Types of cancer
From a medical perspective, cancer types
can be classified based on the type of cell
it originated from. Therefore cancer can
be classified into:
Carcinoma :
The most common form of cancer, it
originates from the epithelial cells.
Sarcoma :
Originates from the connective tissues
such as cartilage, fat and bone tissues.
Melanoma :
Originates from melanocytes, which are a
type of cell that contains pigments.
Lymphoma & Leukaemia :
Originates from the cells that of blood
(such as b lymphocytes,or white blood
cells)
Causes of Cancer
Many factors are attributed to causing
cancer. The most probable
factorsinclude:
Physical factors – lionizing
radiation such as X-rays and gamma
rays
Chemical factors –Such as
tobaco,smoke
Biological factors – Viral
oncogenes, proto-oncogenes
and cellularoncogenes
oThe above factors are called carcinogens.
Diagnosis of cancer
The detection and diagnosis of
cancer are very important before it
spreads toother parts of the body.
Identification of cancer genes is
pivotal to prevent cancer.
oThe following methods are used to
detect cancer:
Biopsy
Histopathological studies of tissue
Radiography technique
Computed tomography
Molecular biology techniques.
Treatment of cancer
Commonly, three types of treatment are
available for cancer.
Surgery – Surgically removing
localized cancerous mass (Effective
forbenig tumours)
Radiation therapy – In this therapy,
radiation is used to kill the cancer
cells.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapeutic
drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
Many chemical drugs have side effects in
cancer patients like hair loss.
So,interferons are injected into cancer
patients to develop immunity
againstthese side-effects.
Symptoms & Warning
Signs of Cancer
oChange in bowel or bladder habits.
oA sore that does not heal.
oUnusual bleeding or discharge.
oThickening or lump in the breast
or elsewhere.
oIndigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
oObvious change in a wart or mole
oNagging cough or hoarseness.
