Cancer can be a complex topic, but understanding it is crucial. In this brief guide, we’ll understand what cancer means, what are the common types of cancer and the different stages.
What do you mean by Cancer?
Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming masses or tumors. It happens when something goes wrong with the way our cells usually divide. These lumps can disturb our body functions. Sometimes, these cells can also spread to other parts of the body and form tumours there. (called as metastasis).
What are the different types of Cancer?
- Solid cancers pertain to the formation of abnormal growths or tumors within organs and tissues. Examples encompass breast, lung, and colon cancers, where cells multiply uncontrollably, forming masses in specific areas of the body.
- Hematological cancers involve disorders of the blood and bone marrow. Conditions such as leukemia affect the white blood cells, disrupting the normal balance of blood cell production, while lymphomas impact the lymphatic system. These conditions are characterised by abnormal cellular activity within the bloodstream and related tissues.
What are the stages of cancer?
The stage of cancer refers to the extent of the disease, indicating how much cancer has grown or spread within the body. It typically involves assessing the size of the tumor, the extent of its invasion into nearby tissues, whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to distant organs.
Staging helps healthcare professionals determine the appropriate treatment plan and predict the prognosis for the patient. Staging is an essential factor in guiding medical decisions and providing valuable information about the progression of the disease.
The specific staging system can vary depending on the type of cancer. However, most of the solid cancers can be staged as below :
Stages I and II:
Cancer is present and may have grown larger but is still confined to the organ of origin. The higher the number, the larger the tumor or the more it has invaded nearby tissues.
Stage III:
Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes but has not yet metastasized to distant organs.
Stage IV:
Cancer has spread to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. This is often referred to as metastatic cancer, indicating a more advanced and widespread disease.
Few cancers like leukemias (blood cancer) are not staged as above and have different risk stratifications. Staging is crucial for treatment decisions, as different stages may require different approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these. Always consult with healthcare professionals for specific information related to the staging of a particular type of cancer.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes and patient understanding only. A person should seek medical advice.