What is Cancer?
The biological constitution of the cells in our body has a definite function to be performed based on the presence of the cells in the body and the desired function, they do grow at a definite rate as per the metabolic factors. Cells undergo fission and divide in an orderly fashion, complete their biological cycle and then die as per process which is normal.
On the contrary, Cancer(Latin Origin Cancer;meaning a crab or creeping ulcer usually referred to a state of tumorous growth in cells and swollen veins resembling the limbs of a crab), when thought of in relation to human metabolism signifies a state of enormous, unusual and invasive growth of body cells which in turn destroy other useful cells and result in malfunction of the entire biological system.
To compare the scales of growth, cancerous cells have a much higher rate which is manifold and destroys the cells at a higher rate than which they are crated at. This results in dysfunction of the cells (thereby related organs) in the body, at times multiple organ failures based on the rate of cell destruction.
The cancerous cells (state; in turn) in individuals may have different genetic character which governs the type of tumorous growth. As the cancer continues to grow, additional changes will occur. Even within the same tumor, different cells may have different metabolism and may grow differently.
Most common Types of cancer:
- Brain(Cerebral)
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colon and Rectal (Colorectal)
- Head and Neck
- Kidney (Renal)
- Leukemia
- Liver
- Lung
- Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Ovarian
- Pancreatic
- Prostate
- Skin
- Stomach (Gastric)
- Thyroid
Primary Symptoms
Before we read this through, we must learn the fact that mentioned symptoms may or may not be an indication of having cancer, until and unless clinically diagnosed and confirmed by a medical practitioner.
There are many symptoms which may have resulted from some different ailment, but have close resemblance to those of Cancer. In case, any of the symptoms persist for longer duration than usual, one should always consult a medical practitioner and get it diagnosed.
a.Unexplained weight loss
To compare the scales of growth, cancerous cells have a much higher rate which is manifold and destroys the cells at a higher rate than which they are crated at. This results in dysfunction of the cells (thereby related organs) in the body, at times multiple organ failures based on the rate of cell destruction.
b. Persistent Fever
Fever is very common with cancer, but it often happens to remain persistently in the body after cancer has spread to areas other than it affected at the early stage. This is the case especially when cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. This can make it harder for the body to fight against mere infections.
c. Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that usually goes no better, even with adequate rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. But it may happen early in some cancers, like leukemia
d. Pain
Pain might be an early symptom in some cancers like bone cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or get better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer in the colon, rectum, or ovary.
e. Dermatological Changes
Dermatological (related to skin) changes also indicate presence of some cancers in the body.Along with skin cancers, some other cancers could cause remarkable changes in the skin. These signs and symptoms include:
- Darker looking skin
- Yellowish skin and eyes
- Reddened skin
- Itching
- Excessive hair growth
f. Change in bowel habits or bladder function
Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass urine more or less often than usual) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Report any changes in bladder or bowel function to a doctor.
g. Sores that do not heal
Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that dont heal. A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer. This should be dealt with right away, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should be seen by a health professional.
h. Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding can happen in early or advanced cancer. Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (may look very dark or like black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody or white discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
i. Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body
These cancers occur mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if youve just found it or notice it has grown in size. Keep in mind that some breast cancers show up as red or thickened skin rather than a lump.
j. Indigestion or trouble swallowing
Most people with cancer experience weight loss at some stage of the disease. When an individual undergoes weight loss for no known reason, its called an unexplained weight loss. Predominantly, this gives an inference of (probable) cancer in the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lungs.
k. Recent change in a wart or mole or any new skin change
Most people with cancer experience weight loss at some stage of the disease. When an individual undergoes weight loss for no known reason, its called an unexplained weight loss. Predominantly, this gives an inference of (probable) cancer in the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lungs.
l. Nagging cough or hoarseness
A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid gland.