Syöpäsairaus

Syöpäsairaus, or cancer, is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. In a normal body, cells grow and divide to form new cells when needed. When this process goes wrong, cells can grow out of control and form tumors, which are masses of extra tissue. These tumors can be benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread, or malignant, meaning they are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This process of spreading is called metastasis.

There are many different types of cancer, classified by the type of cell they originate from and the organ or tissue they affect. For example, lung cancer starts in the lungs, breast cancer in the breast, and leukemia is a cancer of the blood. The causes of cancer are complex and can include genetic mutations, environmental factors like exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet, and infections.

Symptoms of cancer vary widely depending on the type and location of the cancer. Some common signs can include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or swellings, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unusual bleeding or discharge. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (like X-rays or CT scans), blood tests, and biopsies, where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment options for cancer depend on the type, stage, and individual patient factors. They can include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, chemotherapy (drug treatment), immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Often, a combination of treatments is used. While a cure is not always possible, treatments aim to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. Research continues to advance our understanding and treatment of syöpäsairaus.