Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Metastasis is defined as the stage in which cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer may affect people at all ages, but risk tends to increase with age. It is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries.

There are many types of cancer. Severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of tissue by a pathologist. This tissue is obtained by biopsy or surgery. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for the type of cancer pathology. Drugs that target specific cancers already exist for several cancers. If untreated, cancers may eventually cause illness and death, though this is not always the case.

The unregulated growth that characterizes cancer is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes that encode for proteins controlling cell division. Many mutation events may be required to transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. These mutations can be caused by chemicals or physical agents called carcinogens, by close exposure to radioactive materials, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome. Mutations occur spontaneously, or are passed down generations as a result of germ line mutations.

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@facu__gonzalez Hola.. Facu!.. Nos ayudas con el TT #FuerzaMartina ... Es un niña que lucha contra el Cancer.. El Lunes la operan!
Giil_Ary (Ary Gil) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:58 -0000
@facu__gonzalez Hola.. Facu!.. Nos ayudas con el TT #FuerzaMartina ... Es un niña que lucha contra el Cancer.. El Lunes la operan!
Baking soda, cancer and fungus http://t.co/X4TE602J
da13thsun (13thsun) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:58 -0000
Baking soda, cancer and fungus http://t.co/X4TE602J
Cancer
perezno0 (perezno0) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:57 -0000
Cancer
“@BestofCancer: If you're dating a #Cancer, become friends with their mother. You will gain points.”
eleighxo (Erika Leigh Govoni) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:57 -0000
“@BestofCancer: If you're dating a #Cancer, become friends with their mother. You will gain points.”
Test de detección del cáncer de colon evitaría el uso de laxantes: estudio: MedlinePlus: http://t.co/faNEtMNn
DrJustoGrajales (Dr. Justo Grajales) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:56 -0000
Test de detección del cáncer de colon evitaría el uso de laxantes: estudio: MedlinePlus: http://t.co/faNEtMNn
@brentnhunter Pls RT in my Dad's memory #cancer http://t.co/rZsw9Njh
lexilorenzana (Lexi Lorenzana ) Wed, 16 May 2012 22:29:55 -0000
@brentnhunter Pls RT in my Dad's memory #cancer http://t.co/rZsw9Njh

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