Cancer Definition fom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cancer Definition From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells are aggressive (grow and divide without respect to normal limits), invasive (invade and destroy adjacent tissues), and sometimes metastatic (spread to other locations in the body). These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited in their growth and don't invade or metastasize (although some benign tumor types are capable of becoming malignant). Cancer may affect people at all ages, even fetuses, but risk for the more common varieties tends to increase with age.Cancer causes about 13% of all deaths.According to the ACS, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007. Apart from humans, forms of cancer may affect other animals and plants.
Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells. These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents. Other cancer-promoting genetic abnormalities may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication, or are inherited, and thus present in all cells from birth. Complex interactions between carcinogens and the host genome may explain why only some develop cancer after exposure to a known carcinogen. New aspects of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis, such as DNA methylation, and microRNAs are increasingly being recognized as important.
Genetic abnormalities found in cancer typically affect two general classes of genes. Cancer-promoting oncogenes are often activated in cancer cells, giving those cells new properties, such as hyperactive growth and division, protection against programmed cell death, loss of respect for normal tissue boundaries, and the ability to become established in diverse tissue environments. Tumor suppressor genes are often inactivated in cancer cells, resulting in the loss of normal functions in those cells, such as accurate DNA replication, control over the cell cycle, orientation and adhesion within tissues, and interaction with protective cells of the immune system.
Cancer is usually classified according to the tissue from which the cancerous cells originate, as well as the normal cell type they most resemble. These are location and histology, respectively. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of a tissue biopsy specimen by a pathologist, although the initial indication of malignancy can be symptoms or radiographic imaging abnormalities. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for different varieties of cancer. There has been significant progress in the development of targeted therapy drugs that act specifically on detectable molecular abnormalities in certain tumors, and which minimize damage to normal cells. The prognosis of cancer patients is most influenced by the type of cancer, as well as the stage, or extent of the disease. In addition, histologic grading and the presence of specific molecular markers can also be useful in establishing prognosis, as well as in determining individual treatments.
Butchart Staging System, How is mesothelioma staged?
How is mesothelioma staged?
Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. Staging of mesothelioma is based on imaging studies such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. The treatment and outlook for patients with mesothelioma largely depends on the stage (extent of spread) of their cancer. Since pleural mesothelioma occurs most frequently and has been studied the most, it is the only mesothelioma for which a staging classification exists.
The staging system most often used for mesothelioma is the Butchart system. This system is based mainly on the extent of the primary tumor mass, and divides mesotheliomas into stages I through IV.
Butchart Staging System
- Stage I: Mesothelioma is present within the right or left pleura, and may also involve the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach), heart, or pleura on both sides. The lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity). Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage IV: There is evidence of distant metastases (spread through the bloodstream to other organs).
Another staging system has recently been developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). This is a TNM system, similar to staging systems used for most other cancers. T stands for tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs), N stands for spread to lymph nodes and M is for metastasis (spread to distant organs). In TNM staging, information about the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis is combined in a process called stage grouping to assign a stage described by Roman numerals from I to IV. Minor differences exist between the AJCC TNM staging system and the Butchart staging system.
TNM Staging System
- Stage I: Mesothelioma involves the right or left pleura. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. It has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to the nearby peribronchial and/or hilar lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma has spread into the chest wall muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor, with or without spread to subcarinal and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side as the main tumor. Subcarinal nodes are located at the point where the windpipe branches to the left and right lungs. Mediastinal lymph nodes are located in the space behind the chest bone in front of the heart. Mesotheliomas with the same extent of local spread as in stage II that have also spread to subcarinal and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side are also included in stage III.
- Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite that of the primary tumor, or directly extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into the peritoneum, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any mesothelioma with evidence of distant metastases (spread to other organs through the bloodstream) or spread to organs beyond the chest or abdomen is included in this stage.
