| What Is Cancer? |
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| Cancer is a group of
many related diseases that begin in cells, the body’s basic building
blocks. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know what happens when
normal cells become cancerous. The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. The extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. They can often be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life. Malignant tumors are cancer. Cells in malignant tumors are abnormal and divide without control or order. Cancer cells invade and destroy the tissue around them. Cancer cells can also break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, capillaries, and veins through which the blood circulates in the body. The lymphatic system carries lymph and white blood cells to all the tissues of the body. By moving through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, cancer can spread from the original (primary) cancer site to form new tumors in other organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. Related Topics: Important Facts About Cancer Cancer Signs & Symptoms Causes of Cancer Prevention of Cancer Treatments for Cancer Clinical Trials - Another Treatment Option Does Cancer Always Cause Pain? Source: National Cancer Institute |
| This fact sheet
explains how cancer forms, how it spreads through the body, and how
malignant tumors differ from benign (non-cancerous) tumors. If you are
concerned about possible cancer symptoms in yourself or a family member,
be sure to consult a physician or other health care provider
immediately. |
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| This document is
provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Be sure to consult your doctor before making any major medical decision. |
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