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How Cancer Starts, Grows and Spreads?

By Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit in Cancer Care / Oncology

Jan 22 , 2023 | 4 min read

Cancer affects millions of people around the world. It has been the focus of many medical and scientific studies, with increasing progress in understanding how cancer starts, grows, and spreads. In this article, we will explore how cancer develops, from the initial mutation of a single cell to the full-blown spread of cancer cells throughout an individual's body.

We will also discuss current treatments available and future possibilities for more effective treatments to combat this life-threatening disease.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to grow out of control. Cancer begins when normal cells in the body change and grow uncontrollably; the changed cells can form a mass called a tumour. A tumour can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumour is made up of cancer cells, and it can grow into nearby tissues or may spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumour means the mass is not made up of cancer cells, and it will not apply.

Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer begins in the lungs, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The type of cell initially affected by cancer determines how quickly it grows and spreads.

There are many different types of cancer, but they all have one thing in common: uncontrolled cell growth. When left untreated, cancer can cause severe illness and even death. Early detection and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome.

How does cancer start?

There are many ways cancer can start, but it always begins with a change in the DNA of a cell. This change can be caused by something external to the cell, like cigarette smoke, or by something inside the cell like a mutation passed down from parent to child. Once this change happens, it allows the cell to grow and divide out of control.

Cells in our bodies normally grow and divide in an orderly way. They know when to stop growing and dividing, so our tissues don't get too big. But cancer cells keep growing and dividing even when our bodies don't need them. As these cells build up, they form a tumour.

Most cancers start in one place and stay there. But some cancers, like leukaemia, begin in the blood cells and then spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells can also travel to other

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body parts through the lymph system or bloodstream. When cancer cells reach a new place in the body, they may start growing into a new tumour.

How does cancer grow and spread?

Cancer starts when abnormal cells in the body begin to grow out of control. The abnormal cells can form a tumour, which may grow and spread to other body parts. 

Cancer grows by invading healthy tissues and organs, which can be difficult to treat. Cancer can also spread to other body parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

It is important to catch cancer early before it has a chance to grow and spread. Treatment options are more successful when cancer is caught early.

What are the different types of cancer?

Cancer can begin in almost any type of cell in the body, which is why many types of cancer exist. The four main types are Carcinoma, Sarcomas, Leukemias, and Lymphomas.

The most common type of cancer is Carcinoma - Basal Cell CarcinomaRenal Cell Carcinoma. They develop in epithelial cells, which line the inside and outside surfaces of the body. The three most common carcinomas are breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Cancers that develop in connective tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels are called Sarcomas. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of sarcoma.

Leukaemia is cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. The four main types of leukaemia are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukaemia, and chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Cancers that develop in the lymphatic system (a part of the immune system) are called Lymphomas. There are two main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin's lymphomas disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

How can I prevent cancer?

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention. There is no one "magic bullet" to prevent cancer, but there are many things you can do to reduce your risk.

Primary prevention of cancer refers to measures taken to prevent cancer development. This can be done by avoiding exposure to known carcinogens, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, and getting vaccinated against certain viruses that can cause cancer.

Secondary prevention of cancer refers to measures taken to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. This includes participating in regular screenings for certain types of cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer.

You can do many things daily to reduce your risk of cancer, such as eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco products. While there is no surefire way to prevent cancer, these lifestyle changes can help improve your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

As we have seen, cancer starts with the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in our body and can spread to other organs. Understanding how it starts grows and spreads is important for knowing when to seek medical help, determining treatment options, and possibly even helping us prevent cancer in the first place by living a healthier lifestyle. If you suspect that you may have any signs or symptoms of cancer, be sure to consult your doctor so they can investigate further as soon as possible.


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