Although the recently developed TNM classification is the most detailed and precise, the original Butchart staging system is still used most often to describe the spread of pleural mesotheliomas. Understanding these staging systems for mesothelioma is important both for estimating and better understanding prognosis, and also for assessing therapeutic options.
Prognostic Factors
Because pleural mesothelioma has been better studied than peritoneal mesothelioma we know more about factors associated with prognosis for pleural mesothelioma. Younger age at diagnosis, performance status (functional status) and absence of weight loss are associated with a more favorable prognosis.
Mesotheliomas are usually of three different cell types (histological analysis): 1) epithelial cell type - has the most favorable prognosis; 2) fibrosarcomatous cell type - carries the worst prognosis and 3) mixed cell type - has an intermediate prognosis.
Benign Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma , Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer and of all asbestos related diseases, the most serious. The symptoms associated with the disease make it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Often, by the time that a proper diagnosis is made, the disease has progressed to a point where patients do not respond well to treatment therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by the inhalation of airborne asbestos particles. Another unique factor associated with the disease is that there can be a long latency period between the time an individual is exposed to asbestos and the actual manifestation of the disease in the form of malignant mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma – affects the chest and lungs
Malignant pleural mesothelioma often originates within the chest cavity and can, at times, involve the lung. This particular form of mesothelioma can metastasize to numerous organs in the body – even the brain - and tends to do so more frequently than not.
Pleural mesothelioma is not always easily detectable. Frequently, in the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be mild. Patients usually report pain in one area of the chest that never seems to go away, weight loss and fever. Occasionally, other symptoms are more severe and include problems with breathing due to fluid build up in the chest. A CT Scan of the chest area has proven to be the best test for identifying how far along the disease has progressed.
Frequently serum markers are used to diagnose of various forms of cancer. Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed using this method as no serum markers currently exist. If high levels of hyaluronic acid are present it may be possible to distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer or to determine the effectiveness of a treatment protocol.
The survival rate for patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma typically is not high. Patients typically do not live beyond seventeen months from the onset of symptoms. Only 8% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma will live three to five years from the onset of symptoms.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – affects the abdomen
Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and will frequently spread to other organs in area including the liver, spleen or bowel. Severe abdominal pain is the most common complaint that patients present to their doctor. There may also be a discomfort level with fluid build up in the abdomen as well. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include difficult bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, fever and swollen feet.
The survival rate is even worse for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma will patients typically surviving only ten months from time that they first started experiencing the symptoms noted above.
Pericardial Mesothelioma – affects the heart
Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, as the name suggests, involves the heart. This rare type of mesothelioma invades the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. As the cancer progresses, the heart is not able to deliver oxygen as efficiently to the body causing further decline in health at an increasingly rapid rate. The symptoms most commonly associated with pericardial mesothelioma mimic those of a heart attack: nausea, pain in the chest and shortness of breath.
Benign Mesothelioma – affects the peritoneum
Cystic mesothelioma primarily affects women of younger age and affects the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is not frequently diagnosed and is also not a malignant form of the disease. It is, however, extremely difficult to identify and requires specialized microscopes and immunologic techniques to aid in diagnosis.
The right to file for compensation for mesothelioma
Who has the right to file for compensation for mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma lawsuit can be filed by a person who has developed mesothelioma through exposure to asbestos. In the event that the person has passed away, the lawsuit can be filed by a family member or the executor of the deceased’s estate. A lawsuit can also be filed by a family member who has developed the disease through close contact with the person who was exposed to asbestos.
How long does the process take?
The process can take quite a while, although there is no set time and some lawyers will get your case sorted faster than others. The more research that is required to put a solid case together, the longer it will take.
How long do I have to file my claim?
This differs from state to state but generally the time limit is one to two years from diagnosis. It is important that you check on the time limitation for your state and act within the limitations otherwise you may not be eligible to claim. If you are claiming on behalf of the deceased, time limitations still apply and it is probably even more important to act quickly because of the time limits and the research required by the lawyer.
What if I don’t know where and when I was exposed to asbestos?
