Types of Cancer and Mechanisms

Cancer

Types

• Carcinomas: originate in epithelial cells (e.g., breast, lung, colon)
• Sarcomas: originate in connective tissue cells (e.g., bone, cartilage, fat)
• Leukemias: originate in blood cells
• Lymphomas: originate in immune system cells
• Adenomas: originate in glandular cells (e.g., prostate, thyroid)

Mechanism

• Genetic mutations: alterations in DNA sequence or gene expression
• Oncogenes: genes that promote cell growth and division
• Tumor suppressor genes: genes that inhibit cell growth and division
• Angiogenesis: formation of new blood vessels to supply tumor growth
• Metastasis: cancer cell migration to distant organs

Treatment Options

• Surgery: removal of tumor and surrounding tissue
• Chemotherapy: drugs to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: stimulating immune system to fight cancer
• Targeted therapy: drugs that target specific cancer cells or genes
• Hormone therapy: drugs that inhibit hormone production to slow cancer growth

Prevention

• Avoid carcinogens: substances that cause cancer (e.g., tobacco, UV radiation)
• Healthy diet: high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Physical activity: regular exercise to reduce cancer risk
• Screening: regular checks for cancer in high-risk individuals
• Vaccination: against cancer-causing infections (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)

Types of Cancer

• Carcinomas originate in epithelial cells, examples include breast, lung, and colon cancer.
• Sarcomas originate in connective tissue cells, examples include bone, cartilage, and fat cancer.
• Leukemias originate in blood cells.
• Lymphomas originate in immune system cells.
• Adenomas originate in glandular cells, examples include prostate and thyroid cancer.

Mechanism of Cancer

• Genetic mutations occur due to alterations in DNA sequence or gene expression.
• Oncogenes promote cell growth and division.
• Tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division.
• Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels to supply tumor growth.
• Metastasis is the migration of cancer cells to distant organs.

Cancer Treatment Options

• Surgery involves the removal of tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific cancer cells or genes.
• Hormone therapy uses drugs to inhibit hormone production to slow cancer growth.

Cancer Prevention

• Avoid carcinogens, such as tobacco and UV radiation, to reduce cancer risk.
• A healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent cancer.
• Regular physical activity can reduce cancer risk.
• Regular screening checks can help detect cancer in high-risk individuals.
• Vaccination against cancer-causing infections, such as HPV and Hepatitis B, can help prevent cancer.

Types of Cancer

• Carcinomas arise from epithelial cells, making up 80-90% of all cases
• Sarcomas develop from connective tissue cells, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells
• Leukemias originate from blood and bone marrow cells
• Lymphomas develop from immune system cells
• Brain and spinal cord tumors arise from neural tissue
• Adenocarcinomas originate from glandular cells
• Squamous cell carcinomas develop from squamous cells

Causes of Cancer

• Genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired
• Tobacco smoke is a significant environmental factor
• Radiation, including UV and ionizing radiation, contributes to cancer risk
• Viruses like HPV, EBV, and others can cause cancer
• Chemical carcinogens like asbestos and benzene increase cancer risk
• Hormonal imbalances contribute to cancer development
• Infections, such as H. pylori, can lead to cancer
• Poor diet and lifestyle increase cancer risk

Treatment Options

• Surgery involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue
• Chemotherapy kills cancer cells using drugs
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
• Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells
• Hormone therapy reduces hormone levels to slow cancer growth
• Stem cell transplantation replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells

Prevention of Cancer

• Avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke reduces cancer risk
• Protecting skin from UV radiation is crucial
• Vaccination against cancer-causing viruses like HPV and HBV is essential
• A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps prevent cancer
• Regular exercise contributes to cancer prevention
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces cancer risk
• Limiting alcohol consumption is essential
• Regular cancer screenings are vital

Mechanism of Cancer

• Uncontrolled cell growth and division characterize cancer
• Loss of cell cycle regulation contributes to cancer development
• Inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death) allows cancer cells to thrive
• Increased angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) supports cancer growth
• Invasion and metastasis to other tissues are hallmarks of cancer
• Genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes drive cancer growth