Understanding Cancer And How It Develops
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Organs of the body consist of tissues and
these tissues are made of cells. Cells grow, divide, and
create new cells, as our body needs them. Old cells die,
and new ones take their place. A problem occurs when
something goes wrong. New cells are created when the body
doesn’t need them, and old cells do not die when they are
supposed to. The result of this anomaly is a tumor. It is
important to remember, tumors can be malignant or benign.
Benign tumors are not cancer, only malignant tumors are
cancer.
Benign tumors are usually not life
threatening and can be removed. Once removed, they don’t
grow back. Benign tumors do not spread cells to the tissues
surrounding them, or to other parts of the body.
Malignant tumors are a different story.
They are serious and life threatening. |
They can be surgically removed,
but many times, they will grow back. Cells from these malignant
tumors can spread to surrounding tissues and organs. Malignant
tumors can send cells to other parts of the body. With breast
cancer as the primary source of the cancer, other cancer sites
are the brain, liver, bones, and lungs. These are considered
secondary sites. These cancers cells have metastasized to other
parts of the body.
Cells can break away from the malignant tumor and be
spread through the bloodstream to every part of the body. After these
cells have invaded other areas of the body or organs, it forms new
tumors that damage the formerly healthy organs.
If breast cancer has spread to the bones, it is still
considered and treated as breast cancer. The cancerous cells in the
bones are breast cancer cells that have metastasized to the bones.
If cancer cells have been found in the lymphatic system
or bloodstream, they could spread throughout the body. Those who have
been diagnosed with breast cancer should be on the alert to signs of
cancer in the rest of the body. When a tumor has been removed, a
pathologist can decide if the cancer has spread.
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He will examine the edges around the tumor to
find stray cancerous cells. If he doesn’t find any, and
lymph nodes are found to be clear of cancer, the tumor has
probably been contained.
Your recovery from breast cancer increases if
the cancer is detected early. If you show any signs of
tumors, lumps in the breast, tenderness to the breast area
or under the arm, and change in shape or size of the breast,
get to the doctor immediately. Early detection can stop
this disease from spreading to other organs in your body.
This is life-threatening condition, if cancer cells
metastasize to organs that are essential for life. If you
know you have a high risk factor, be sure to have regular
breast exams and screenings. Self-exams are important and
should be done at the same time of each month. It is
recommended to use your birthday as the target date to
practice self-examination on your breasts. |
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