Read: 1877
Understand Cancer
Understanding Cancer
What Is Cancer?
Your body is made up of trillions of cells that grow and divide as needed throughout your lifetime. Normal cell function ensures that old or abnormal cells die when they should. However, in cancer, something goes wrong with this process, causing cells to keep growing uncontrollably without dying. As the cancerous cells multiply excessively, they can crowd out normal cells, impacting bodily functions.
For many individuals, successful cancer treatment is possible. In fact, more people than ever before are living full lives after undergoing cancer treatments.
Cancer beyond a single disease
There's a wide array of cancers, each developed within different parts of the body and often named based on where it originated. For example, breast cancer that begins in the breast remns labeled as such even if it spreads to other body areas metastasizes.
Cancer is classified into two primary categories:
Hematologic cancers involve blood cells and include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Solid tumor cancers impact organs or tissues other than blood, with the most common ones being breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Despite sharing some characteristics, cancer types vary in growth patterns, spread tencies, and responses to treatment. Some grow quickly and aggressively, while others expand more gradually. Some are prone to spreading across the body faster than others, leading to the development of metastasis. Symptoms related to malignancies can differ based on their location within your body.
Treatment options may include surgery for some cancers, while drugs like chemotherapy t to be more effective agnst others. Often, a combination of several treatments yields the best outcomes.
What is a tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal mass that might be benign or malignant cancerous.
The difference between benign and malignant tumors
Benign tumors grow slowly, don't invade surrounding tissues, and do not spread to other body parts unless they become quite large. These types of tumors often require treatment through surgery; however, radiation therapy and medications may also be utilized. As benign tumors are non-cancerous, they do not qualify as cancer.
Malignant tumors propagate rapidly and uncontrollably within the body. These tumors can spread into nearby areas and release cells that enter circulation to invade other organs. The development of metastasis occurs when malignant tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream or lymph system. Symptoms related to malignancies can vary based on their location and stage.
Cancer information, answers, and hope are avlable every moment of every day.
Follow Us
Call Us
800.227.2345
Sign Up for Eml
Sign Up for Text Messages
Cancer Information
Prevention Detection Strategies
Cancer Understanding
Symptoms Signs Overview
Treatment Processes
ACS Research Highlights
Facts and Statistics About Cancer
News and Stories
Glossary
Healthcare Professional Resources
ACS Fundrsing Opportunities
Making Strides Agnst Breast Cancer Walks
Relay For Life Events
American Cancer Society on Campus
Coaches vs. Cancer Program
Galas, Balls Other Special Events
Giving and Donations Options
Memorial Gifts
Planned Giving Strategies
Philanthropy Initiatives
Donate a Car
Charitable Contributions by Ml or Phone
About ACS
Community Impact Information
Employment Opportunities
Suppliers for ACS Programs
Report Fraudulent Activities
Sign Up for Eml
Sign Up for Text Messages
Our Research
Cancer Action Network
Global Health Initiatives
Policy Documents and Reports
Volunteer Engagement
Program Service Offerings
Lodging During Cancer Treatment
Transportation to Cancer Care Appointments
Breast Cancer Support Resources
Products for Hr Loss Management and Post-Surgery
Connecting Survivors
Additional ACS Sites
Bookstore Catalog
Cancer Statistics Atlas
Cancer Facts and Figures Center
ACS News Hub
American Cancer Society Roundtables Community Platform
Volunteer Network
Accessibility Assistance
Site Map Index
Privacy Policy Guidelines
Personal Information Rights
Health Privacy Statement
Accessible Website Navigation
Terms of Use Agreement
State Fundrsing Notifications
Website Feedback
? 2024 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Cancer Society is a tax-exempt organization under section c3 of the Internal Revenue Code with Tax ID Number: 13-1788491.
Cancer.org website content provided courtesy of Leo and Gloria Rosen family.
Cookie Consent Policy
This website uses cookies and to ensure functionality and improve user experience. You can manage these settings using the Data Sharing Settings link.
Data Sharing Settings
Reject All Cookies
Accept All Cookies
This article is reproduced from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer.html
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.81le.com/Tumor_Cancer/CANCER_101_Understanding.html
Understanding Cancer: Symptoms and Treatments Overview Types of Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Explained ACS Research Highlights on Cancer Prevention American Cancer Societys Global Health Initiatives Volunteer Opportunities with the American Cancer Society Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors through Resources