Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Cancer at the University of Florida Health Center
Read: 602
University of Florida Health
Cancer Center
Search Bar
Mn Menu
Welcome to the University of Florida Health Cancer Center. We provide comprehensive patient care and resources for individuals dealing with cancer, as well as educational material on what cancer is.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can invade nearby tissues and spread through blood or lymph systems. This condition involves many forms deping on where it begins in the body.
Types of Cancer:
-
Carcinoma, originating from skin or internal organs lining.
-
Sarcoma, beginning in bones, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or connective tissues.
-
Leukemia, developing from blood-forming tissue like bone marrow.
-
Lymphomas and Multiple Myelomas, arising from the immune system cells.
-
Central nervous system cancers involving brn and spinal cord.
Causes of Cancer
The precise cause for cancer remns unknown. However, several factors are suspected to play a role:
-
Genetics: Hereditary predisposition can increase risk.
-
Lifestyle Factors:
-
Smoking tobacco use
-
Alcohol consumption
-
Unhealthy diet
-
Excessive sun exposure
-
It's crucial to understand that cancer isn't attributable to personal actions or considered as punishment for one's deeds.
Symptoms
Cancer symptoms may vary greatly among individuals and dep on the type of cancer. Some common signs could include unexplned fatigue, persistent pn, new skin growths, and so on. Others might experience no symptoms until advanced stages are reached.
Diagnosis
Early detection improves treatment outcomes significantly. A mix of lab tests, imaging exams, and biopsies is used to identify cancer presence and extent.
Staging System
Cancer staging helps doctors tlor a treatment plan by determining if the disease has spread beyond its initial location:
-
Stages 1 2: Limited tumor size or no spread.
-
Stages 3 4: Larger tumors or metastasis spread.
This classification guides medical professionals on whether surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these methods is most suitable.
Risk Factors
Many factors are linked to cancer development:
-
Age
-
Alcohol consumption
-
Certn substances that cause cancer
-
Unhealthy diet choices
-
Hormone imbalance
-
Weakened immune system
-
Infection with specific pathogens
-
Excessive weight gn or obesity
-
Exposure to radiation
-
Sunlight overexposure
Understanding Cancer Terminology
A diagnosis often brings new medical jargon. Here’s a list of common terms used by the American Cancer Society:
-
Benign: A non-cancerous tumor
-
Biopsy: The removal of tissue for examination under a microscope.
-
Cancer: The umbrella term covering over 100 different diseases due to uncontrolled cell growth.
-
Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat disease, often referring specifically to cancer treatments but sometimes used more broadly.
-
Malignant: A term describing the presence of cancer cells
-
Metastasis or Metastasized: Spread of cancer cells through lymphatic and bloodstream pathways.
-
Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with cancer.
-
Radiation therapy: Treatment using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
-
Remission: Complete disappearance of signs or symptoms after a disease has been treated, including cancer.
-
Staging: The classification system that determines the extent of tumor spread during diagnosis.
Cancer Center
Physical Address
2033 Mowry Rd, Suite 145
Gnesville, FL 32610-3633
Contact Information
Phone: 352 273-8010
Eml: [email protected]
Giving Opportunities
We welcome your generosity to support our mission. Consider a donation today.
Social Media Links:
University of Florida Health Homepage
University of Florida Homepage
Log-in Options
Support Website
Accessibility and Support Services
Security Guidelines
Privacy Policy: UF, Shands
Copyright 2024 University of Florida Health
This article is reproduced from: https://cancer.ufl.edu/patient-care/support-and-resources/understanding-cancer/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.81le.com/Tumor_Cancer/University_of_Florida_Health_Cancer_Center.html
Comprehensive Cancer Care University of Florida Health Types and Causes of Various Cancers Early Detection and Staging System Risk Factors for Cancer Development Understanding Cancer Terminology Explained UF Health Cancer Center Support Opportunities