It is helpful if you know this and will certainly speed up the process, but if you don’t remember the lawyer will be able to help. A private investigator can be hired through the lawyer (paid for by the lawyer) who will do the necessary research to clarify when and where the exposure took place and which company or companies are responsible.
How can I afford legal assistance?
You won’t need to worry about having cash up front because mesothelioma lawyers usually work on a no win no fee basis. You will not have to pay a penny unless you receive compensation, and then the lawyer will take a percentage of the compensation as his fee.
How much will I get?
It’s impossible to say how much you will get as it depends on the merits of your case. Your lawyer will discuss this with you in more detail when you go through the details of your claim, but past settlements have notched up hundred of thousands of dollars and even multi-million dollar payouts.
Where can I find a mesothelioma lawyer?
There are now many mesothelioma lawyers and you should have no problem finding one. The Internet is a good place to start your search, as many mesothelioma lawyers advertise there. You can check out many credentials and assess the experience of individual law firms by searching on the Internet. However, try to find a lawyer that has experience of working with mesothelioma lawsuits as they will already have a network of resources and contact that could help to process your case more quickly.
Will the lawsuit be filed in the state where I live?
Not necessarily. Your lawyer will select the state in which you have the best chance of success and where you are likely to get the highest compensation. This will make no difference to you as you will not have to pay any extra and may end up getting far more compensation in another state.
Will my case go to court?
Again, it is impossible to say until your lawyer has tried to settle out of court. However, most mesothelioma cases are settled out of court and this saves both sides money because taking the case to court can get costly.
Mesothelioma from Asbestos
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It’s a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live. They worked in factories, at shipyards, in mines, for the US military, as engineers, as pipefitters, as steel workers, as auto mechanics, and in so many other professions. They came home to their loved ones exhausted and covered in dirt and dust; tired, but content that they had a job and were providing for their family. Content that they were putting food on the table and a house over their loved one’s heads. Content that they were working to make a better life for their families in this generation and the next...
But what they didn’t know was that while they were working so hard, they were not only slowly killing themselves, but those that they were working so hard to help; their family, their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a disease that is almost 100% preventable; the only known cause is via exposure to the deadly mineral Asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades; eating away at the lining of your lungs and developing into a deadly cancer. Dust that was inhaled in clouds of white powder, dust that was carried home on the clothes of the men who built this country, dust that was cleaned from the clothes by the wives and children who supported their sole provider at home, dust that was packed around the heating systems in houses and offices and schools, dust that carried a deadly price; and dust made a fortune in blood money for the companies that produced it.
Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos on the human body were known to be deadly for years by the companies who employed the ‘greatest generation’ and made hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars off of their backs. But instead of taking simple steps to alleviate the problem and save the lives of thousands of their workers, they choose to do nothing and continue to make a “healthy” profit with a “deadly” product. Many even went so far as to hide the truth from their workers and their families. And because the normal latency period for Mesothelioma (The time from exposure until the patient falls ill) is 20 to 30 years, many got away with this for years. We are only now beginning to see the full effects of the disease, and feel the terrible outcry of the people against those who put profits before human lives to a degree that is simply unfathomable.
MesoLink.org is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. This includes general information on the disease, breaking news on the search for a cure and perspective legislation designed to limit you as well as all other news on the subject, links to other sites and online resources that can provide important and in-depth Mesothelioma and cancer related information, and a legal guide to help you with the complex legal issues involved with Mesothelioma.
Types of Lung Cancer
Types of Lung Cancer
There are two types of lung cancers: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Five Lung Cancer Symptoms
Five Lung Cancer Symptoms
Shoulder or upper back pain: Pain in the shoulder or upper back is a often unnoticed lung cancer symptom. The pain results from a tumor pressing on the lining of the lungs.
Shoulder or upper back pain: Pain in the shoulder or upper back is a often unnoticed lung cancer symptom. The pain results from a tumor pressing on the lining of the lungs.
