And just as there are hundreds of types of cell, there are hundreds of types of cancer, few can be treated the same. Each cell's life is mapped out in advance by coded instructions, named genes, held in its nucleus. These tell it how to behave, when to reproduce - and to die. If instructions relating to cell multiplication and dying are wrong, the cell may start dividing uncontrollably, and not die when it should. Also, the cancer may not follow the usual instructions that keep cells spaced out properly. Every time the cell divides, the "bad" instruction is reproduced, so the out-of-control multiplication continues. These cells can multiply more rapidly than healthy ones, the cancer cells can form a growing lump in the body called a tumour or a lesion. As this increases in size, it can even grow its own vessels to supply blood.
A benign, or non-cancerous tumour shares this uncontrolled growth, but generally will not invade neighbouring tissue and cause damage. Tumours which do this are "malignant", or "cancerous". The type of cell in which the cancer starts will generally determine the speed of its growth, and iresistance to treatment, although there are variations. Cancers harm health in a number of ways. The size of the tumour can interfere with nearby organs, or ducts which carry important chemicals, causing pain or other symptoms. For example, a tumour on the pancreas can grow to block the bile duct, leading to the patient developing jaundice. A brain tumour can push on important parts of the brain, causing blackouts, fits and other problems. Even benign tumours can cause these problems. When a cancer invade nearby tissues, they can cause bleeding from damaged blood vessels, and stop the invaded organ from working properly.
What happens if it spreads?
If a tumour grows, cells can break off and start growing on nearby tissues and organs. For example, if a bowel cancer has spread through the wall of the bowel itself, it can start growing on the bladder. Cells can also enter the bloodstream and travel to distant organs, such as the lungs or brain. This is termed "metastasis". If a new tumour forms on distant organs, they behave like the original tumour - so a bowel cancer cell growing in the lung will not be lung cancer. Once other organs are involved, then symptoms of the cancer can get worse. Once a cancer has started to spread beyond its original site, then the chances of a cure often begin to fall, as it becomes more difficult to treat.
Types of Cancer
All parts of the body are suseptible to developing cancer. There is no doubt we can cut down on the risk by following a healthy lifestye such as avoiding too much alcohol, eating a balanced diet, plenty of excercise and not smoking.
Some cancers may be determined by our family line, however research suggest we have much to find about how these diseases are developed and infact we may never find the definitive answers.
Medical research and advances have greatly improved survival rates among many sufferers, unfortunately some cancers still present a terminal outcome. It is important that medical professionals make swift and decisive decisions in the care and treatment of all cancer sufferers.
The most common forms of tumor are:- Lung Cancer
- Skin Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Rectum Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Pancreas Cancer
- Ovary Cancer
- Lymphoma Cancer
- Leukaemia Cancer
- Cervix Cancer
- Uterus Cancer
- Oesophagus Cancer
- Melanoma Cancer
- Testes Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer