Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Types & What It Is

Overview

Cancer– the very word is enough to strike fear in our hearts. But knowing about this serious health condition is the best way to keep it at bay or overcome it.

Different genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the growth of cancerous cells. Generally, the cells in a human body grow, divide and die to be replaced with new ones. Each cell has DNA that follows this set of instructions for the healthy functioning of the body.

Even though mutations or changes occur, cells usually correct the mistakes and keep working normally. However, some cells mutate and do not follow the normal grow, divide and die process. They keep growing abnormally and accumulate, thereby forming a benign or malignant tumour.

While the benign ones are mostly harmless, cancerous or malignant tumours can spread to other body parts rapidly. They often affect the immune system and cause health complications that can be life-threatening.

Considering that cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, understanding the types, causes and symptoms can help in early detection and timely treatment.

Classification of Cancer

A) According to the type of cell they start in, there are 5 main groups of cancer. They are:

• Carcinoma : This is the most common type and it mostly affects different glands and organs like skin, breasts, lungs, and pancreas.
• Sarcoma : This type affects soft or connective tissues, like cartilage, muscles, bones and blood vessels.
• Leukaemia : This type affects blood-forming tissues and it causes rapid growth of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Lymphoma :- This is cancer of the lymphatic system. It begins in lymphocytes & infection-fighting cells of the immune system.
• Melanoma : This is one of the most serious type of skin cancer which develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin. Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, in internal organs, such as your intestines.

B) Cancer can also be classified according to where they start in body, such as breast cancer and lung cancer.

Common types of Cancer are:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Blood Cancer
• Brain Cancer

Bladder Cancer

It occurs in the tissues of the bladder – the organ that holds urine. The condition can either be confined to the inner lining of the bladder or spread outside through the muscular layer of the bladder’s wall. While the former is less severe and often curable, curing the latter can be difficult.

Causes

• Chronic bladder infections and abnormal growth of cells in the bladder are the main causes.

Symptoms

• Painful and frequent urination
• Blood in urine
• Urinary inconsistency and urgency
• Pain in the lower back and abdominal area

Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Smoking
• High-fat diet
• Family history of bladder cancer
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment in the past
• Being male
• Drinking less water and other fluids

Diagnosis

• Urine microscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Ultrasound scan
• Special urine tests, such as ImmunoCyt test, NMP-22 test and UroVysion test
• CT Scan

Treatment

• Removal of the tumour through surgery or radical cystoscope
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Removal of a part or whole of the bladder
• Radical cystoscope along with the removal of the surrounding lymph nodes

Prevention

• Drink more fluids
• Avoid both first-hand and second-hand smoking
• Avoid carcinogenic chemicals

Breast Cancer

The most common type of cancer in women, breast cancer happens due to mutations in the genes that control cell growth. Mutations cause the cells to divide and multiply rapidly, thereby leading to the formation of lumps that can be benign or malignant. Malignant lumps in or around the breast tissue lead to breast cancer. Although life-threatening, the condition is treatable if spotted early. Even men can be diagnosed with it, but it is rare.

Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): In this type, the cancer cells are confined to ducts of the breast. This is non-invasive and easier to treat.

• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): In this type, the cancer cells are confined to milk-producing glands of the breast. In very rare cases, cancerous cells spread outside the lobules.

• Invasive ductal breast cancer (IDBC): This is the most common type of breast cancer which begins in milk ducts and invades nearby breast tissue and organs.

• Invasive lobular breast cancer (ILBC): It begins in the breast lobules and invades nearby tissues.

• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This is a rare and agressive type of cancer. It does not develop a tunour, but it causes the breast to swell.

Symptoms

A lump or thick kind of tissue in the breast is one of the most common breast cancer symptoms. Other signs are:

• Breast pain
• Swelling of part or the entire breast
• Red or discoloured skin
• Pitted or dimpled skin
• Unexplained change in breast shape
• Nipple becomes inverted
• Rash around nipple
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Lump or swelling under the arm

Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Early menstruation
• Late menopause
• Childbirth at an older age
• Drinking alcohol regularly
• People with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
• Dense breast tissue
• Family history of breast cancer

Diagnosis

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Breast biopsy

Treatment

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Medications

Prevention

• Consume a nutritious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Regulate body weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Conduct breast self-examination or consult a doctor
• Go for regular mammograms after 40

Lung Cancer

One of the most common types of cancer, it starts from the lungs and spreads to other body parts. The condition usually affects smokers and people over 60.

Types of Lung Cancer

• Non-small cell lung cancer: This is the most common type and it may be cured, if diagnosed early.
• Small-cell lung cancer: This type is more aggressive and is less likely to be cured. Mesothelioma: This type is aggressive and fast-growing. It happens due to asbestos exposure and it can be difficult to cure.