Swelling of the face and neck is also a lung cancer symptom: Tumors can often put pressure of blood vessels, not allowing fluids to to travel as efficiently throughout the body. The fluids then build up, causing swelling of the face and neck.
Frequently having pneumonia or other lung infections: Tumor cells can trap bacteria causing frequent lung infections. Frequently getting pneumonia is also a symptom of lung cancer.
Male breast development : Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of the male breast and can be a symptom of lung cancer in men. Breast growth in men is normally due to the increase of estrogen. Lung cancer has been known to produce estrogen.
Hoarseness: Do you constantly feel like you have to clear your throat or your throat feels hoarse. This is a very common symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer tumor cells can block passageways leading to many symtpoms, like hoarseness.
Six Breast Cancer Symptoms that Most Women Don't Know About
Six Breast Cancer Symptoms that Most Women Don't Know About
Breast that is warm to the touch: A breast that always feel warm, sometimes hot to the touch is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, a dangerous and rare type od the disease.
Flat or inverted nipple: A nipple that is flat or inverted is also a symptom of breast cancer. This does not include having an inverted nipple since birth.
A breast that is often itchy: If you have itchy breasts or nipples, talk to your doctor. These are both symptoms of breast cancer.
The skin around the breast is dimpled or looks like an orange peel: Breast and surrounding skin can take on a dimpled appearance, looking like an orange peel. Many women are too embarassed to show a doctor, thinking it is cellulite or from being overweight. This is not the case.
Swollen or breast that does not change with menstrual cycle or size increase: It's normal for a woman's breast to become swollen and tender during a normal menstrual cycle, but when it's constant, it need to be evaluated by a doctor. Women also need to be aware of a sudden breast size increase.
Breast that is red or blotchy: A breast that is red or blotchy, even having a rash-like appearance should be evaluated by a doctor. It is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is a type of cancer that is often undected by a mammogram and self breast exam.
Breast Cancer Symptoms Women Need to Know
Breast Cancer Symptoms Women Need to Know
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is estimated 1 in every 7 American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Two hundred and twenty thousand American women will develop breast cancer this year.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of breast cancer when it is in the early stages. If you notice a lump, or are experiencing anything unusual, you must report the symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. Performing a monthly self breast exam is the one of the best ways to notice any changes in your breasts.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Reported breast cancer symptoms include:- discharge from the nipple(clear or bloody)
- persistent tenderness of the breast
- pain in the nipple
- swelling or mass in the armpit (lymph nodes)
- inverted or scaly nipples
- a lump that can be felt, no matter how small
- swelling of the breast
Sometimes there are no symptoms of breast cancer when it is in the early stages. If you notice a lump, or are experiencing anything unusual, you must report the symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. Performing a monthly self breast exam is the one of the best ways to notice any changes in your breasts.
Other signs of skin cancer
Other signs of skin cancer
Signs of skin cancer include:
- A firm, transparent bump laced with tiny blood vessels in thin red lines (telangiectasias).
- A reddish or irritated patch of skin.
- A new, smooth skin bump (nodule) with a raised border and indented center.
- A smooth, shiny, or pearly bump that may look like a mole or cyst.
- A shiny area of tight-looking skin, especially on the face, that looks like a scar and has poorly defined edges.
- An open sore that oozes, bleeds, or crusts and has not healed in 3 weeks.
- A persistent red bump on sun-exposed skin.
- A sore that does not heal or an area of thickened skin on the lower lip, especially if you smoke or use chewing tobacco, or your lips are exposed to the sun and wind.
Regular Mole Checks
Regular Mole Checks
When it comes to the health of your skin, it's a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles. This is especially true if you already have moles on your body, or if you have a family history (a close relative) of moles. In addition to limiting your exposure to sunlight and using sunscreens, examining yourself for moles can reduce your chances of developing melanoma (cancer), or allow early detection and treatment.
