Cancer
Even though there are 100 different types of cancer, each one begins in your cells, your body's basic building blocks. When the cell creation process goes awry, abnormal cells are produced that can grow uncontrollably and cause cancer. When excessive cells form, benign or malignant tumors can develop throughout your body.
While benign tumors aren't cancerous, malignant ones can invade healthy tissue and spread to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.
Early detection and treatment is key to fighting cancer.
Recently Answered
- Q Are there any types of cancer that are always fatal?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyCancer is not a death sentence. In fact, there are no cancers that have a 100-percent mortality rate. Yes, some cancers (like pancreatic cancer) have lower survival rates, but many cancers have extremely successful treatment rates. Even better, many are... Full Answer
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- Q At the basic level, what are cancer cells?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyCancer cells are essentially normal cells that have something inside of them that turns them bad (and this originates with mutations). They're kind of like a gang of hooligans who have infiltrated your body. They may start out as good, but something... Full Answer
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- Q Why do cancer cells behave like bad neighbors?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineTo better understand cancer, think about your neighborhood. You have all kinds of neighbors-friendly ones, quiet ones, benevolent ones who shovel the snow on your sidewalk before you even wake up, eccentric ones who mow their lawns wearing black socks... Full Answer
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- Q How are cancer cells similar to household pests?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou decide who's welcome in your house, right? Your spouse, kids, in-laws, pets...they get the green light. And that means you also have say over who's not welcome-strangers, solicitors, your daughter's ex-boyfriend, and anything that slithers, walks on... Full Answer
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- Q Can I have a metastatic tumor without a primary cancer?
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Yes. There are a small percentage of cancers that appear in locations for which the proper classification cannot be made. Despite the best capabilities of our current state of medical technology, these cancers are termed "Unknown Primary" malignancies.... Full Answer
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- Q What are in situ cancers?
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Dr. Dede Bonner, Health EducationIn situ cancers are tumors that haven’t grown beyond their original site; “in situ” literally means “in the site of,” or localized. These are considered noninvasive cancers. Within in situ cancers, there are two types: A.... Full Answer
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- Q How can I best communicate with my healthcare team if I have cancer?
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Communicating with your health care team means having the ability to: Ask them any questions Talk about how you feel Tell them about changes in your body Discuss your worries and concerns Members of your health care team may be very busy. It... Full Answer
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- Q How can I maintain a healthy relationship with my partner who has cancer?
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Don't let your relationship fall by the wayside if your partner has been diagnosed with cancer. Show your partner continued affection. They may be feeling insecure about their body, and wondering whether or not you're still attracted to them.... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with endocrine cancer?
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Depending on the type of endocrine cancer, the person may need surgery, chemotherapy, and/or weeks of radiation treatments. In some cases, a doctor may introduce the radioactive materials directly into the person's body, in which case the person will be... Full Answer
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- Q Can endocrine cancers be prevented?
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Some types of endocrine cancer - for example, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors and most cases of thyroid cancer - cannot be prevented, although you can take steps to reduce your cancer risk (such as quitting smoking). Some cases of endocrine cancer are... Full Answer
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