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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Disease: A disease is any abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person affected or those in contact with the person. Sometimes the term is used broadly to include injuries, disabilities, syndromes, symptoms, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations o...

Cell division: Cell division is the process by which a cell (called the parent cell) divides into two cells (called daughter cells). Cell division is usually a small segment of a larger cell cycle. In meiosis (discussed later), however, a cell is permanently transformed and cannot divide again....

Tissues: redirect Tissue...

Cancer related Images and Photos (experimental)

Cancer	Cancer EdwardsII	Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 22)	Cancer The Crab
Breast Cancer Awareness	Breast Cancer Electron Microscopy Unit Cancer Research UK	Human Skin Cancer Cell Electron Microscopy Unit Cancer Research UK	House Of Cancer The Crab
Pink Ribbon - Breast Cancer Awareness	Survivor Stand Up To Cancer Buff	Survivor Stand Up To Cancer Buff	The First Attempt to Treat Cancer with X Rays by Doctor Chicotot 1907