Causes

Lung cancer can start from one abnormal cell in the lung. In most cases, cells get damaged or altered due to smoking or any other risk factor. When these damaged cells start multiplying out of control, they cause lung cancer.

Symptoms

• Lingering cough that worsens with time
• Recurrent cases of pneumonia, bronchitis and other respiratory infections
• Coughing up bloodstained phlegm or blood
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Constant fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Swelling of the face

Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Second-hand smoking
• Family history of lung cancer
• Poor diet
• Past lung diseases
• Exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos, radon, nickel and uranium

Diagnosis

• CT Scan
• PET-CT Scan
• Biopsy
• Bronchoscopy
• EBUS-TBNA

Complications

• Facial swelling
• Trouble swallowing
• Loss of lung function
• Risk of blood clots and infection
• Heart blockage
• Nerve pain

Treatment

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Medications

Prevention

• Consume a healthy diet
• Avoid exposure to radon and other cancer-causing chemicals
• Quit smoking

Colorectal or Colon Cancer

It starts in the colon or rectum, two important organs of the lower gastrointestinal system. Although the condition typically affects older adults, it can happen at any age.

Types of Colon Cancer

• Primary colorectal lymphoma: This type develops in the lymphatic system and it is typically seen in older adults, especially men.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST): This is a rare type, classified as sarcoma which starts in gastrointestinal tract lining.
• Carcinoid tumour: This is a slow-growing type of cancer that starts from hormone-making cells in the intestine.
• Leiomyosarcoma: This type may not cause any symptoms initially, but you may experience symptoms like vomiting blood, weight loss, fatigue, and stocmach issues as the cancer progresses.
• Melanoma: This type is usually associated with skin cancer, but it can also develop in colon or rectum. In some cases, it spreads from the main site to gastrointestinal tract.

Causes

Certain genetic mutations lead to the accumulation of abnormal or harmful cells in the lining of the colon. These form small, benign growths called polyps. Left untreated, polyps become cancerous.

Symptoms

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in stool shape and colour
• Change in bowel habits
• Bleeding of the rectum
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal cramps and flatulence
• Excessive fatigue
• Vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic headaches and blurred vision

Risk Factors

• Being above 50
• Being obese
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• History of bowel conditions or polyps
• Having familial adenomatous polyposis and other such genetic syndromes
• Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly

Diagnosis

• Faecal testing
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• CT Scan
• X-Ray

Treatment

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Medications

Prevention

• Exercise regularly
• Keep body weight in check
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Eat more plant-based foods
• Consume less red meat and dietary fat
• Avoid processed meats
• Manage diabetes and stress

Cervical Cancer

One of the most common cancers that affect women, it happens when the cells on the surface of the cervix multiply rapidly and abnormally. Cervix is a hollow cylindrical canal that connects the lower part of the uterus to the vagina.

Types of Cervical Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma : This type develops from the mucus-producing glandular cells in ectocervix. Usually, the condition begins at the site where ectocervix joins the endocervix (transformation zone).
• Adenocarcinoma : This type develops from the mucus-producing glandular cells in endocervix.

Causes

The condition is caused by HPV or human papillomavirus which gets transferred via sexual intercourse with an infected person. However, most HPV infections clear up completely within 2 years. Hence, not all women infected with this virus get cervical cancer.

Symptoms

• Vaginal discharge that looks and smells different
• Unusual bleeding in between periods
• Vaginal bleeding post menopause
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Pain during urination
• Sharp pain in the pelvis

Risk Factors

• Family history of cervical cancer
• Obesity
• Poor immunity
• Smoking regularly
• Taking birth control pills
• Not having a nutritious diet
• Getting pregnant for the first time under 17

Diagnosis

• Pap smear test
• Colposcopy
• Biopsy
• HPV (hrHPV) test

If diagnosed with cervical cancer, a woman may be advised to undergo some more tests, such as CT scan, ultrasound scan, MRI scan, chest X-ray and blood tests.

Treatment

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy

Prevention

• Regular screening with an hrHPV test or Pap smear
• Get vaccinated
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Use protection during sexual intercourse

Blood Cancer

This type of cancer affects blood cells. Blood cancer can happen to anyone, including children.

Types of Blood Cancer

• Leukaemia: This type affects blood cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow either produces too many or too few blood cells.
• Lymphoma: This is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system. It specifically affects the WBCs called lymphocytes, which are an important part of the immune system. Lymphoma is also called a cancer of the lymphatic system, or lymphatic cancer.
• Myeloma: This type involves specialized cells called plasma cells which are responsible for the production of antibodies. This condition can make it difficult for the body to fight off infections.
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): These are a type of rare blood cancer caused by blood cells that are poorly formed or don't funtion properly. It's also known as myelodysplasia.
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN): These are a group of rare blood cancers in which excess of RBCs, WBCs, or platelets are produced in the bone marrow.

Causes

Blood cancer happens due to mutations or changes in the DNA of blood cells. These changes cause the blood cells to behave abnormally, thereby leading to blood cancer.

