Other terms
- Cancer Vaccines
- Candidiasis
- Capsule Endoscopy
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Resurfacing
- Carbuncle
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
- Carcinogens
- Carcinoma
- Cardiology
- Cardiomyopathy
- Case Report Form (CRF)
Cancer
What is Cancer? Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal or mutated cells within the body. Normally, cells in the body grow, divide, and die in an orderly and controlled manner. However, cancerous cells evade this normal process, leading them to form cancerous masses known as malignant tumors. These tumors can then metastasize and invade nearby and distant tissues.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer forms because of DNA mutations within cells. These mutations can occur due to several variables:
- Inherited genetic mutations
- Lifestyle
- Environment
- Chronic health conditions
- Age
Types of Cancer
There are hundreds of various types of cancer. Each is categorized based on the organs or tissues they originate from or the type of cell that formed it. A few of the categories of cancer include:
- Carcinoma: Formed by epithelial cells
- Sarcoma: Forms in bone and soft tissues such as fat, blood vessels, muscles & tendons
- Leukemia: Forms in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow
- Lymphoma: Affects the lymph system
- Myeloma: Forms in plasma cells
- Melanoma: Forms in melanocytes
- Germ Cell Tumors: Forms in germ cells
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Form in the endocrine system
- Carcinoid Tumor: A type of neuroendocrine tumor that often forms in the intestinal tract
Source: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
