About Cancer

Cancer is caused by cell growth which is out of control and there are many different types of cancer which is classified by the type of cell that is affected initially. The cells which are damaged uncontrollably divide to form into lumps of tissue which are known as tumors. These tumors can alter the body functioning and grow bigger. The tumors which stay in one place and have limited amount of growth are benign whereas the malignant tumors are more dangerous. Malignant tumors are formed when a cancerous cell travels through the body in the blood or when the cell divides and grows.

Some of the different types of cancer in women are as below:

1. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women. It begins in the breast and the cancerous cells spread to the other parts of the body. If this cancer is detected early, it can be cured or treated but if it has spread to the other parts of the body, it can be life threatening. The stage of the cancer has to be detected to decide the best treatment to undergo. Often, there are no symptoms of breast cancer in the early stages but as the cancer grows it may show the following symptoms of a change in the shape or size of the breast, a lump in the breast, nipple inversion or nipple discharge. The types of breast cancer are Invasive and non invasive.

2. Cervical Cancer: This type of cancer in women begins in the cervix which is the part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. Cervical Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Human Papillomavirus is what causes the cervical cancer mostly. This virus is transmitted sexually and sometimes the immune system of the woman's body destroys the virus leading to normal state of the cervix. But sometimes the virus infection remains and leads to cancer. The Pap test and the HPV test should be done when recommended and should not be ignored. Treatments of cervical cancer can be systemic or local. The local treatments destroy or control the cancer cells in one area using radiation or surgery. Systemic treatments destroy or control the cells throughout the body using chemotherapy.

3. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer in women causes bloating, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, difficulty in eating or urinary symptoms. It can also cause constipation, fatigue and pain in the body. A pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasound needs to be done to get tested for ovarian cancer. Surgery or chemotherapy is used for treatment of this cancer.

4. Vaginal Cancer: Vaginal Cancer in women starts in the vagina usually in the lining of the vagina and takes many years to develop. Pap tests help to detect vaginal cancers. The symptoms of vaginal cancer may be vaginal bleeding after lovemaking, pain while passing urine, pain during sexual lovemaking, constipation or abnormal discharge.

5. Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer in women starts in the vulva which is the outer part of the reproductive system in females. This is not a very common type of cancer and can be cured if detected early.

6. Uterine Sacoma: This is the cancer that develops in the tissues of the uterus. The main types of uterine sarcoma are uterine leiomyosarcoma, uterine carcinosacoma, uterine adenosarcoma and endometrial sarcoma.

These are some of the conditions of cancer in women. It is required for women to undergo some tests like the Pap test and mammogram regularly to detect cancer early and to avoid cancer.

The term "cancer" often sends a chill running as it is known to be one of the deadliest diseases the world has seen till today. The term is used as a broad classification to denote diseases that are caused by random and uncontrollable cell growth in the human body. Though the disease is classified into five major groups, there are more than 100 types of cancer depending on the area or organ where abnormal cells start to develop.

The cure for cancer is not yet completely established though medical advancement has raised the cure ratio to almost about 60-70%. The disease is completely curable when it s detected in the early stages and its growth controlled. Thus this calls in for the need or the awareness for every individual to know about cancer and its symptoms. Though some of the types of cancer do not show any symptoms or signs until they develop into advanced stages, many exhibit common symptoms which can be watched for. This article is all about the symptoms associated with cancer and detailed information about them.

1. Fatigue - The most common symptom that cancer exhibits is persistent fatigue. The patient experiences fatigue in all stages of the disease and is more pronounced in the advanced states. Though many cancers exhibit fatigue at the early state itself clearly, some might not display till the disease grows extensively inside the body. Fatigue can be experienced by both kinds of cancers, be it malignant or malignant and is often associated to becoming anaemic plus loss of immunity in the body. In the types of cancer that affect the bowel organs or the area, fatigue is a very common symptom.

2. Weight Loss - Loss of weight is normally a pleasure for many, but unexpected and excessive weight loss is a point of concern. Loss of excessive weight which may or may not be associated with appetite loss is also known to be one major symptom of cancer. Though weight loss denotes the possibility of many diseases, it is wise to consult a doctor if you think that you have lost massively within a short period.

3. Fever - A fever is a mild indication given by the body that something is wrong internally. Though fever is associated with many diseases, persistent fever or one that occurs frequently needs to be attended. Such kind of fevers normally denotes a stressed immune system and it is advisable to then get screening for cancer done. Normally cancers related to blood like leukemia or lymphoma show symptoms of fever and so also do other cancers which are in quite advanced state.

4. Bowel Changes - Colon cancer normally exhibits symptoms of bowel changes which might be followed with constipation, diarrhea, gas or blood in stools. In case of such situations, it is advisable to consult your physician and get a screening done for cancer. These though are common symptoms of cancer, and sometimes can also be linked to other types of cancer.

5. Cough - Cough is normally a day-to-day affair, though it is a must to seek medical guidance when it stays for a longer time or is persistent and worse. Chronic cough that is related with mucus or blood is normally a symptom of cancer in the lungs. Though chronic cough with mucus and blood can be caused by many conditions, lung cancer is one possible disease they could be associated with.

6. Pain - Pain is a symptom of cancer but when it is in an advanced stage. It is sometimes a symptom in earlier stages of cancer types which spreads and affects the bone. In other cases of cancer, pain is experienced only when the cancer is in an advanced state and has spread to other parts of the body and nerves. Ovarian and colon cancer can be associated with pain in the lower back. Pain in the shoulder is often related to lung cancer while stomach pains are often related to cancer of the stomach, pancreas, etc. Persistent headaches also need to be taken into consideration as it can be a symptom of malignant or benign tumors of the brain.

These are a few very generic symptoms that are related to cancer though these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions. Also these can be exhibited in many stages of the different cancer types depending on the individual and the level of spread of the disease.

But this is not all; specific cancer types showcase specific symptoms as an indication of the disease. Below is a list of specific symptoms for a few well-known types of cancer.

* Bone cancer is associated with pain and swelling of the affected area along with weakness and fracture in the bones.
* Brain cancer can be accompanied with dizziness, drowsiness and abnormal eye movements and vision changes.
* Breast cancer is associated with lumps in the breasts and discharge from nipples.
* Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells and can show symptoms of weakness, paleness, fever and prolonged bleeding effects.
* Blood in the urine or pain in the back along with high blood pressure is normally a sign of kidney cancer.
* Skin cancer can cause change in existing moles or bumps on the skin along with discoloration and bleeding.
* Oral Cancer is characterized by lumps or ulcers in the mouth, lip, tongue or inside lining of the mouth. It is also normally accompanied by oral pains, loose teeth, foul breadth and bleeding.
* Ovarian Cancer is cancer of the ovaries which possess signs of swelling and discomfort in the abdomen along with bleeding in an abnormal manner in the vagina.
* Abdominal pain and unexpected weight loss is also sometimes seen in case of pancreatic cancer which might also cause yellowing of the skin and enlargement of the spleen ad liver.
* Patients suffering from stomach cancer can experience difficulties in urination and in retaining urine in the bladder.

They might feel the frequent urgency to urinate along with the burning or painful urination. They might also at times experience dull pain in the pelvic area and/or in the back.