Cancer Biology
What is cancer? l Cancer is a group of several diseases caused by the abnormal growth of cells.
What is cancer? l Cancer is a group of several diseases caused by the abnormal growth of cells. l Growth destroys surrounding tissue and interferes with proper cell function.
What is cancer? l Cancer is a group of several diseases caused by the abnormal growth of cells. l Growth destroys surrounding tissue and interferes with proper cell function. l Cancer cells are called malignant cells.
Tumors l Mass of cells formed by cells dividing too quickly
Tumors l Mass of cells formed by cells dividing too quickly l Benign tumors Not caused by cancer Do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) Usually does not grow back when removed
Tumors l Mass of cells formed by cells dividing too quickly l Benign tumors Not caused by cancer Do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) Usually does not grow back when removed l Malignant tumors Cancer Will metastasize if not treated
Cause of Cancer l Genetic mutations l Exposure to carcinogens Cancer causing substances
Cause of Cancer l Genetic mutations l Exposure to carcinogens Cancer causing substances l Over exposure to radiation l Toxic substances in cigarettes and alcohol
Symptoms l Fatigue
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough l Blood found in vomit, urine, or feces
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough l Blood found in vomit, urine, or feces l Persistent pain
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough l Blood found in vomit, urine, or feces l Persistent pain l Sores in mouth
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough l Blood found in vomit, urine, or feces l Persistent pain l Sores in mouth l Painless sores
Symptoms l Fatigue l Unexplained weight loss l Night sweats l Cough l Blood found in vomit, urine, or feces l Persistent pain l Sores in mouth l Painless sores l Growths on the skin
Diagnosis l Talk with a doctor about lifestyle issues, exposure to radiation, or chemicals and family history.
Diagnosis l Talk with a doctor about lifestyle issues, exposure to radiation, or chemicals and family history. l Variety of tests can be used to determine if cancer is present.
Biopsy l The removal of a tumor which is then studied in a laboratory for signs of cancer
MRI l Magnetic Resonance Imaging l Uses magnets and radiation to detect abnormalities in the structure and function of organs.
CT Scan l Also known as CAT Scan l Computed Axial Tomography l Creates cross section views using small amounts of radiation to view particular organs to detect abnormalities.
X-Ray l Picture of hard tissues of the body using low dose of radiation to view particular organs to detect abnormalities.
Treatment l Surgically remove the tumor l Radiation therapy Uses x-rays, gamma rays, or other rays to shrink the tumor l Chemotherapy Use of drugs to kill cancer cells
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea l Vomiting
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea l Vomiting l Skin changes
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea l Vomiting l Skin changes l Anemia
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea l Vomiting l Skin changes l Anemia l Fatigue
Side Effects of Treatment l Kills healthy cells l Loss of hair l Nausea l Vomiting l Skin changes l Anemia l Fatigue l Loss of appetite
Prevention l Healthy lifestyle Healthy weight, exercising, and eating a diet of whole natural foods. l Avoid smoking l Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol l Avoid overexposure to the sun l Avoid eating a lot of meats and processed foods
Is there a definite cure for cancer? l No. l Some cancers are more receptive to treatments while others are not