“Cancer” is a Latin word meaning crab. This is due to the fact that cancer has projections that attack neighboring cells and these projections resemble the tentacles of this animal. Thus, it is different from the benign tumor, which is compact, well delimited.
Its causes are varied and, often, its emergence is related to more than one factor. Unprotected and excessive exposure to the Sun, radioactivity and certain chemicals (arsenic, asbestos, nickel, benzene, formaldehyde, etc.); infection by some viruses, such as HPV; in addition to inadequate nutrition, excessive alcohol intake and smoking are examples of environmental causes. In addition, old age and genetic predisposition are other risk factors.
Cancer is formed by defective, fast-growing, disorderly cells and can spread to other regions of the body (metastasis). Thus, its complete removal tends to be difficult, or even impossible, depending on the affected region, and it is clear why it is also called a malignant tumor.
Metastases occur when cancer cells detach from the tumor and, upon reaching blood or lymphatic vessels, end up spreading to other regions of the body. Fortunately, not all cancers manifest this problem, and when it does occur, the rate at which it happens varies widely from individual to individual.
As cancer cells are less specialized than those that normally inhabit the invaded region, the body's functions tend to be compromised. In addition, cancer can release substances that accelerate the process of healthy cells being compromised. For this reason, many people affected are very debilitated.
The treatment for this problem depends on the region, tumor size, degree of involvement and the patient's health conditions. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy are some of the treatments, which can be done alone or together.
Cancer can be cured, especially if treatment is started early. Therefore, it is important to do preventive exams, such as pap smears, mammograms and prostate exams; check-ups periodically; and visit the doctor when noticing any changes in the body.
There are more than 100 types of cancer, varying in the type of tissue and region affected. Oncology is the name of the science responsible for its study.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
Cancer -Illnesses -Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/aspectos-gerais-cancer.htm