cancer medical term: malignant neoplasm
Cancer ˈkænsər||en-us-cancer.ogg (medical term: malignant neoplasm) is a class of diseases in which a group of cell display uncontrolled growth through division beyond normal limits, invasion that intrudes upon and destroys adjacent tissues, and sometimes metastasis, which spreads the cells to other locations in the body via lymph or blood. These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited, and do not invade or metastasize. Cancers are primarily an environmental disease with 90-95% of cases due to lifestyle and environmental factors and 5-10% due to heredity. Common environmental factors leading to cancer death include: tobacco (25-30%), diet and obesity (30-35%), infections (15-20%), radiation, stress, lack of physical activity, and environmental pollutants.
These environmental factors cause abnormalities in the genetic material of cells. Genetic abnormalities found in cancer typically affect two general classes of genes oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Definitive diagnosis requires the examination of a biopsy specimen, although the initial indication of malignancy can be symptomatic .
Posted by muhammad Khursheed Alam at 7:36 AM 0 comments
#Alphabetical: A-C D-H I-L M-Q R-Z
Cancer Types
Alphabetical: A-C D-H I-L M-Q R-Z
A-C
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Adrenal Gland Tumor
Amyloidosis
Anal Cancer
Appendix Cancer
Astrocytoma - Childhood
Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Bile Duct Cancer
Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome
Bladder Cancer
Bone Cancer
Brain Stem Glioma - Childhood
Brain Tumor
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer - Inflammatory
Breast Cancer - Male
Breast Cancer - Metaplastic
Carcinoid Tumor
Carney Complex
Central Nervous System - Childhood
Cervical Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Cowden Syndrome
Craniopharyngioma - Childhood
Posted by muhammad Khursheed Alam at 7:34 AM 0 comments
#Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis
This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 1/10
Overview
Amyloidosis is not cancer, but it is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can occur because of some cancers. The basis of amyloidosis is the amyloid, which is an abnormal protein that enters tissues or organs. When enough amyloid proteins are present in an organ to interfere with its functioning and cause symptoms, the condition called amyloidosis results.
Amyloid proteins are made by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow (the spongy, red tissue in the inner part of the large bones). In normal situations, these plasma cells make antibodies that protect the body from diseases or infection. The antibodies are created, used, and then broken down and recycled by our bodies. However, in amyloidosis, the plasma cells produce antibodies that cannot be broken down. These abnormal proteins leave the bloodstream and eventually enter tissues and organs.
Only in the past few decades have doctors and researchers begun to understand the nature of amyloid proteins and how they can cause damage.
Types of amyloidosis
There are different types of amyloidosis, including the following:
AL amyloidosis. This is the most common type of amyloidosis in the United States. The amyloid proteins that accumulate in the tissues in this condition are known as light (L) chains. It is not usually associated with another underlying condition, although it is sometimes associated with multiple myeloma.
AA amyloidosis. In this condition, the amyloid protein that accumulates in the tissues is known as the A protein. AA amyloidosis is associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease. It may also accompany aging. The spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes may be involved.
Hereditary amyloidosis (ATTR). Hereditary amyloidosis is a specific type of amyloidosis that can be passed down from generation to generation in a family. It may cause peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy (problems with the central nervous system), carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye abnormalities. The most common subtypes involve the transthyretin (TTR) protein. Hereditary amyloidosis is rare.
This section covers AL, AA, and hereditary amyloidosis. Other types of amyloidosis include ß2 microglobulin amyloidosis, which occurs in some patients with chronic renal (kidney) problems, and localized forms of amyloidosis.
