There are over 200 types of cancer, with varying seriousness and treatment options. Carcinomas develop on organ linings, while sarcomas affect solid tissue. Cancer is caused by damaged genes and can be malignant or benign. Causes include smoking, sun exposure, and genetics. Symptoms vary, and treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Early detection is important for successful treatment.
In all, there are around 200 different types of cancer that can affect the human body. A large percentage of people will be affected by some form of cancer in their lifetime. Some types are more serious than others, some cancers are easier to treat than others, and the survival rate varies by type.
There are two general categories of cancer. Carcinomas are tumors that develop on the surface linings of organs. Sarcomas are tumors that develop in cells and affect solid tissue such as muscle and bone. They can also develop in blood vessels.
The human body is made up of tiny cells, each of which contains genes. The proteins within these genes regulate cell division and multiplication. If a gene is damaged, cells can continuously grow and divide without stopping. If too many of these damaged cells form together, they can grow into a tumor.
Tumors can be malignant or benign. Malignant tumors are serious tumors because they can multiply and spread in the tissues and organs of the body. However, not all cancers form tumors, and blood cancers, such as leukemia, attack other areas of the body via the bloodstream.
Many of the causes of some cancers are known. Factors contributing to cell damage include smoking, high sun exposure, and an unhealthy diet. Many types of cancer, such as breast cancer, have been shown to be hereditary. There are also links between cancer and obesity or lack of exercise.
Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the form of the disease, although different types usually have some common symptoms. These can include weight loss, lethargy, and strange lumps or swellings. Cancer can also produce night sweats, fever and anemia. These symptoms can be caused by other diseases, so it is important for people who suffer from them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The form of cancer treatment you choose will depend on how advanced the cancer is and what type of cancer you have. There are three main types of cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is used to remove solid tumors and is commonly used in the early stages of cancer. Chemotherapy is a type of drug used to shrink tumors or kill cancerous cells. Radiation therapy is the use of X-ray radiation to destroy cancer cells. All three treatments have a higher success rate in shrinking or killing cancer if the disease is caught early.
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