Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world. Cancer is a broad term used to describe many types of diseases that arise from abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.
In this article we will discuss What is Cancer: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment By Dr. Naval Parikh.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is when cells in the body start to grow uncontrollably. Cancer cells can start forming tumors and invade nearby tissues or they may spread by entering the bloodstream, lymphatic system or through the direct extension of tumor tissue into other organs.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of your body. Cancerous tumors can be benign or malignant, meaning that they are either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Cancer Types
Many types of cancer can affect any part of the body. Let’s explain some of its common types.
1. Breast Cancer
Cancer that forms in the tissues of a woman’s breast. Cancerous cells form in the tissues of either one or both breasts.
Symptoms:
There are many symptoms of Cancer. Some common Cancer Symptoms include:
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Abnormal lump in the breast, armpit, groin, etc.
- Swelling or pain in a part of the body that is not caused by injury or illness other than cancer.
Breast Cancer may not cause any symptoms at first, but it can eventually lead to lumps that are found on the breast.
2. Lung Cancer
Cancer that starts in the lungs is called lung cancer. Cancer cells form in the tissues of either one or both lungs and they may also spread (metastasize) to other parts such as the liver, bones, etc.
Symptoms:
- Coughing
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
3. Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the tissues of the skin is called carcinoma. Cancer cells can form tumors or spread to other parts of the body like lymph nodes, lungs, etc.
Symptoms:
- A change in an existing mole (most common).
- Palpable lump/mass on your skin (may not be painful).
- An open sore that does not heal.
4. Cancer of the Colon & Rectum
Cancer that begins in the colon or rectum is called cancer of the colon and rectum.
Symptoms:
- Blood in stools (bowel movement)
- Lower abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
5. Sarcoma Cancer
Cancer that begins in the tissues of a bone or cartilage is called sarcoma cancer.
Symptoms:
- Bone pain (most common)
- swelling around a joint with no known cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headache
6. Leukemia
Cancer that begins in the blood-forming tissues of bone marrow is called leukemia cancer. Cancer cells can form tumors on either one side, both sides and it may also spread to other parts like the liver, etc.
Symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or weight loss without trying (unintentional)
- Fatigue/weakness
- Fever/chills
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising after a minor injury
7. Lymphoma
Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is called Lymphoma Cancer. Cancer cells can form tumors on either one side, both sides and it may also spread to other parts like the liver, etc.
Symptoms:
- Swelling of your face/neck (most common)
- Numbness or tingling sensation in face or extremities
- Weakness in one arm or leg.
8. Melanoma
Cancer that begins in the skin pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) is called melanoma Cancer.
Symptoms:
- A new mole or a change in an existing mole that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Change in shape, color or texture of an existing mole.
- An irregular border around a dark spot on the skin (most common)
Cancer Causes
There are many causes for Cancer but some common Cancer causes include:
1. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of cancer in men and women worldwide, including all cancers combined as well as individual cancer sites such as lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus (swallowing tube), nasal cavity, pancreas, kidney and bladder.
2. Radiation Exposure
Cancer risk increases with increasing doses of radiation at any age. Newborns are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation than adults because their cells are rapidly dividing as they grow and develop.
3. Chemicals
Cancer risk increases with increasing exposure to chemical carcinogens. These include certain metals, agricultural chemicals (herbicides and pesticides), hair dyes containing benzene derivatives, organic solvents such as those found in paints or varnishes, some plastic ingredients that can release hazardous gases when heated or microwaved.
4. Obesity
Cancer risk increases with increasing body mass index (BMI), which is based on height and weight measurements.
5. Family History of Cancer
Cancer risk also increases when a close blood relative has had the disease; this includes having many generations in your family tree who have lived to old age without cancer, or if you, your mother, sister, or brother had Cancer at an early age.
Cancer Treatment Options By Dr. Navel Parikh
Cancer treatment options depend on Cancer type, Cancer stage and overall health.
The kind of Cancer Treatment that is recommended for you by Dr. Navel Parikh will vary according to the different factors such as age, existing conditions like Diabetes or Hypertension (high blood pressure), whether cancer has spread from where it started. Cancer Treatments may include:
1. Surgery
Cancerous tumors can be removed by surgery to prevent them from spreading and coming back.
2. Chemotherapy
Cancer cells are destroyed using chemotherapy medications that kill fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells.
These drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancerous cells but also some healthy ones as well.
This treatment is Cancer lifesaving but it can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
3. Radiotherapy
Cancer cells are destroyed using high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill them without surgery. This treatment is Cancer lifesaving but it may also have side effects like skin damage in some cases where Cancer was treated by radiotherapy.
4. Targeted Cancer Therapy
Cancer cells are destroyed using targeted Cancer drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer in the body. These medications attach to specific proteins on cancer cells; this stops them from growing, dividing or spreading without harming healthy tissues and organs like other Cancer treatments can do.
5. Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines are used to prevent cancer from coming back in people who have been treated for cancer or to help stop Cancer from starting when given before Surgery, Radiation therapy or Chemotherapy.
Why should you choose Dr. Naval Parikh for cancer treatment?
Dr. Naval Parikh’s clinic in Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach is a one-stop Cancer Treatment Center that offers primary care and Cancer treatment services under the same roof.
Dr. Navel Parikh Cancer Clinic has been serving the South Florida community for over 10 years with quality Cancer Care at an affordable price.
For more information, please contact:
Naval Parikh Clinic:
Address: 1 West Sample Road, Suite 201. Deerfield Beach, Florida. 33064.
Phone : (954) 782–3170
Website : https://navalparikh.com/
