Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells, classified by the tissue in which they originated. The four most common types are sarcoma, carcinoma, leukemia, and lymphoma. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from one area to another. Imaging tests detect the spread.
Cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells, often called tumors, anywhere in the body. Malignant tumors can cause death if left untreated. Abnormal cells are classified by naming the tissue in which the abnormal cells originated. The four most common types are sarcoma, carcinoma, leukemia, and lymphoma. They affect bone or muscle tissue, epithelial tissue, blood and bone marrow, and the lymphatic system, respectively.
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms from tissue such as bone or muscle, and these malignant tumors can develop in the arms or legs. Harmful tumors that grow on smooth muscles are called leiomyosarcomas. These tumors are found behind the abdominal cavity and in internal organs made up of muscles. Sarcoma is more common in the elderly than in young adults and children.
Malignancies that arise from epithelial cells, including skin cancer, are referred to as carcinomas. Epithelial tissue is found along the surfaces and cavities of organs, including the surface of the body itself. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. Over one million new cases occur worldwide each year, including the least dangerous form, basal cell carcinoma, and the most dangerous type, melanoma. Carcinomas can develop in any epithelial tissue, including the lungs, where malignancies often take the form of carcinomas.
Leukemia develops in the bone marrow and blood cells. In patients with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy blood cells. Experts classify leukemia as acute or chronic. Children and adults exposed to radiation are more likely to develop this type of cancer.
Cancer of the lymphatic system is called lymphoma. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels that carry lymph fluid, which contains white blood cells called lymphocytes that work to attack infectious agents. Malignant tumors within the lymphatic system surround the tissues encroaching on their space. As a result, oxygen and nutrients are cut off and the tissue dies.
The spread of a neoplasm beyond the initial site is referred to as metastasis. Cancer cells spread from one area of the body by entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Malignant tumors can move from one area and create a new tumor in a different organ. Imaging tests detect whether the cancer has spread to other areas. Experts are able to identify malignant tumors based on the markers or antigens found in the tumor cells.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
