Cancer Education

What is cancer?

The body is made up of various kinds of cells, which normally divide and increase their number in a process called mitosis. Normal cells divide to replace those lost, or to repair injuries only, then stop dividing.

Cancer is an abnormal, continuous multiplying of cells. The cells divide uncontrollably and may grow into adjacent tissue or spread to distant parts of the body. The mass of cancer cells eventually become large enough to produce lumps, masses, or tumors that can be detected, which can be benign or malignant.

There are more than 100 types of cancers - each with its own specific risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and treatment protocols.

What is a tumor?

When cells divide when new cells are not needed, too much tissue is formed. This mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors:

• are not cancerous
• can usually be removed
• do not come back in most cases
• do not spread to other parts of the body and the cells do not invade other tissues

Malignant tumors:

• are cancerous
• can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs
• metastasize - cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form secondary tumors in other parts of the body

What are diagnostic procedures for cancer?

When symptoms suggest cancer, your physician may request/perform any of the following procedures to help positively diagnose it:

• a detailed medical history - family and personal
• thorough physical examination
• pelvic examination of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum
• Pap test may be requested at the time of pelvic examination

Other diagnostic procedures that may be requested include:

Imaging tests, such as:

• x-ray
• computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray. The CT scan may indicate enlarged lymph nodes - a possible sign of a spreading cancer or of an infection.
• radionuclide scan - an imaging scan in which a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. A machine measures levels of radioactivity in certain organs, thereby detecting any abnormal areas or tumors.
• ultrasound - an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce an image on a monitor of the abdominal organs, such as the uterus, liver, and kidneys.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord. The MRI may show abnormal nodules in bones or lymph nodes - a sign that cancer may be spreading.

Endoscopy - use of a very flexible tube with a lens or camera (and a light on the end), which is connected to a computer screen, allowing the physician to see inside the hollow organs, such as the bladder or uterus. Biopsy samples can be taken through the tube.

Laboratory tests - to examine blood, urine, other fluids, or tumor tissue

Biopsy - to remove a sample of the suspicious tissue for examination in a laboratory by a pathologist

Thinprep - a Pap Test alternative - Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thinprep is a liquid-based procedure in which cells from the cervix are put into a vial of liquid instead of being "smeared" onto a slide. The liquid is then filtered and only the cervical cells are placed onto a slide for examination.

Once the cancer is diagnosed, an evaluation will be made to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer.

What are the general categories of cancers?

There are several general categories of cancer, with carcinomas and adenocarcinomas being the most common:

• Carcinomas - are cancers that occur in epithelial surfaces - the cells that form the outer surface of the body to line or cover the body's cavities, tubes and passageways.
• Adenocarcinomas - are cancers that form on a glandular surface, such as the lung, breast, prostate, ovary, or kidney.
• Sarcomas - are cancers that occur in supporting structures, such as bone, muscle, cartilage, fat, or fibrous tissue.
• Leukemias and lymphomas - are cancers that occur in blood cell elements.

Brain cancers, nerve cancers, melanomas, and certain testicular and ovarian cancers do not fall into a general category.