Behind the term "cancer“Hides a number of different diseases. What they have in common is a significantly increased growth of the affected cell tissue. Growth is subject to a loss of control of the natural cell cycle.
Healthy cells are subject to a natural balance of growth, division and cell death. Cancer creates an imbalance between these three genetically determined components. Growth and cell division outweigh apoptosis, the controlled cell death. As a result, healthy tissue is increasingly being displaced.
In medical terminology, one speaks of a malicious one tumor or malignancy. A malignant neoplasm or neoplasm can affect any tissue and thus also the cells of the blood-forming system. Under one leukemia, which is colloquially referred to as blood cancer, is understood to be a malignant increase in the white blood cells.
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Benign or benign tumors are also new formations of cells that only occur locally and do not form metastases. Metastases are defined as the settlement of malignant cells in different places in the body. Benign tissue growth is not considered to be "cancer".
A benign tumor is also characterized by its good delimitation from the surrounding tissue, slow growth and little to no differentiation from the cells from which they arise.
It is often surrounded by a capsule made of connective tissue, which can significantly facilitate its surgical removal.
Many benign tumors are incidental findings, such as a Lump in the thyroid gland with routine ultrasound. While there are usually no complaints in this case, a Meningioma (benign tumor of the meninges) become neurologically abnormal within a short time. The meningioma puts pressure on the surrounding tissue and can lead to speech disorders and symptoms of paralysis. Then quick action is required.
Other examples are Nevi (birthmarks) and so-called Lipomas (tumor-like increases in fatty tissue). A benign tumor can also be associated with far-reaching consequential damage such as impairment of organ functions and a risk of degeneration.
Malignant cancer is a tumor made up of numerous degenerate cells. Its origin can be traced back to a loss of control of the cell cycle, which is often genetically determined. Malignant cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner and are no longer subject to the biological regulatory mechanism consisting of growth, cell division and apoptosis (controlled cell death).
Cancer cells produce certain growth factors that contribute to the increased formation of blood and lymph vessels.
In this way, their rapid growth is additionally supported. But cancer cells don't just stay in place, they can invade neighboring tissue and settle on the blood and Lymphatic system distribute in the body. It arise Metastases or daughter tumors. Functioning organs are damaged up to and including loss of function.
One differentiates in a rough classification carcinoma, sarcoma and leukemia as well Lymphoma. While carcinomas are the most numerous and arise from glandular tissue and the covering and lining tissue of organs, sarcomas affect the connective, nervous and supporting tissue. With leukemia and Lymphoma on the other hand, the cells of the blood-forming and lymphatic systems are affected.
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Many different forms of cancer exist with significant differences. In addition to their frequency, they affect the occurrence and consequences for the human body.
About two percent of all forms of cancer are usually aggressive Pancreatic cancer out. It is the third most common tumor of the gastrointestinal tract.
$config[ads_text2] not foundEven more are coming Stomach cancer and Colon cancer in front. Colon cancer arises in the majority of cases from colon polyps, so-called adenomas, which degenerate.
Liver cancer
Liver cancer in the majority of cases originates from the liver cells, but can also arise from cells of the biliary tract.
At the Lung cancer it is mostly non-small cell carcinoma.
Around three percent of malignant tumors are Bladder cancer, which grows superficially in 80% and is relatively easy to treat.
Kidney cancer usually arises from the cells of the cortical zone and occurs more frequently between the ages of 50 and 70.
Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm in the male prostate gland. Testicular cancer occurs more often in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
One of the most common forms of cancer in women Breast cancer with a peak between 55 and 65 years of age.
Other female cancers are:
Other forms of cancer are
The Breast cancer or breast cancer refers to a malignant neoplasm of the breast tissue. A distinction is made between ductal carcinomas, which arise from cells in the milk ducts, and lobular carcinomas, which originate from the glandular lobules.
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There are other types of breast cancer like that Paget's disease (breast cancer)which are much less common.
In addition to hormonal and genetic factors, diet also plays an important role in the development of breast cancer.
If female family members have had breast cancer in the past, the highest is Breast cancer risk with a frequency peak between 55 and 65 years of age.
Breast cancer can, but does not have to, include the following Symptoms occur: nodular changes, retractions, increase in size, redness, secretion of the mammary gland and palpable lumps in the armpit.
In the Diagnosis comes alongside imaging procedures like that Mammography, Ultrasound and MRI, also a tissue removal (biopsy) is used. The so-called BIRADS score (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) is used to classify the mammography findings.
A basic distinction is made between non-invasive and invasive breast cancer.While the former is limited to the breast and has a good chance of recovery, invasive carcinoma spreads more frequently via the lymph and blood vessels.
In addition to surgical removal, chemotherapeutic and hormonal therapy options as well as targeted antibody therapies are then considered.
Read more about this at: Breast cancer therapy
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It arises from the gland cells of the organ.
Its development is largely related to three risk factors:
The symptoms of a benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement) and a malignant neoplasm are similar. Those affected complain of frequent urination, even at night, of a weakened urine stream and residual urine sensation. Also Blood in the urine, Painful urination and sudden lower back pain are among the symptoms.
