Cancer

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue (invasion) or by migration of cells to distant sites (metastasis). This unregulated growth is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to vital genes that control cell division, among other functions. One or more of these mutations, which can be inherited or acquired, can lead to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation. Tumor ("swelling" in Latin) refers to any abnormal mass of tissue, but may be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Only malignant tumors are capable of invading other tissues or metastasizing.

Related Topics:
Disease - Cell division - Tissues - Metastasis - DNA - Mutation - Genes - Tumor - Latin - Malignant - Benign

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Cancer can cause many different symptoms, depending on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the microscopic examination of tissue obtained by biopsy. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Related Topics:
Microscopic - Biopsy - Surgery - Chemotherapy - Radiation

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If untreated, most cancers eventually cause death; cancer is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Most cancers can be treated and many cured, especially if treatment begins early.

Related Topics:
Death - Developed countries

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Many forms of cancer are associated with environmental factors, which may be avoidable. Smoking tobacco leads to more cancers than any other environmental factor.

Related Topics:
Environmental factor - Smoking tobacco

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