Cancer

Editor-In-Chief of Hematology and Oncology - Beaula Koduri, MD

Beaula Koduri, MD is a leading board certified hematology and oncology physician with over 16 years of practice experience in treating patients for a variety of conditions in the field of hematology and oncology. Dr Koduri is the founder and medical director of Hematology Oncology Consultants. Dr Koduri is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in many specialties including internal medicine, hematology, and oncology. As a passionate, and detail oriented physician, Dr. Koduri is known for her compassionate care and is very knowledgeable on the latest treatments available in the ever changing field of hematology and oncology.

Areas of interest for Dr. Koduri include cancer care of breast, lung, ovary and colon. Learn more about Beaula Koduri, MD.

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Early signs of breast cancer.

Cancer is a type of disease where cells grow out of control, divide and invade other tissues.

Uncontrolled cell division

In a person without cancer, cell division is under control. In most tissues, healthy cells divide in a controlled way and copy themselves to create new healthy cells. With cancer, this normal process of cell division goes out of control. Cells change their nature because mutations have occurred in their genes. All the daughter cells of cancer cells are also cancerous.

Difference between cancer and benign tumour

If the abnormal cells do not invade, but just divide and swell up their original tissue, this is not called "cancer". It is called a tumour. Tumours are usually not a threat to life because they can be cut out. However, some tumours occur in places where they cannot be cut out, and they can be fatal. Some brain tumours are of this type.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cancer are caused by the cancerous cells invading other tissues. This is called metastasis. Metastasis is a process in which cancer cells move through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. When this happens, a person's cancer can be spread throughout his or her body. Eventually those other tissues cannot work as well, and the whole body begins to get worse, and may die.

Prostate cancer types

Age of onset

Cancer can affect anybody at any age. Most types of cancer are more likely to affect people as they get older. This is because as a person's DNA gets older, their DNA may become damaged, or damage that happened in the past may get worse. One type of cancer that is more common in young men, rather than older people, is testicular cancer (cancer of the testicles).

Cancer is one of the biggest and most researched causes of death in developed countries.

Causes

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death around the world. It causes about 16% (or one out of every six) of all deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Depiction of a person smoking and stages of Lung Cancer

Different types of cancer have different causes. Some things are known to cause cancer in a specific body part; other things are known to be able to cause many different types of cancer. For example, using tobacco (smoked or smokeless) can cause many types of cancers, such as lung, mouth, tongue, and throat cancers.

Other things that are known to be able to cause cancer – or make a person more likely to get cancer – include: radiation including sunlight and X-rays in large or many doses, and exposure to radiation (for example in a nuclear power plant); chemicals and materials used in building and manufacturing (for example, asbestos and benzene); air and water pollution; eating very little fruits and vegetables; obesity; not enough physical activity; drinking too much alcohol; and certain chemicals commonly used at home. Some cancers can also be caused by some viruses and bacteria. Many people who are exposed to these things do get cancer – but some do not

Squamous carcinoma lung cytology

Types of cancer

There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in cells of the lung, and brain cancer starts in cells of the brain. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell.

You can search NCI’s website for information on specific types of cancer based on the cancer’s location in the body or by using our A to Z List of Cancers. We also have collections of information on childhood cancers and cancers in adolescents and young adults.

Here are some categories of cancers that begin in specific types of cells:

Squamous cell carcinoma

Carcinoma

Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer. They are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. There are many types of epithelial cells, which often have a column-like shape when viewed under a microscope.

Carcinomas that begin in different epithelial cell types have specific names:

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that forms in epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Tissues with this type of epithelial cell are sometimes called glandular tissues. Most cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate are adenocarcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the lower or basal (base) layer of the epidermis, which is a person’s outer layer of skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are epithelial cells that lie just beneath the outer surface of the skin. Squamous cells also line many other organs, including the stomach, intestines, lungs, bladder, and kidneys. Squamous cells look flat, like fish scales, when viewed under a microscope. Squamous cell carcinomas are sometimes called epidermoid carcinomas.

Transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in a type of epithelial tissue called transitional epithelium, or urothelium. This tissue, which is made up of many layers of epithelial cells that can get bigger and smaller, is found in the linings of the bladder, ureters, and part of the kidneys (renal pelvis), and a few other organs. Some cancers of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys are transitional cell carcinomas.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma

Sarcomas are cancers that form in bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments).

Osteosarcoma is the most common cancer of bone. The most common types of soft tissue sarcoma are leiomyosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, liposarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Leukemia

Cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow are called leukemias. These cancers do not form solid tumors. Instead, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells and leukemic blast cells) build up in the blood and bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells. The low level of normal blood cells can make it harder for the body to get oxygen to its tissues, control bleeding, or fight infections.  

There are four common types of leukemia, which are grouped based on how quickly the disease gets worse (acute or chronic) and on the type of blood cell the cancer starts in (lymphoblastic or myeloid).

