Cancer

Cancer overview

Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the body. Normally, new cells are formed in the body, replacing the old cells that die when you need them. Sometimes due to certain factors this process goes wrong. New cells start growing even if you don’t need them and old cells don’t die.  This abnormal growth of cells forms a mass called tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from the malignant tumor can spread to the other parts of the body as well. They can break away and invade the other nearby tissues and organs.

There are more than 100 different types of cancer.  Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, brain cancer starts in the brain, liver cancer starts in the liver. Symptoms and treatment depend upon the cancer type and its staging. Most common treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.

Types of Cancer