The human body is composed of many different types of cells. Because of this many different types of cancers can develop such as carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Carcinoma is a type of epithelial cancer that develops in the skin, in the glandular tissue (breast or prostate), or in the linings of bodily parts or organs (mouth or stomach). Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the connective tissues (tendons), bone, or muscle. These two terms are often combined with other words that help to specify an organ or cell type in which the cancer originated. For example, an osteosarcoma is a cancer that originated in the bone.
Leukemia is cancer that is located in the bone marrow. Bone marrow consists of red blood cells, white blood cells that fight infection, and cells that prevent uncontrolled bleeding, or platelets.
Cancers that originate in the lymph nodes are known as lymphomas.
Causes of Cancer
Many different factors can be identified as contributing to cancer development. Among these factors are hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, some viral infections, nutritional disorders, and immune system disorders. If genetic abnormalities are inherited from another family member there could be a high risk for a particular type of cancer.
Carcinogens, or cancer causing substances, can transform a healthy cell into a cancerous one. Substances such as tobacco and tobacco smoke contain many different carcinogens that can interact with each other causing a higher risk of cancer. Chemicals such as asbestos fibers, benzene, and radiation are known to cause cancer.
Diagnosing Cancer
Mammograms and blood stool tests are two examples of early detection tests. These types of tests can be performed before noticeable symptoms of cancer ever appear. Tests such as these have reduced the incidences of certain types of cancer and have increased the chances of people being cured.
When a tumor is located, a piece of it is removed from the patient and examined under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant. This test is called a biopsy and helps to determine the prognosis. A prognosis is a predicted course for treatment of a disease.
A staging, or further evaluation, is used to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread and the best way in which to treat it.