When we hear the word "cancer," many of us feel a great fear. That's very normal. But when we are properly informed about whatever it is that we fear, that fear diminishes a little, and we gain the strength to face it. Today we are going to talk about cancer. But we are not looking at this to be afraid, but to understand. Because cancer is not just one disease, but a collection of hundreds of different diseases. That is why there are so many types of cancer.
Simply put, what is cancer?
Our bodies are made up of billions of tiny parts called cells. These cells form, grow, and eventually die in a very orderly manner. This is a very orderly process.
Imagine that some of these cells forget to "act against orders." They start dividing and multiplying uncontrollably. Then those cells join together and form something like a tumor .
Not every tumor is cancer.
- Benign Tumors: These are not cancerous. They form in one place and stay there. They do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant Tumors: These are what we call cancer. They can break away from where they started, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and form new tumors in other parts of the body. We call this cancer spreading (Metastasis) .
There are some types of cancer, for example, leukemia, which do not form solid tumors like these. What happens there is a disorder in the process of producing blood cells.
How are cancers classified?
You may have heard doctors use many names when talking about cancer. Don't be alarmed when you see these names. Giving a specific name to cancer is very important for choosing the right medicine for the disease. Cancers are classified into two main ways.
1. By Location:
This is the most common way we talk about it. The name is derived from where in the body the cancer first started.
- If it starts in the breast - Breast Cancer
- If it starts in the lungs - Lung Cancer
- If it starts in the cervix - Cervical Cancer
- If it starts in the colon - Colorectal Cancer
2. By Tissue Type:
This is a bit of a more in-depth classification. These names are based on what type of cell the cancer originated from. This is very important for doctors to plan treatment.
| Cancer category | Simple explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinoma | Cancers that form in the tissues that cover the body's surface (skin) or internal organs (epithelial tissue). This is the most common type. | Breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma) |
| Sarcoma | Cancers that develop in connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. These are not very common. | Bone cancer (Osteosarcoma), Kaposi Sarcoma |
| Leukemia | Cancers that develop in blood-producing tissues, such as bone marrow. These do not form solid tumors. What happens is that large numbers of abnormal white blood cells are produced. | Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) |
| Lymphoma and Myeloma | Cancers that develop in cells (mast cells) of the immune system. | Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma |
| Central Nervous System Cancers | Cancers that develop in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. | Brain Tumor, Meningioma |
Don't be scared when you see this pile of names!
You can see how many types of cancer there are. When we hear names like Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), we may feel like we don't understand anything.
The important thing is that all these names and classifications are not there to scare you. They are there to help the doctor who is treating you choose exactly what is the best and most appropriate treatment to give you.
For example, even breast cancer has several types. `(HER2-Positive Breast Cancer)` is one type. There are specific treatments for that type. Therefore, identifying the exact type of cancer is very important to save lives.
Do you have any symptoms or suspicions?
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer. Some common symptoms may include:
- A new, unhealthy lump or swelling anywhere on the body.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Persistent fatigue.
- A change in the appearance of the skin (a non-healing wound, a change in the color/size of a spot).
- A persistent cough or change in voice.
- A change in bowel or urination habits.
If you are experiencing this, please do not speculate or rely on hearsay. The best and only thing you can do is see a qualified doctor immediately.
The doctor will listen carefully to what you say, examine you, and refer you for further investigations only if necessary. It may not be cancer. But the most important thing is to remove the doubt. Because if any cancer is detected at an early stage (Early Detection) , it is much more likely to be completely cured.
Take-Home Message
- Cancer is not a single disease, but a group of diseases that arise from different cell types, in different parts of the body.
- The different names and classifications given to cancer are intended to help doctors choose the most effective and appropriate treatment for the patient.
- If you notice an unusual change in your body, a lump, a non-healing wound, or a long-lasting symptom, don't ignore it.
- Never decide that you have a disease based on what you read on the internet or what others say. Always seek medical advice.
- Most cancers can be completely cured if detected early, so it is important to seek medical advice early.
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