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Cancer is an ailment which has devastated human lives since ancient times. The disease has a high chance of occurrence with an estimated rate of 100 per 100000 lives in India. The very diagnosis of the disease has been linked to high chances of anxiety and depression amongst the patients and their immediate family members. It usually starts with no symptoms and most people get diagnosed much later when symptoms show up and start hampering their day-to-day lives.
With this article, we shall explore the basics of cancer, and answer some basic questions about it. The article is aimed at sensitizing the readers on the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of the disease as well.
What is Cancer?
In the human body, there is a continuous cycle of birth, growth and death of cells which is going on. This helps in the upkeep of our body and overall health. The cells have a pre-set code or genetic make-up as scientists call it, which dictates their lifecycle. When a cell is damaged or has an abnormal code, it will grow and continue to live abnormally. When such cells grow, they may form a cancerous mass inside the body.
Therefore, cancer is an abnormal growth of cells, which can occur in any part of the body. Depending on which part of the body it was first diagnosed in, cancer may be called Stomach cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer etc. Get an appointment with a team of experts at the best cancer treatment hospital in Delhi to know more about cancer and its treatments.
What are Benign and Malignant Cancer?
A cancer which starts and also, remains localized to its site of origin is called a benign tumor or benign cancer. When such abnormal growth spreads to the adjoining parts or organs of the body, we call it a malignant cancer. This usually happens when a cell mass or a few cells break off from the clump of tumor growth, and travel through the bloodstream to a different site where they start new cancerous growth.
Types of Cancer
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Bone Cancer
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Blood Cancer
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Breast Cancer
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Bladder Cancer
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Cervical Cancer
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Colorectal Cancer
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Gynecological Cancer
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Liver Cancer
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Kidney Cancer
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Lung Cancer
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Mesothelioma
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Ovarian Cancer
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Prostate Cancer
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Skin Cancer
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Thyroid Cancer
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Uterine Cancer
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Vaginal or Vulvar Cancer
Is cancer Life-threatening?
No, Cancer in itself is not always a life-threatening disease. If diagnosed in the early stages, the disease can be managed and treated properly.
Cancer infects organs and impairs their overall functioning, leading to various other ailments.
For example, when a person’s liver is infected by cancer, their liver function is slowed down. This weakening of liver function can lead to major impacts on blood composition and nutrient absorption, giving rise to various other symptoms in the body.
Stages of Cancer
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Stage I
The cancer growth is limited to a small area and has not yet spread to other tissues. Usually, it is in the form of a small lump or tumor in the body.
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Stage II
The cancer has grown, but it hasn’t spread to any nearby organs.
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Stage III
The cancer has grown larger and has possibly spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
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Stage IV
The cancer has spread to other organs or areas of your body.
Diagnosis of Cancer
There are various techniques available for the diagnosis of cancer. Some of these are listed below. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these tests to identify the location and type of cancer growth inside the body.
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Mammogram for Breast Cancer.
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Blood Test for Blood Cancer.
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Tissue Biopsy for various Cancers.
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CT Scan
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X-Ray
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MRI Scan
Treatment for Cancer
Based on the diagnostic tests, your doctor is able to decide what stage the cancer is at and which mode of treatment shall work best for your health condition. Based on these findings, a doctor may sit with a tumour board so as to help you decide which treatment to opt for, in the best of your interest.
At Manipal Hospitals, we have some of the best tumour boards, with some of the cancer care specialists in Delhi to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Cancer is a disease that should not be feared. With timely medical diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be managed and a person can live a fairly normal life with assistance from their doctors. At Manipal Hospitals, we have some of the best doctors for cancer care backed with state-of-the-art technologies, to care for your healthcare needs and those you love. For any queries or assistance around cancer care, book an appointment with our expert oncologists or visit your nearest Manipal Hospital today.
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