If you or a close relative have moles, you should examine your body once a month. Most moles are benign (non-cancerous). The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 20. If you notice changes in a mole's color or appearance, have a dermatologist, a doctor who treats disorders of the skin, evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.
What should I look for when examining my moles?
Examine your skin with a mirror. Pay close attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, and head. If your moles do not change over time, you don't have to be concerned.
The following ABCDEs are important signs of moles that could be cancerous. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist:
- Asymmetry One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
- Color The mole has different colors, or it has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
- Diameter The diameter of the mole is larger than the pencil eraser.
- Elevation The mole appears elevated (raised from the skin).
You should always be suspicious of a new mole. If you do notice a new mole, see your dermatologist as soon as possible. He or she will examine the mole and take a skin biopsy (if appropriate). If it's a melanoma, a biopsy can show how deeply it has penetrated the skin. Your dermatologist needs this information to decide how to treat the mole.
The most common location for melanoma in men is the back. In women, it is the lower leg. Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29.
How should I examine my skin?
- Examine your skin after a bath or shower, while your skin is still wet.
- Use a full-length mirror if you have one. Start at your head and work your way down, looking at all the areas of your body (including the front, backs, and sides of each area, and your fingernails and toenails). Also be sure to check the "hidden" areas: between your fingers and toes, the groin, the soles of your feet, and the backs of your knees.
- Don't forget to thoroughly check your scalp and neck for moles. Use a handheld mirror or ask a family member to help you look at these areas.
- Keep track of all the moles on your body and what they look like. Take a photo and date it to help you monitor them. This way, you'll notice if the moles change. If they do change in any way (in color, shape, size, border, etc.), see your doctor. Also see your doctor if you have any new moles that you think are "suspicious."
- Pay special attention to moles if you're pregnant, going through menopause, or at other times when your hormones might be surging (including the teen years).
Why is melanoma skin cancer staged?
Why is melanoma skin cancer staged?
When melanoma skin cancer is diagnosed, the doctor needs to know whether the cancer is confined to the original tumor or has spread. Staging melanoma skin cancer helps doctors predict patient survival and choose treatment. Tumor thickness and status of lymph nodes are two of the important factors considered when determining stage.
Staging system for melanoma
The American Joint Committee on Cancer has developed a system for classifying cancers according to the extent of the cancer. Complete excision of the melanoma is followed by assessment of lymph nodes and other parts of the body to determine whether the cancer has spread. The staging system looks at other factors that have been found to affect survival, such as tumor thickness (Breslow level), depth of invasion (Clark level), and ulceration.1
Two systems are used for staging melanoma.
- The clinical staging system uses information gained from the removal of the melanoma and from blood tests and X-rays for any spread of the cancer.
- The pathologic staging system uses information gained from the removal of the melanoma and from pathological exam after lymph nodes are removed (lymphadenectomy).
The clinical staging system uses the letter T to describe primary tumors, the letter N to describe lymph node involvement, and the letter M for metastases (spread). Numbers after each of these letters indicate the seriousness of the disease.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Tumor (describes the primary tumor) |
|
| Nodes (describes whether cancer has spread into the lymph nodes) |
|
| Metastasis (describes the extent of cancer spread outside primary melanoma site) |
|
The pathologic staging system uses all the above information and adds the pathologic evaluation of the lymph nodes and the examination of any evidence of melanoma spread.
| Pathologic stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Melanoma that invades only the outer layer of skin (melanoma in situ) |
| Stage 1A and 1B | Early-stage melanoma with low risk for spread of melanoma cells. |
| Stage IIA, IIB, and IIC | Melanoma is thicker than Stage 1, but no lymph node involvement. Intermediate risk for spread of melanoma cells. |
| Stage IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC | Lymph node involvement, ranging from intermediate risk to very high risk for spread of melanoma cells |
| Stage IV | Melanoma cells found in other parts of the body |
References
Citations
- American Joint Committee on Cancer (2002). Melanoma of the skin. In AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 6th ed., pp. 209–220. New York: Springer-Verlag.
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