Cancer or malignancy is a disease whose incidence is on the rise.It is a dreaded disease for the patient as well as the family.How much do you know about this problem and misconceptions associated with it.
Q. What is Cancer?
The human body is made up of tiny units-the cells.The cells in different parts of body work differently and the process of cell division and multiplication continuously goes on. Normally this takes place in orderly and controlled manner.If due to some reason, this process gets out of control, the cells multiply to form a lump which is different from the normal structure.This lump is called a "Tumour".
The tumour may be begin or malignant.The malignant tumour consists of cancer cells which have the ability to spread to nearby tissues or even far off organs of the body.They are called as secondary or metastasis.
Q. What causes Cancer?
Mostly the cancer develop because of complex interactions between our bodies,our genetic make up, our life styles and the environment.It is believed that genetic changes form the basis of malignancy.Some theories even suggest that hereditary factors have a role, because some cancers occasionally run in families. Scientific studies indicate that the normal cell is transferred into cancer cell when certain genes become activated. Certain factors do lead to formation of cancer in certain parts of body, but there is not single factor which can be held responsible.
- Cigarette smoking (both active and passive) is known to be and important factor for lung cancer and cancer of upper respiratory tract.
- Unhealthy dietary habits may lead to cancer.
- Of Gastro intestinal tract.
- Consumption of Alcohol-increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Occupational hazards e.g. exposure to U/V rays can lead to skin cancer and workers who use glue, varnishes etc. are prone to leukemia.
- For unknown reason, obesity increases the risk of cancer of colon, kidney, gall bladder and uterus.
- Industrial workers are more prone to develop lung cancer.
Organs Involved
Cancer cells can affect almost any part of the body and the cancer is named after the part where the tumour first starts, though is may metastatize to any other organ.
Also, the staging of cancer is done depending upon the extent of involvement of the organ and the spread of tumour.This staging is important for prognostic value. Unfortunately, the cancer may return after months or even years of the removal of the primary tumour.
Signs and Symptoms
It is very essential that cancer be detected as early as possible, before it spreads.
The symptoms and signs will vary, depending upon the organ involved and the extent of involvement and spread to other organs. We'll not be describing all the symptoms relating to different organs but few S/S if noted, a doctor should be consulted.
- Weight loss
- Unexplained fever.
- Persistent Cough and expectorant/blood in sputum.
- Change in bowel habits.
- Urinary symptoms
- Constant indigestion.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- A lump or thickening in skin.
- Non healing wounds
- Unusual vaginal bleeding/discharges
- Any lump in breast or any part of body.
- Chronic fatigue - unexplained.
- Headache and vomiting.
- Bone pains particularly in old age.
- Bleeding from any part of body or small haemorrhagic patches over body.
Depending upon the signs/symptoms after clinical examination if the clinician suspects a cancerous lesion, certain investigations include, urine, stool examination, blood tests, X-Ray, and different scanning procedures etc.If a lump is present a small sample of the tissue may be examined by the pathologist to see for the presence of cancer cells and this test i.e. FNAC/Biopsy is the sure test for diagnosis of cancer.
Sometimes, endoscopic examination of the suspected organ may have to be done to see for the tumour.
Treatment
There are three modalities of treatment for a patient of /cancer i.e. Surgery, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy. Sometimes a combination of these has to be given.It depends upon the stage and extent of the cancer what treatment is to be given.
- Surgery is done when the cancer is localized and that portion/organ can be removed by operation.
- Through Radiotherapy, the cancer cells are subjected to rays which specifically destroy these cells with minimal/no effect on adjoining tissues.
- Chemotherapy consists of combination or various drugs(specific to different cancer) administered to patient.This mode of treatment is mostly used when the cancer is not localized and has spread to other organs also.
In addition to specific mode of treatment, the patient of Cancer needs good diet, physical, emotional and psychological support which play an important role in treating patients.
Cancer is a dreaded disease, but we should be aware of certain aspects of it and diagnosed at an early stage, with proper and timely treatment lot can be done for the patient.
