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Back to school is a good time to review the basics of cancer: how it's formed, the differences between tumor types and other fundamentals. Find out more about these topics and how they relate to pancreatic cancer.
How does cancer start?
Cancer begins in a cell of the body. Cells are the basic units of the body. Each cell carries genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA provides the necessary instructions for the growth and function of each cell in the body.
Normally, cells divide to form new cells as the body needs them. As cells age, they die and new cells take their place.
Sometimes this process is interrupted by a mutation or a change in the cell's DNA. A mutation can be inherited or acquired throughout life.
And a mutation could cause the formation of new cells when the body does not need them or prevent old cells from dying. The extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor, which can be benign or malignant.
What are benign and malignant tumors?
Benign tumors consist of abnormal cells that do not have the ability to invade other parts of the body or to spread to other organs. However, if a benign tumor is large enough, its size and weight can cause problems because it can put pressure on nearby blood vessels, nerves, or organs.
Malignant tumors are called cancer. They are characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability to invade other tissues and organs. Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells of the pancreas become uncontrollable and form a tumor.
What is metastasis?
Metastasis occurs when a cancerous cell comes off the site of the cancer (also called primary tumor) and forms a new tumor in other parts of the body.
When pancreatic cancer metastasizes on the outside of the pancreas, it forms secondary tumors in other tissues or organs. Lymph nodes, liver, peritoneum and lungs are common sites for secondary pancreatic tumors. Since the cancer cells in these other areas come from the pancreas, they are still considered and treated as pancreatic cancer.
What is staging of cancer?
The stage of cancer refers to the size of the tumor and its possible spread.
The stage is determined by diagnostic tests such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other laboratory tests.
How is cancer treated?
Cancer treatment is based on the stage of the disease. For example, surgery is usually only available for patients whose tumor is confined to its original location, such as the pancreas.
Chemotherapy and / or radiation can be used for many types of cancer, at different stages of the disease. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are considered "standard" treatments for cancer.
Other types of cancer treatment include targeted therapies, in which a drug is designed to stop the activity of a mutation or protein specific to the cause of cancer. Immunotherapy allows the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Patients can also participate in clinical trials, which provide access to innovative new treatment approaches.
For more information on cancer in general, visit the National Cancer Institute.
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