What is cancer?

What is cancer?

Cancer, malignant neoplasm, or neoplasm are medical terms that describe the growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can metastasize and invade other healthy tissues, giving rise to a tumor.

However, there are more than 100 types, and certain types—such as those that develop in the blood—do not form tumor masses. Despite their diversity, they all share one common characteristic: how the disease begins.

How does this disease begin?

To better understand what cancer is, it is necessary to understand why it arises. It all begins with an abnormality in the DNA, which is supposed to direct all cellular activities, including, among other things, determining the cell’s life cycle.

This process is called “cell regeneration,” in which cells grow and divide to form new ones, according to the body’s needs. When cells age or become damaged, they die and are replaced by new ones.

However, abnormal cells are unable to do so. Instead of dying, they grow and multiply uncontrollably, eventually forming “tumors” or “neoplasms” in the tissues they invade.

Read more about oncology: the science that studies cancer. Oncology is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. Understanding the mechanisms by which normal cells become cancerous is essential for developing effective treatments.

What are metastases?

Certain types of tumors can spread to other parts of the body through the circulatory (blood) and lymphatic systems. This process is called “metastasis” and can give rise to new tumors in other parts of the body.

This is one of the major challenges in treating this disease, since when the tumor spreads to other organs, the chances of a cure decrease significantly.

Furthermore, cell proliferation can occur anywhere in the body. This is important because, depending on where the tumor appears, the prognosis, detection, and treatment can vary greatly.

Tumors: Malignant and Benign

Not all tumors lead to cancer. There are two types: malignant and benign, which can be distinguished as follows:

• Benign tumors grow very slowly; they do not invade neighboring tissues or form metastases. They can be surgically removed if necessary, since recurrence is very rare.
• Malignant tumors, on the other hand, can spread to other parts of the body through the circulatory (blood) and lymphatic systems, in a process known as “metastasis.” In terms of treatment, they can pose a greater challenge, as they require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

In other words, only malignant tumors lead to cancer. However, not all malignant tumors behave the same way. There are various types of this disease, each with its own characteristics and specific treatment needs.

Read more about cancer, what it means, and how to cope with it. This article takes an in-depth look at the psychological and emotional impact of the disease, coping strategies, and the support available to patients and their families.

What causes this disease?

It is now known that all cancers are caused by mutations in the DNA of the body’s cells. However, it is not yet known exactly what causes these mutations. There are, however, risk factors associated with the development of the disease, such as:

• Smoking: It is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths, not only from lung cancer but also from laryngeal (throat), esophageal, and bladder cancers, among others
• Exposure to radiation: Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, can increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle: being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle can also be risk factors.
• Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
• Infections: These account for 25% of cancers in developing countries, but only 10% in developed countries. The HPV virus, for example, is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
• Family history: Having a close relative with cancer may indicate a genetic predisposition to the disease, but this is not always the case. Only 10–15% of cases are inherited from parents to children.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not automatically mean you will develop this disease. However, it is important to be aware of potential risk factors and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce your chances of developing the disease.

What are the main signs and symptoms?

In some cases, the disease may not show any signs or symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage; therefore, it is important to know your own body well and be alert to any changes that occur.

Some of the symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss or gain: Significant changes in weight without any change in diet or exercise routine.
• Difficulty swallowing and indigestion: Persistent problems with swallowing or digestion may indicate an issue with the digestive system.
• Hoarseness and/or a persistent cough: A cough that won’t go away or hoarseness may be a sign of an issue in the lungs or throat.
• Appearance of moles or warts on the skin: Skin changes, such as new moles, changes in warts, or sores that won’t heal, may indicate skin problems.
• A palpable lump anywhere on the body: Nodules or lumps that can be felt through the skin may be a sign.
• Wounds that do not heal: Wounds that take a long time to heal may also be a sign.
• Abnormal bleeding or discharge: Unexplained bleeding or discharge may indicate different types of this condition, such as cervical cancer or cancer of the urinary tract.

Having one or more of these symptoms is a reason to see a doctor, even though they may not necessarily indicate this condition. There are several other diseases that can cause these symptoms, and only a doctor can determine their cause.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in early detection. The most common methods include:

• Mammogram: Used to detect breast cancer.
• Pap smear: Used to detect precancerous changes and cervical cancer.
• Colonoscopy: Used to detect colorectal cancer.
• Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Used to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body and detect tumors.

Blood tests

Some of these conditions can be detected through blood tests that look for tumor markers—substances produced by cancer cells that can be found in the blood. Examples include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Used to detect prostate cancer.
• CA-125: Used to detect ovarian cancer.
• It is important to note that these markers have low specificity, meaning they may also be elevated in benign conditions and, as such, should not be used for cancer screening.

Available Treatments

Treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the disease. The most common treatments include:

Surgery

Surgery is often used to remove localized tumors. This method is most effective when the disease is detected early and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other methods. Although effective, chemotherapy can cause significant side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can cause side effects, such as skin damage and fatigue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight the disease. This treatment has shown promising results in certain types of cancer, such as melanoma and lung cancer.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells, minimizing damage to normal cells. This treatment is effective for certain types of cancer with specific genetic mutations.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. This treatment blocks the production or action of hormones that promote the growth of the disease.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

In addition to understanding what cancer is, early diagnosis is essential for its treatment and potential cure. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of success and the lesser the impact on the patient’s life.

Therefore, it is vital to be alert to any signs and symptoms, undergo regular check-ups, and follow medical advice. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical exercise, is also essential.

Although most cancers are sporadic, in about 10% of cases, the development of cancer is related to certain genetic changes inherited from parents; therefore, knowing your risk of developing cancer is crucial for its prevention and early detection. A family history of this disease and/or the onset of cancer at a young age may suggest a genetic predisposition; therefore, you should seek a genetic counseling consultation, available at the Germano de Sousa Laboratory Medicine Center.

Tests and Prevention

Now that you know what cancer is and are considering getting tested—whether as a precaution or on medical advice—please check out our Collection Points. Adopting preventive measures can make all the difference in your health.