| Understanding Cancer |
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Malignant tumors are unfortunately, a different story. They are serious and life threatening. They can be surgically removed, but many times, they will grow back. Cells from these malignant tumors can spread to surrounding tissues and organs. Malignant tumors can send cells to other parts of the body. With breast cancer as the primary source of the cancer, other cancer sites are the brain, liver, bones, and lungs. These are considered secondary sites. These cancers cells have metastasized (spread to)to other parts of the body. Cells can even break away from the malignant tumor and be spread through the bloodstream to every part of the body. After these cells have invaded other areas of the body or organs, it forms new tumors that damage the formerly healthy organs. If breast cancer has spread to the bones, it is still considered and treated as breast cancer. The cancerous cells in the bones are breast cancer cells that have metastasized (spread to)to the bones. If cancer cells have been found in the lymphatic system or bloodstream, they could spread throughout the body. Those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer should be on the alert to signs of cancer in the rest of the body. When a tumor has been removed, a pathologist can decide if the cancer has spread. He will examine the edges around the tumor to find stray cancerous cells. If he doesn’t find any, and lymph nodes are found to be clear of cancer, the tumor has probably been contained. Recovery from breast cancer increases if the cancer is detected early. If you show any signs of tumors, lumps in the breast, tenderness to the breast area or under the arm, and change in shape or size of the breast, see a doctor immediately. Early detection can stop this disease from spreading to other organs in your body. If you know you have a high risk factor, be sure to have regular breast exams and screenings. Self-exams are important and should be done at the same time of each month. While there's no guarantees not to get breast cancer, early detection can get rid of it easily. The statistics prove it. |
Understanding cancer and how it develops is the way to find a cure for it. The different parts of the body are made of tissues and these tissues are made of cells. Cells grow, divide, and then create new cells, as our body needs them. When old cells die, new ones take their place. A problem occurs when new cells are created when the body doesn’t need them, and old cells do not die when they are supposed to. The result of this can be a tumor, a growth. But, it is important to realize, tumors can be benign or malignant. | < Prev | Next > |
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