nerves (National Cancer Institute, 2014).

It is important for the cancer to be found early for one main reason. When cancer is discovered early, it is easier for surgery to completely remove it. In advanced stages of cancer, the probability of success is largely minimized and is again different from one cancer to another. The symptoms serve to help speed up the chances of diagnosing cancer. If no symptoms are evident however, the cancer may go for a long period undiagnosed. At this point, it may have advanced significantly hence lowering the probability of a successful treatment.

Emotional indications of cancer

The most common emotional side effect of cancer is stress and depression. As one’s health depreciates, depression may come as a result. A person with cancer may also be unable to meet their obligations owing to the other symptoms. In that case, the patient may get depressed and lose hope. Insomnia is also a likely cause of concern in most cancer patients (American Cancer Society, 2014).

General signs and symptoms of cancer

Some symptoms are common to most cancers. These signs are, however, not evidence of cancer by themselves. This is because such signs may originate from various diseases and conditions. However, if these signs persist for long periods or worsen, medical attention should be sought.

• Weight loss is one indication of cancer if it comes unexplained. If one undergoes a weight loss of more than ten ponds while going through their normal day to day lives, they should get themselves checked for cancer. The best explanations for weigh loss would be diet, exercise and stress. Anything outside these factors should be checked.
• Fever is a common symptom with cancer patients. It is especially common for people who are in the advanced stages of cancer. In cases of leukemia and lymphoma, fever may be an early indication of cancer (National Health Service, UK, 2014). Fever most often affects those patients whose cancer is related to the immune system. When it arises, it makes it harder for the body to protect itself against disease.
• Fatigue is also a common indication in cancer patients. It comprises of extreme tiredness that is not reduced by rest. While it happens early in some forms of cancer like Leukemia, it is most common in advanced stages of cancer. Blood loss in some forms of cancer like colon and stomach cancers may be a cause of fatigue in some patients (National Health Service, UK, 2014). The loss blood in such patients is not obvious and may therefore take time to identify.
• Pain is most often an indication that cancer has metastasized to other areas of the body. It may also appear early in some forms of cancer like testicular and brain cancer. A headache that does not ease with medication may imply that one is suffering from brain cancer. A persistent back pain may be a sign of ovarian, rectum and colon cancers (National Health Service, UK, 2014).

Signs and symptoms which are unique to certain cancers

While the above indications are good indicator that medication should be sought, some indications offer obvious pointers to specific cancers hence easing the process of diagnosis. These include

• Change in bowel habits often offer direction in the diagnosis of colon cancer. If constipation or diarrhea take long periods or the stool size changes, this may be an indication of colon cancer. Prostate or bladder cancer may cause blood in the urine or alter the frequency of urine.
• Sores that take long to heal are another indication of cancer. Skin cancers may resemble sores that do not heal. Sores in the mouth may be an indication of mouth cancer especially in smokers, and those who chew tobacco or take alcohol frequently.
• Coughing out blood may be an indicatio0n of lung cancer. On the other hand, if blood is spotted in the stool, this may indicate colon or rectal cancer. Blood in the urine may be a sign of cancer of the bladder or cancer of the kidney.
• Trouble swallowing can be an indication of cancer of the esophagus, throat or cancer.

Overall, the diagnosis of cancer is often informed by the signs and symptoms that go with it. If the diagnosis is late, then the diagnosis may be too late (Koenig, Knittel, & Stepp, 2001). Often, late diagnosis leaves the patient with the burden of symptoms and treatment for the rest of their lives. Depending on the how far the disease has advanced by the time it is diagnosed, the time of survival from the date of diagnosis is also highly impacted. Understanding the signs that accompany cancer is important to its diagnosis. Proper checkup should be conducted every time a combination of symptoms is spotted or even a symptom is persistent even with medication.

References

American Cancer Society,. (2014). Emotional Side Effects of Cancer and Treatment. Retrieved 19 November 2014, from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/emotionalsideeffects/emotional-side-effects-landing

Gabbert, H. (1985). Mechanisms of tumor invasion: evidence from in vivo observations. Cancer Metast Rev, 4(4), 293-309. doi:10.1007/bf00048094

Koenig, F., Knittel, J., & Stepp, H. (2001). Diagnosing cancer in vivo. Science, 292(5520), 1401-1403.

National Cancer Institute,. (2014). What Is Cancer?. Retrieved 19 November 2014, from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer

National Health Service, UK,. (2014). Cancer – Signs and symptoms – NHS Choices. Retrieved 19 November 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

University of Basel. (2014, October 6). Cell migration: How it works, how new discovery may inform cancer research. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 18, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141006094616.htm