Symptoms

Unexplained bruising or bleeding is one of the main blood cancer symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fever and chills
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive night sweats
• Recurrent and severe infections
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the abdomen, bones and joints
• Persistent fatigue
• Swollen but painless lymph nodes in the neck and armpits

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Bone marrow tests
• Surgical lymph node removal
• CT scan
• PET scan
• X-ray

Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Taking chemotherapy drugs
• Exposure to chemicals and radiation
• Certain genetic syndromes
• Certain blood disorders

Treatment

• Stem cell transplant
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapies
• Radiotherapy
• Surgery

Prevention

• Consume a healthy diet
• Stay active
• Avoid exposure to radiation, pesticides, chemicals
• Quit smoking
• Avoid second-hand smoking

Brain Tumour

It starts from a cell in the brain. As the tumour grows, it damages the normal brain tissue and leads to constant headaches, dizziness, confusion and weakness. The tumour can be benign or malignant. However, even benign ones can increase pressure inside the skull and cause discomfort.

Types of Brain Cancer

• Primary brain tumours: This starts in the brain. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or the spinal cord. Primary brain tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non cancerous (benign). Most malignant brain tumours in adults start in a part of the brain called the cerebrum (forebrain). Most benign brain tumours in adults start in the meninges. They are called meningiomas.
• Secondary brain tumours: Cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body are called secondary brain tumours or brain metastases. Any type of cancer can spread to the brain, but the most common types are lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma skin cancer, and bowel cancer.

Symptoms

One of the main brain tumour symptoms is headache while sleeping and waking up. Other symptoms are:

• Blurry vision
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness of a limb
• Change in brain functioning
• Memory loss and confusion
• Reduced alertness
• Uncontrollable movements
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty walking
• Changes in mood and personality

Diagnosis

• MRI of the head
• CT scan of the head
• Skull X-rays
• Angiography
• Biopsy

Causes and Risk Factors

• Family history of brain tumour
• Increasing age
• Exposure to chemicals and radiation
• No history of chickenpox

Treatment

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medication

Prevention

• Avoid exposure to pesticides, insecticides, carcinogenic chemicals, radiation
• Quit smoking

Other Types of Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer:

It starts in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ that plays an important role in producing enzymes for the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes, low blood sugar, jaundice, back pain and certain digestive problems. Symptoms also include nausea, blood clots in the legs, brownish urine, and unintended weight loss.

Obesity, exposure to chemicals, ageing, consumption of alcohol and red meats, and family history are some risk factors. Treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Prostate Cancer:

Very common among men, it affects the prostate gland, which is small, located under the bladder, and regulated by the testosterone hormone. Prostate cancer happens due to the abnormal growth of cancerous cells.

Symptoms include urination urgency, frequent urination, slow stream of urine, improper bladder emptying, or bleeding during urination. Risk factors include ageing, high-fat diet, obesity, family history and exposure to cadmium.

Non-aggressive prostate cancer may not require treatment, but regular monitoring is recommended. For the aggressive type, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, immunotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer:

It is the cancer of the mouth or throat. The condition mostly develops in the squamous cells present in the mouth, tongue and lips. It can affect the tongue, lips, gums, inner lining of the cheek, the floor of the mouth and the hard and soft palate.

Warning signs include bleeding from the mouth, tongue pain, lump in the neck, sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal, sore throat, or persistent earache. Facial numbness, jaw pain or stiffness, difficulty in swallowing, and sudden weight loss are other signs.

Constant sun exposure, HVP infection, weak immune system, family history, poor nutrition and genetic syndromes are some risk factors. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, proper oral hygiene and a nutritious diet.

Bone Cancer:

It is caused by the formation of an unusual mass of tissue in a bone. The condition is more common in the pelvic bone and the long bones in the arms and legs. Primary bone cancers, that start in bones or surrounding tissue, are serious. Osteosarcoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma, Multiple Myeloma and Chondrosarcoma are the most common types of primary bone cancers.

Symptoms include pain in affected bones, severe bone pain at night, reduced mobility, unexplained swelling, excessive fatigue and fever. Chromosomal mutations, unusual cellular growth, family history, multiple tumours in the cartilage, radiation therapy in the past and Paget’s disease are some of the risk factors. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and surgery.

Conclusion

Cancer can be a life-threatening condition if not detected on time or if cancer symptoms are ignored. However, timely diagnosis can help chart the right treatment plan for easy and fast recovery. The treatment plan will mainly depend on the type, stage and location of cancer, along with general patient health. You must also follow healthy lifestyle habits, consume a nutritious diet, and avoid tobacco and harmful chemicals to prevent cancer.

Source: Mayoclinic, clevelandclinic, cancer.org, medicalnewstoday, cancerresearchuk.org, healthline, cancercenter, bloodcancer.org