If there is any suspicion, the urologist will perform a palpation examination of the anus (digital rectal exam) by.
It also determines the PSA value (prostate-specific antigen), the level of which can indicate prostate cancer.
The suspected diagnosis can be confirmed with the help of an ultrasound examination, also via the anus, and the removal of tissue samples by means of a punch biopsy.
The cells removed are examined histologically and may initiate further diagnostic steps.
If there is a locally limited tumor, surgical removal of the prostate or a radiotherapy respectively.
If necessary, this is followed by radiation therapy. Hormone therapy is also used if the cancer has already metastasized to lymph nodes and bones.
In about 85% of the Lung cancers it is a non-small cell lung carcinoma, which can be histologically differentiated into three groups (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma). Small cell lung carcinoma, which is characterized by rapid metastasis, accounts for around 10 to 15%.
In addition to genetic factors, a long history of smoking and chronic, tobacco-associated complaints how bronchitis plays a role.
Warning signs associated with lung cancer include prolonged coughing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing while exerting, bloody sputum, worsening cough, chest pain and swallowing, weight loss, and increased fatigue.
If the diagnosis of lung cancer is suspected, an X-ray, a CT scan, a blood test and a video-assisted bronchoscopy with a biopsy (tissue removal) are performed Diagnosis of lung cancer carried out. If the suspicion is confirmed, further investigations will follow Staging of lung cancer.
The Lung cancer therapy depends strongly on the extent of the tumor. If sufficient healthy lung tissue remains, the affected lung sections are surgically removed. Chemotherapy can be given before and after the operation to shrink the tumor. Radiation therapy can be combined with chemotherapy or individually after the operation.
While Cancer in the small intestine rarely occurs, malignant tumors develop in the Large intestine much more often.
Most of the cases are degenerate polyps, so-called adenomas. As part of a Colonoscopy (colonoscopy) such precursors can be discovered and removed in good time.
In addition to genetic factors play a role in the development of Intestinal polyps Pollutants found in food also play a role.
An unhealthy diet, smoking, genetic components, obesity and an age over 50 are associated with an increased risk of degeneration.
Colon cancer often only becomes symptomatic in later stages.
Persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and appearance, and one Anemia (anemia) are considered warning signs.
A colonoscopy, laboratory tests and imaging procedures are used in diagnostics. The therapeutic aim is to remove the tumor as completely as possible.
Depending on the extent of the tumor, radiation and / or chemotherapy is carried out. In some cases the creation of a artificial anus necessary.
The diagnosis "cancer" means does not automatically reduce the lifetime. Around 40 percent of patients with cancer are cured thanks to appropriate therapeutic measures. The trend is increasing.
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In the remaining cases it is not possible to completely or permanently remove the tumor cells from the body. You lead one palliative therapy one that includes life-prolonging and symptom-relieving measures. Even if a complete cure is not possible, many forms of cancer can be controlled well in this way.
In general, the prospect of recovery depends on many factors. These include the early detection the disease, the respective Form of cancer, the expansion of the tumor and the differentiation of the cells.
There is a chance of a cure, especially in the early stages. This is especially true for some common cancers such as prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer.
A Spontaneous remission, i.e. the regression of a malignant tumor without therapeutic intervention, is observed in very rare cases. She comes in heap Renal cell carcinoma and Melanoma as well as lymphomas of malignant etiology.
End-stage cancer describes a condition that excludes a definitive cure, mostly due to metastases, and heralds approaching death.
In this phase, stressful symptoms occur, the treatment and simultaneous alleviation of which are the main focus. Those affected often suffer from severe pain, which with sufficient Pain medication have to be treated. They are partly caused directly by the tumor and partly indirectly by weakening the body.
Other symptoms are nausea and vomiting, which are associated with the use of numerous medications.
Restricted breathing to the point of Shortness of breath can be among the complaints, as well as disorders of the nervous system. As a result of declining cardiac function and inflammatory infiltrates arise Fluid retention in the abdominal cavity and in the chest cavity between the lungs and chest wall (water in the lungs). Punctures reduce the pressure created.
Patients and relatives can fall back on outpatient and inpatient help, which is individually tailored in cooperation with specialist palliative care specialists.
Breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer cannot be prevented. Active protection is not possible because the trigger is often purely random. The likelihood of genetic errors in cell division increases with age. In these cases, early screening examinations play an important role. Leukemia, lymphomas and brain tumors also usually develop without external influence.
With other types of cancer, on the other hand, there is the possibility of actively doing something. The risk of developing cancer can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain factors. Not smoking, a balanced diet low in animal fats and sugar and not using alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
Also of importance are an adequate body weight, regular physical activity, little direct UV radiation by exposure to the sun, avoiding radioactive radiation, not taking hormone substitutes and carrying out all recommended vaccinations, especially against Hepatitis B. and human papillomaviruses. Breastfeeding also prevents cancer from developing in women.
