cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries, and invade nearby tissues [6]. This uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells can lead to tumors, damage to the immune system, and other issues [8].

Characteristics of Cancer

Cancer is characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to invade nearby tissues [2]. These cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis [5].

Types of Cancer

Cancer can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body, making it a complex and diverse group of diseases [9]. The development of abnormal cells is a common thread among all types of cancer.

History of Cancer

The oldest description of cancer was discovered in Egypt and dates back to about 3000 BC [10]. It's called "the evil" or "the scorpion", and it describes a disease that causes ulcers, tumors, and other symptoms.

Cell Growth and Cancer

Normally cells grow and multiply in a controlled way. However, sometimes cells become abnormal and keep growing, leading to cancer [11]. This uncontrolled cell growth can be caused by various factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices.

In summary, cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissues.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms to seek medical attention early. Here are some of the most prevalent indicators:

• Unexplained Weight Loss: A significant weight loss without any apparent reason is a red flag for cancer [1].
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or exhausted even after resting can be a symptom of cancer [2][3].
• Fever: A persistent fever, especially at night, can indicate the presence of cancer cells in the body [4].
• Pain: Unexplained pain or ache in various parts of the body is a common symptom of cancer [5][6].
• Skin Changes: Discoloration or abnormal pigmentation of skin, lumps, or masses on the breasts are signs that may indicate cancer [7][8].
• Unusual Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding or bruising can be a symptom of cancer, especially in women [9].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible indicators of cancer include:

• Abnormal periods or pelvic pain
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Bloating
• Breast changes
• Chronic coughing
• Coughing, chest pain, and breathlessness

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References

[1] Context 1: Nov 6, 2020 — A cancer may also cause symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue), or weight loss. [2] Context 2: General cancer symptoms: · Very heavy night sweats or fever · Fatigue [3] Context 3: Fatigue; Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin; [4] Context 5: What are the symptoms of cancer? · Fever that occurs mostly at night. [5] Context 6: Signs and symptoms - Cancer · Contents · Coughing, chest pain and breathlessness [6] Context 7: Early Cancer Warning Signs: 5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore · Pain [7] Context 10: Result: discoloration or abnormal pigmentation of skin | stomach or abdominal pain | abdominal masses or tumors | skin lesions | lumps or masses of the breasts

Diagnostic Tests for Cancer

Cancer diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose cancer:

• Blood Chemistry Test: This test can detect abnormalities in blood chemistry that may indicate cancer. [1]
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC can detect certain types of cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, by analyzing the different components of blood. [3]
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans are used to visualize the cancer and determine its stage. They can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatment. [2]
• Cytogenetic Analysis: This test analyzes the genetic material in cells to detect any abnormalities that may indicate cancer. [1]
• Immunophenotyping: This test uses antibodies to identify specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, helping to diagnose and classify certain types of cancers. [8]
• Liquid Biopsy: A liquid biopsy is a blood test that can detect cancer DNA in the bloodstream, providing an early indication of cancer presence. [1]

Other Diagnostic Procedures

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic procedures like anoscopy (to check for abnormalities in the anus and rectum) and tumor marker tests are also used to diagnose cancer. [7][9]

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in cancer treatment, as it helps determine the best course of action and ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment. Doctors typically rule out other possible causes for symptoms and perform multiple tests to confirm a cancer diagnosis. [6]

Overview of Cancer Drug Treatments

Cancer drug treatments are a crucial aspect of modern oncology, offering various options to combat this complex disease. There are several types of cancer drugs, each with its own mechanism of action and potential side effects.

• Chemotherapy: This is the most common type of cancer treatment, which uses medications to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy (4).
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted cancer drugs work by identifying specific differences between cancer cells and normal cells, allowing them to attack only the cancer cells (5). This type of treatment is often used for certain types of breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapies are a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. They can stimulate the body's natural defenses or introduce synthetic antibodies to target specific cancer cells (9).
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapies are used to treat cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. These medications work by blocking or reducing hormone production in the body.
• Oncology Drugs: Oncology drugs encompass a range of treatments, including chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and hormone therapies (8).

Examples of Cancer Drugs

Some notable examples of cancer drugs include:

• Kadcyla (Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine)
• Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
• Kisqali (Ribociclib Succinate)
• Verzenio (Abemaciclib)

Side Effects and Risks

While cancer drug treatments can be effective, they also come with potential side effects and risks. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Increased risk of infections

It's essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option with a healthcare professional to make informed decisions about cancer care.

References

(4) Oct 20, 2022 — Chemotherapy drugs are primarily used to treat cancer. Cancer specialists called medical oncologists often prescribe chemotherapy drugs, in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

(5) Mar 13, 2024 — Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack certain types of cancer cells.

(8) Oncology drugs include a range of different types of medications, such as chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and hormone therapies. There are many oncology drugs available for various types of cancers.

(9) KEYTRUDA is a medicine that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. KEYTRUDA can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues.

The differential diagnosis of cancer refers to the process of identifying and ruling out other possible causes of symptoms or conditions that may mimic cancer. This is an essential step in diagnosing cancer accurately.

Common Differential Diagnoses for Cancer

• Benign tumors: These are non-cancerous growths that can cause similar symptoms to cancer.
• Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or diverticulitis can mimic the symptoms of pancreatic, gallbladder, or colon cancer.
• Vascular abnormalities: Abnormalities like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be mistaken for tumors.
• Metabolic disorders: Conditions like hypercalcemia or hypokalemia can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by cancer patients.

Specific Differential Diagnoses

• For colon cancer, differential diagnoses may include:
  • Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) [1]
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Diverticulitis
• For breast cancer, differential diagnoses may include:
  • Benign breast conditions like fibroadenoma or cysts
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Mastitis
• For lung cancer, differential diagnoses may include:
  • Pneumonia
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Importance of Accurate Differential Diagnosis

Accurate differential diagnosis is crucial in cancer care. It helps healthcare providers to:

• Rule out other conditions that may mimic cancer symptoms
• Identify the underlying cause of symptoms
• Develop an effective treatment plan

References

[1] Campbell PT, Newton CC, Dehal AN, et al. Impact of body mass index on survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis: the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jan 1. 30(1):42-52.

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