Cancer is a word that sends panic to almost everyone.
But cancer is hardly a single disease. There are many types of cancer, and they behave differently, some grow slowly, other rapidly, few can be cured, while others can be controlled for years and patient can be in remission for years.
Understanding the basics can make cancer less frightening and help us recognise when medical attention is required.
What is cancer?
Let’s start with the word cancer and what that means. Our body is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, repair themselves and eventually die when they are no longer required.
Cancer develops when some cells lose control of this process. They begin to grow and divide abnormally and later can take up space in tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
A mass of abnormal cells is called a tumor, but not every tumor is cancer. Benign tumors are slow-growing masses usually harmless. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread.
Cancer usually develops over time as cells build up changes in their DNA. The notable risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, obesity, certain infections, radiation, environmental exposures, inherited genetic changes and increasing age. Sometimes, however, no single cause can be identified.
What does cancer look like?
There are no defined symptoms, it usually varies according to the system involved.
Depending on where it develops, cancer may appear as:
- A new lump or swelling
- A persistent ulcer or sore
- A changing mole or skin lesion
- Abnormal bleeding
- An unusual growth
But many cancers cannot be seen or felt. They may first be detected on an X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, screening test or during an examination.
What are the symptoms that you should look for?
Cancer symptoms depend on where it starts and how it behaves.
Important symptoms include:
- An unexplained or growing lump
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent cough or hoarseness of voice
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Coughing with blood in sputum
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Difficulty in swallowing
- A mouth or skin ulcer that does not heal
- A changing or bleeding mole
- Persistent, unexplained pain not relieved by medications.
Most of these symptoms are caused by conditions other than cancer also. The purpose of recognising them is not to diagnose yourself, but to know when they deserve medical attention and you should go see a doctor and get investigated.
When to go and see a doctor?
A simple rule is:
If a new, unexplained symptom persists for a few weeks, gets worse, keeps returning, or is associated with bleeding, significant weight loss or a new lump, get it checked.
Do not wait for longer or for severe pain. Many cancers, particularly in their early stages, may cause little or no pain.
What to expect at a clinic/hospital?
The process usually begins with a history and physical examination.
Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may order blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI. PET-CT may be useful in selected cases only after basic tests are done and PET is required in later stages.
Blood tests and tumor markers can provide useful information, but they are not confirmative, they are useful side tools.
How do doctors confirm it’s cancer?
When cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be taken. A small tissue is to be sent for histopathology. It is examined by a pathologist.
The biopsy will tell you:
Is it cancer? If yes, What type? What are its biological characteristics?
Once cancer is confirmed, investigations will be done for staging—whether it is local, locally advanced, involves nearby lymph nodes or has spread to other organs.
What happens next?
Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage and individual patient.
It may involve:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormonal therapy
Often, several modalities are combined and a multi-speciality team will make a plan.
Remember
A symptom does not mean you have cancer. But a persistent, unexplained change in your body deserves an explanation.
Notice the change → Consult a doctor → Investigate → Diagnose accurately → Treat appropriately.
Early recognition and appropriate medical evaluation can make a significant difference in cancer care.
