What is Cancer
Organized and compiled by: Dr. Toufan Daneshmand
Cancer is a group of various diseases that are common in some cases and all of them affect the basic unit of the human body, the cell. To recognize cancers, we must know normal and healthy cells and their changes after becoming cancerous.
The body is made of many types of cells. Naturally, when the body needs new cells, other cells grow and multiply to make new cells. This regular process helps to keep the body healthy. Sometimes cells multiply without needing them. In this case, an additional mass of tissue is created, which is called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Benign tumors:
Such tumors are not cancers. They are often removable, and in most cases do not recur. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. More importantly, benign tumors are rarely life-threatening. Cells in malignant tumors are abnormal and divide without any order and control. These cancer cells can attack the surrounding tissues and damage them.
Also, cancer cells may break away from the malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system. In such a case, cancer spreads from the primary tumor and forms new tumors in other parts of the body, this process is called metastasis or metastases.
Know the warning signs of cancer.
Early detection of cancer in the initial stages makes it possible to treat it on time. The following symptoms can be a sign of cancer. If you find any of the following symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor;
Change in the habit of passing stool or urine, or blood in the stool or urine
Skin sores that have not healed after two weeks
Bleeding or abnormal discharge from normal body channels
A lump or bump in the breast or any other part of the body
Difficulty swallowing food
Any change in warts or moles on the body
Persistent or bloody cough or chronic hoarseness
Remember that these symptoms are also seen in benign diseases, but you must consult your doctor to diagnose cancer.