Flower cell in mantle cell lymphoma

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells). These are disease-fighting white blood cells that are part of the immune system. In lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes build up in lymph nodes and lymph vessels, as well as in other organs of the body.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma – People with this disease have abnormal lymphocytes that are called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells usually form from B cells.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – This is a large group of cancers that start in lymphocytes. The cancers can grow quickly or slowly and can form from B cells or T cells.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, another type of immune cell. The abnormal plasma cells, called myeloma cells, build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in bones all through the body. Multiple myeloma is also called plasma cell myeloma and Kahler disease.

Our page on multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms has more information.

Melanoma

Photography of nodular melanoma

Melanoma is cancer that begins in cells that become melanocytes, which are specialized cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Most melanomas form on the skin, but melanomas can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye.

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

There are different types of brain and spinal cord tumors. These tumors are named based on the type of cell in which they formed and where the tumor first formed in the central nervous system. For example, an astrocytic tumor begins in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which help keep nerve cells healthy. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are a type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. These tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors form from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. These tumors, which may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, can cause many different symptoms. Neuroendocrine tumors may be benign or malignant.

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor. They are slow-growing tumors that are usually found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the rectum and small intestine). Carcinoid tumors may spread to the liver or other sites in the body, and they may secrete substances such as serotonin or prostaglandins, causing carcinoid syndrome.

Kinds of cancer based on tissue

There are many different kinds of cancers. The most common in the world are:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cancer in the colon or rectum
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Stomach cancer

Treatment of cancer

There is no sure cure for cancer. It can only be cured if all of the cancerous cells are cut out or killed in place. This means that the earlier the cancer is treated, the better the chances are for a cure (because the cancer cells may not have had enough time to copy themselves and spread so much that the person cannot be cured).

Epigenetic priming in Cancer

There are a few different types of treatments that are used to try to kill cancer cells. These treatments are:

• Radiotherapy (radiation therapy), which uses radiation to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy, which uses strong medications to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy works by "inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response".
• Surgery to take out part or all of a tumor
  • After surgery, many patients may need radiotherapy or chemotherapy to keep the tumor from growing again

Stereotactic body radiotherapy

Treating cancer is complicated

There are a few reasons why treating cancer is complicated. For example:

• Most things that kill cancer cells also kill normal, healthy cells. This can cause many side effects, like hair loss and vomiting.
• The body's immune system usually will not attack cancer cells, even though they could easily kill the body. This is because the cancer has actually become a part of the body by invading cells and tissues. So the immune system sees the cancer as part of the body it is trying to protect, not as a threat to be attacked.
• There are many different types of cancer, and each has its own symptoms and causes. Even with the same type of cancer, different people may have different symptoms, and may react to treatments differently; their cancer also may grow or spread at different speeds. Treatment has to be a good fit to both the type of cancer and the individual patient who has the cancer.

Many, many people in many countries study cancer and work on finding treatments. There has been some good progress in finding treatments, and many cancers are treated with success. Along with looking for different medical treatments to treat cancer, some studies also look for things that people with cancer can do themselves to try to make themselves healthier. For example, one study showed that if a person with lymphedema (a swelling of the arm linked to breast cancer) lifts weights, he may be able to fight his cancer better than somebody who does not lift weights.

frequently asked questions

1. What should cancer patients avoid? Patients with cancer should avoid known or suspected carcinogens, including tobacco use, excessive sun exposure, and certain chemicals and pollution. They should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, processed meats, and high-fat foods.
2. How do you deal with having cancer? Managing cancer can be difficult, and various individuals may find different coping tactics useful. Some individuals may benefit from support groups, counseling, or therapy. Others may find peace in physical activity, meditation, or time spent with loved ones.
3. What are five cancer facts? Cancer is a group of diseases defined by the unchecked multiplication and spread of aberrant cells. The second greatest cause of death worldwide is cancer. There are over a hundred distinct forms of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the likelihood of survival. Tobacco use, exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, certain viral infections, and a family history of cancer are all cancer risk factors.
4. What is the most common cause of cancer? Tobacco usage is the biggest cause of cancer worldwide.
5. What foods exacerbate cancer? High-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt foods can aggravate cancer. Alcohol, processed meals, and red meats may potentially raise the risk of cancer.
6. What foods assist eliminate cancer? A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lessen the chance of developing cancer.
7. What challenges do cancer patients face? Patients with cancer may have physical symptoms such as pain, exhaustion, and nausea. In addition, they may have emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, despair, and feelings of loneliness.
8. Who suffers from cancer the most? Cancer can affect anyone, although the likelihood of contracting cancer increases with age.
9. What is the deadliest cancer? Globally, lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related death.
10. What are some interesting cancer facts? Around 3000 BCE, ancient Egyptian literature first described cancer. "cancer" is derived from the Greek word "karkinos," which meaning "crab." Cancer cells are frequently referred to as "immortal" due to their ability to reproduce and proliferate endlessly. Testicular cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma are more prevalent among younger individuals.* Obesity and cancer

Other websites

• What Is Cancer? (Simple English) – American Cancer Society

Classification	ICD-10: C00-C97 MeSH: D009369 DiseasesDB: 28843
External resources	MedlinePlus: 001289

Cancer Resources
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